Virat Kohli at 36: A Glance at His Career Alongside Global Sports Icons
Virat Kohli, India's cricketing superstar, continues to command attention worldwide as he marks his 36th birthday. While his recent form, especially in Test cricket, has faced scrutiny, his career achievements remain extraordinary. Kohli’s performances, brand value, and leadership have cemented his place among the elite athletes across sports. He may have retired from T20Is, but his contributions in ODIs and Tests remain pivotal to India’s success.
Virat Kohli’s Achievements Kohli has redefined consistency in modern cricket. He surpassed Sachin Tendulkar’s record for most centuries in ODIs, becoming the first player to score 50 centuries in the format during the 2023 World Cup. His ODI tally stands at 50 centuries and 72 half-centuries, with an impressive average of 58.18 from 295 matches. In Tests, Kohli has scored 9040 runs in 118 matches at an average of 47.83, including 29 centuries. His T20I record is equally formidable, with 4188 runs from 125 matches at an average of 48.69.
Kohli led India to victory in the 2011 World Cup and the 2024 T20 World Cup. Under his captaincy, India reached the finals of the 2017 Champions Trophy and the semi-finals of the 2019 World Cup. His leadership in Test cricket is notable, as he guided India to their historic 2018/19 series win in Australia, making them the first Asian team to win a Test series Down Under.
Cristiano Ronaldo: A Football Legend Cristiano Ronaldo, a global football sensation, stands as a towering figure in sports. With over 900 career goals, Ronaldo is considered the greatest goalscorer of all time. His five Ballon d'Or awards and five UEFA Champions League titles (four with Real Madrid, one with Manchester United) showcase his dominance. Off the field, Ronaldo is the most followed athlete on Instagram, boasting a staggering 642 million followers, far surpassing Kohli’s 270 million. Ronaldo also led Portugal to victory in Euro 2016, adding to his illustrious international career.
LeBron James: A Basketball Phenomenon In basketball, LeBron James is a living legend. With four NBA Championships and 10 NBA Finals appearances, including eight consecutive between 2011 and 2018, James is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the sport's history. He is the NBA’s all-time leading scorer and has made 20 All-Star appearances. A four-time Olympic medallist, James has also earned three gold medals. Despite being in his 22nd NBA season, James continues to perform at an elite level, underscoring his longevity and consistency.
Roger Federer: A Tennis Icon Roger Federer, now retired, was a dominant force in tennis for nearly two decades. With 20 Grand Slam titles, including a record eight Wimbledon titles, Federer is considered one of the greatest tennis players ever. His rivalry with Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic formed the foundation of the Big 3 era. Federer’s elegance on the court and off-court influence made him a global icon, earning him the top spot on the highest-paid athletes list in 2020 with $100 million in endorsement deals. Federer’s retirement ended an era of unparalleled excellence in men’s tennis.
Kohli’s Legacy and Comparison While Kohli’s career continues to evolve, his standing among the likes of Ronaldo, James, and Federer reflects his immense contribution to sports. Kohli’s consistency, leadership, and impact are evident in his cricketing legacy, making him a contemporary of these international sports icons. Although Kohli may not have the same global recognition on social media as Ronaldo, his influence in the cricketing world is unparalleled. Each of these athletes has redefined excellence in their respective sports, and Kohli’s career is poised to remain a benchmark for future generations of cricketers.
