Greetings pour in as 'run machine' Virat Kohli turns 33

INDIA'S cricket captain Virat Kohli, who is currently leading India in the T20 World Cup 2021 which is his final assignment as the skipper in the shortest format, turned 33 on Friday (5) and the cricket fraternity congratulated him on the occasion.

From former India cricketers such as VVS Laxman and Virender Sehwag to Kohli’s contemporary cricketers, everyone took to Twitter to share wishes for the national skipper.

Kohli made his international debut in 2008 and in 13 years since then, he has played in 96 Tests, 254 one-day internationals and 93 T20 internationals for India. He has scored more 23,000 runs in international cricket and slammed 70 tons, which puts him next only to the legendary Sachin Tendulkar who has 100 international tons and former Australia captain Ricky Ponting with a tally of 71. He also averages over 50 runs in all the three formats.

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“A very happy birthday to @imVkohli.Wishing you love, success and great health in the times to come. #HappyBirthdayViratKohli,” Laxman tweeted.

“Tough times don’t last long, tough people do. A once in a generation player, wishing @imVkohli a very happy birthday and a great year ahead. #HappyBirthdayViratKohli,” Sehwag said in a tweet that also saw a picture of him with Kohli.

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Tendulkar also tweeted wishing Kohli, "Many happy returns of the day @imVkohli Wishing you a wonderful year ahead full of success, happiness and good health."

“Happy Birthday @imVkohli. Wishing you good health and happiness for the coming year!” India'’ Test vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane said in a Twitter post.

“Not everyone is as lucky as me to be blessed with a elder brother like you. Thank you so much for coming into my life and standing by my side through thick and thin. I hope you get all that you truly deserve. Happy Birthday king @imVkohli,” India pacer Mohammed Siraj wrote on Twitter while posting a compilation video.

“Classy Smiling face with sunglasses Stylish Star-struck Aggressive Flexed biceps Drop a Red heart to wish India’s very own James Bond a Happy Birthday,” Kohli’s Indian Premier League side Royal Challengers Bangalore tweeted.

“Wishing a very happy birthday to @imVkohli, have a great day and year ahead #MajorThrowback #HappyBirthdayViratKohli,” former India opener Wasim Jaffer tweeted while sharing an old photo with Kohli.

“As his name suggests, he’s meant for big things in life! Wishing a very happy birthday to @imVkohli. Best wishes always...have a great game tonight!” India wicket-keeper-batter Dinesh Karthik tweeted.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India also wished Kohli on his birthday, tweeting, “23,159 intl. runs & going strong Most Test wins as Indian captain 2011 World Cup & 2013 Champions Trophy-winner Wishing @imVkohli- #TeamIndia captain & one of the best modern-day batsmen - a very happy birthday. Let’s relive his fine ton in pink-ball Test.”

“Happy birthday Virat. Good luck for today's game. @imVkohli,” India pacer Umesh Yadav tweeted.

Kohli is also the most successful India captain in Tests. The country has won 38 matches out of 65 under his leadership and Kohli’s success as Test captain also includes registering India’s first-ever series win in Australia in 2018-19.

However, the current situation has not been the most pleasant for Kohli. India lost their first two games in the ongoing T20 World Cup making their task difficult in the tournament. Also, Kohli’s infant daughter Vamika received rape threats after he backed India pacer Mohammed Shami after the latter was mercilessly abused online after India lost their clash against Pakistan at the World Cup.

Kohli was set to lead India in a crucial game against low-ranked Scotland at the World Cup on his birthday.