In pics: Why we love birthday boy Virat Kohli!

India's favourite son, Virat Kohli turned 28 on Saturday. The Delhi cricketer, who has earned over 200 international caps, is India's beat batsman at present. He ranks second in the ICC ODI player rankings and tops the batsmen chart in the shortest format.

 

Kohli, who took over the ultimate job of Test captaincy following MS Dhoni's retirement from the format, has achieved massive success at a very young age. He has been a part of India's all the ICC trophy winning squads - 2009 Under-19 World Cup, 2007 World T20 and 2011 Cricket World Cup.

 

The 28-year-old cricketer is a perfect example of being an all-rounder. Although he is one of the most famous personalities in India, the down-to-earth sports star has interests like any other guy of his age.

 

Apart from cricket, football, automobiles, cooking, singing, dancing, video games and many other activities amuses him. 

 

Here is a small tribute to the man, who makes India proud every single time he steps on the cricket field wearing the national jersey.

 

Strong human being

 

 

On December 18, 2006, stunning the entire nation, an 18-year-old Kohli chose to finish his innings for Delhi in a Ranji Trophy match the very next day after his father had passed away.

 

He had to make an awful choice between the match and cremating Prem Kohli; a young, determined Kohli chose the former!

 

Under-19 World Cup winning skipper

 

 

Under the leadership of Kohli, India defeated South Africa in the final of ICC Under-19 World Cup 2008 in Malaysia.

 

It was a nail-biting final where Kohli-led India defended a small total of 159 by bowling out the Proteas for 103.

 

Maiden ODI ton

 

 

Kohli took 14 matches to reach the three-digit total for the first time. It was during Sri Lanka's tour of India in 2009, and the game was played at the Eden Gardens.

 

He shared a solid stand of 224 runs with Gautam Gambhir which ensured India chased down 316 with 11 balls remaining. Gambhir decided to share it with his Delhi teammate, giving credit to their partnership for India's victory.

 

(Ever since Kohli has become India's go-to man in tricky chases. His average of over 60 during chases, says it all!)

 

As we said, he is a singer too!

 

 

Kohli recorded official anthem of the Premier Futsal League in AR Rahman's studio in Chennai. The Oscar-winning composer who doesn't follow cricket at all was evidently impressed with the cricketer's singing skills.

 

Test skipper

 

 

The day when the BCCI announced him as Dhoni's replacement as India's Test captain was easily one of the biggest days of his life.

 

India's tour of Sri Lanka in 2015 for the three-Test series was his maiden series as India's Test captain after the official announcement was made.

 

Fitness freak

 

 

Kohli's rapid movement on the field and the speed while running between the wickets is the testimony to the fact that he gives fitness top priority in his life.

 

The images of his workout sessions on his social media accounts surely inspire the young generation about the need to exercise regularly.

 

2011 World Cup win

 

 

Kohli was a part of the World Cup-winning team that defeated Sri Lanka in the final on April 2, 2011.

 

The youngsters of the side, Kohli and Suresh Raina, lifted legendary Sachin Tendulkar on their shoulders for a victory lap around Wankhede Stadium's ground.

 

"He has been carrying the burden of the Indian team for 21 years, and it was the time we carried him on our shoulders," Kohli said.

 

Double Polly Umrigar Award

 

 

The trophy is awarded by the BCCI to the year's best international cricketer. Kohli has so far won it twice - 2012 and 2016.

 

With the Test mace

 

 

Ever since Kohli was handed the Test captaincy, he is yet to lose a Test. India reclaimed their No. 1 spot in the Test rankings recently.

 

The last time India top-ranked in the longest format was back in 2009 under Dhoni's captaincy.

 

Fastest ODI ton by an Indian

 

 

Chasing Australia's target of 360, Kohli and Rohit Sharma won India the match by nine wickets. Kohli smashed 100 off 52 balls, and that knock remains the fastest ODI ton by an Indian.

 

Football love

 

 

A country where cricket dominates other sports, he easily was the finest choice to promote some other sport.

 

The Indian Test skipper is the brand ambassador of Premier Futsal League, and he also is a co-owner of Indian Super League's franchise, FC Goa.

 

His on and off relationship with Anushka

 

 

Apart from his game, there has been massive interest in his relationship status with the Bollywood star, Anushka Sharma.

 

When the fans and media went crossed their line with interference in his personal life, Kohli had his way to support the actress.

 

Double Test ton

 

 

Kohli, recently smashed a second Test double century when India hosted New Zealand for a three-Test series. He is the first Indian captain to reach that milestone.

 

Doggy love!

 

 

After a bad day at work, Kohli has someone to talk to. Yes, his dog. Kohli regularly posts pictures with his dog, 'Dynamite and kills social media with all the cuteness.

 

Here is wishing our 'dynamite' and awe-inspiring cricketer, a very Happy Birthday!