‘Once a King, Always a King’: Cricket Fraternity Pours in Birthday Wishes as Virat Kohli Turns 38

November 5, 2026

New Delhi: Wishes flooded in for Indian batsman Virat Kohli on his birthday on Thursday, November 5 as former teammates, cricketers, BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla and his IPL team Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) celebrated.

It comes just a day after Kohli put in a stellar performance in the first ODI against New Zealand in Auckland. He scored a blistering 74 runs off just 51 deliveries as India chased down their rain shortened target of 143 to win by five wickets.

Former opener for India Shikhar Dhawan was quick to send his wishes and commend Kohli on his passion.

“Happy Birthday, Virat Kohli! Your passion, hunger and love for the game inspires millions. Have an amazing year ahead, Bro!” Dhawan said on X.

Former batter Suresh Raina wished Kohli, calling him the ‘King’.

“Happy Birthday, King Kohli! You’ve given so many beautiful memories to all the cricket fans with your stunning cover drives and stunning chase. Your passion, determination and hunger is something unique. It’s a pleasure to watch you play. Keep inspiring, keep dominating and keep making us proud. Once a King, Always a King!” Raina said on X.

Other well-wishers include Dinesh Karthik and Mohammed Shami

Former wicketkeeper batter Dinesh Karthik, who played with Kohli internationally and in the franchise, sent his birthday wishes.

“Same fire. Same passion. 38 looks so fit. Happy birthday Virat.” Karthik said.

India’s pace ace Mohammed Shami sent his birthday greetings on Instagram.

“Many happy returns of the day dear Virat. Your success, determination and passion for the game has set new benchmarks for aspiring sportspersons.

“Wishing you to achieve even greater heights. Create more beautiful memories and inspire the nation with your brilliance. Wishing you a wonderful year ahead full of good health, happiness and success.” Shukla said on X.

BCCI and RCB wished Kohli

The BCCI sent a special birthday message with a picture of Kohli sitting in a chair donning his Test jersey. The wall behind him features pictures of his cricketing career.

They mentioned some of his international achievements, having played 566 matches scoring 28,601 runs and hitting 86 centuries.

“ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2011 Winner, ICC Champions Trophy 2013 and 2025 Winner, ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 Winner. Happy Birthday to one of the greatest players to have graced the game, Virat Kohli.” BCCI said on X.

Kohli’s IPL team Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) also wished him, calling him the defining cricketer of this era.

“Every era has one player who defines the era. And for this era of cricket…it’s Virat Kohli. His stats will go down in history. The world knows his class but what we’ll remember is how he made us feel. Happy Birthday KING KOHLI!” RCB said on X.

Virat Kohli’s international records at 38

Kohli, who retired from Test cricket in May 2025 and T20 Internationals following India’s T20 World Cup victory in 2024, still plays for his country in the 50-over format.

He is the quickest batter to reach 8,000, 9,000, 10,000, 11,000, 12,000, 13,000 and 14,000 runs in ODI’s.

In 318 ODIs, Kohli has scored 15,183 runs at an average of 58.84. He has hit 55 centuries and 80 half centuries. He is the second highest run scorer in the format’s history.

In T20 Internationals, he has scored 4,188 runs in 125 games at an average of 48.69. He has hit one century and 38 half centuries.

Overall, Kohli has scored 28,601 runs in international cricket across all formats. He has hit 86 centuries in 566 matches, making him one of the most prolific batters in history.