Indian batting icon Virat Kohli celebrated his 38th birthday on 5 November 2026, drawing an outpouring of wishes from former teammates, active cricketers, BCCI officials, and IPL franchises who collectively saluted one of the most decorated batters of the modern era.

Former Teammates Lead the Tributes

Former India opener Shikhar Dhawan was among the first to post on X, celebrating Kohli's enduring fire for the game. 'Happy Birthday, Virat Kohli! Your passion, hunger and love for the game continue to inspire millions. Have a fantastic year ahead, bro!' Dhawan wrote.

Former India batter Suresh Raina offered perhaps the most effusive tribute, recalling standout moments across Kohli's career. 'Happy Birthday, King Kohli! From breathtaking cover drives to unforgettable run chases, you've given cricket fans countless memories and emotions. Your passion, fighting spirit and hunger to win make you truly special. For me, watching you bat is pure joy. Keep inspiring, keep conquering and keep making India proud! Once a King, Always a King!' Raina posted on X.

Former India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik, who shared the dressing room with Kohli at both international and franchise levels, kept his message characteristically crisp. 'Same fire, every single year. 38 never looked this fit. Happy birthday, Virat,' Karthik wrote on X.

India pacer Mohammed Shami took to Instagram, extending wishes for 'many, many happy returns of the day.'

BCCI and RCB Join the Celebrations

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) posted a creative graphic of Kohli seated on a chair in his Test jersey, surrounded by framed photographs from his storied career. '566 Intl. Matches & Counting, 28601 Intl. Runs & Counting, 86 Intl. Centuries & Counting. Winner of ICC Men's ODI World Cup 2011, ICC Champions Trophy 2013 & 2025, and ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024. Happy Birthday to one of the finest to ever grace the game, Virat Kohli,' the Board wrote on X.

BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla praised Kohli's legacy in a post on X, saying his achievements had set new benchmarks for future generations. 'Your remarkable achievements, fighting spirit and commitment to the game have set new benchmarks and continue to motivate generations of aspiring sportspersons. May you continue to scale greater heights, create many more memorable moments and inspire the nation with your brilliance both on and off the field. Wishing you a wonderful year ahead, filled with good health, happiness and continued success,' Shukla wrote.

Kohli's IPL franchise Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) framed him as the defining cricketer of his generation. 'Every era produces one player who defines it. For this era of cricket… Virat Kohli is HIM. The numbers will live in the history books, and the world already knows his class. But what we'll hold on to is how he made us feel throughout. Happy birthday, KING KOHLI!' RCB posted on X.

The Numbers Behind the Name

Kohli, who has retired from both Test and T20 International cricket to concentrate on the 50-over format, remains the most prolific ODI batter in terms of centuries. He has scored 15,183 runs in 318 ODIs at an average of 58.84, including 55 centuries and 80 half-centuries, placing him second on the all-time ODI run-scoring list. In T20 Internationals, he accumulated 4,188 runs in 125 matches at an average of 48.69, with 1 century and 38 half-centuries.

Kohli also holds the distinction of being the fastest player to reach 8,000, 9,000, 10,000, 11,000, 12,000, 13,000 and 14,000 runs in ODI cricket — milestones no batter has matched in terms of innings taken.

A Legacy Still Being Written

This comes amid continued speculation about how much longer Kohli will remain active in one-day cricket, particularly with India's ODI calendar remaining packed. His decision to retire from the two shorter international formats has effectively made every ODI appearance a milestone event in itself, sustaining public interest in his every innings. With 86 international centuries to his name and counting, the chase for new records remains very much alive.