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Xtra Time Web Desk: As Indian cricket star Virat Kohli turns 36 on 5th November, the cricket world came together to celebrate one of the game's modern legends. Former teammates, cricket icons, and fans worldwide extended their best wishes to the former Indian skipper, acknowledging his extraordinary contributions to the sport.

Former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh took to X to wish Kohli a happy birthday, emphasizing that fans are eagerly awaiting his return to peak form: 

Wishing you a very Happy Birthday #KingKohli! The greatest comebacks emerge from our setbacks and the world eagerly looks forward to your solid comeback ???? you’ve done it in the past and I’m sure you will do it yet again ???????????????? God bless! lots of love ❤️ @imVkohli pic.twitter.com/wo9hrzUehq

— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) November 5, 2024

Suresh Raina also joined in, calling Kohli "an iconic cricketer and an inspiring individual.":

To an iconic cricketer and an inspiring individual, @imVkohli, happy birthday! May your year ahead be filled with joy and success. #HappyBirthdayKingKohli pic.twitter.com/6CeAX70lbq

— Suresh Raina???????? (@ImRaina) November 5, 2024

S. Badrinath, another ex-India cricketer, praised Kohli's transformative approach and attitude, crediting him with changing the face of Indian cricket:

From a chubby kid cheeku to becoming a GOAT, your attitude and approach changed the way India ???????? played cricket. Happy Birthday ⁦@imVkohli⁩ ???? #HappyBirthdayVirat pic.twitter.com/yLH8vzqe7O

— S.Badrinath (@s_badrinath) November 5, 2024

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Aakash Chopra and Harbhajan Singh similarly celebrated Kohli, with Harbhajan describing Kohli's journey as "phenomenal.":

Happy Birthday
Your journey from a promising young talent to one of the greatest players of our time has been nothing short of phenomenal. You've inspired aspiring cricketers everywhere to dream big, work hard, and believe in themselves.

Wishing tyou countless moments of… pic.twitter.com/3jeEhFueqA

— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) November 5, 2024

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) extended its birthday greetings, lauding Kohli as "one of the finest batters" in the game's history:

5⃣3⃣8⃣ intl. matches & counting ????
2⃣7⃣1⃣3⃣4⃣ intl. runs & counting ????

2⃣0⃣1⃣1⃣ ICC World Cup Winner ????
2⃣0⃣1⃣3⃣ ICC Champions Trophy Winner ????
2⃣0⃣2⃣4⃣ ICC Men's T20 World Cup Winner ????

Here's wishing Virat Kohli - Former #TeamIndia Captain & one of the finest batters - a very… pic.twitter.com/gh4p3EFCO9

— BCCI (@BCCI) November 5, 2024

Star Indian pacer Mohammed Shami shared his wishes as well, calling Kohli "the backbone of Indian cricket.":

Happy Birthday to the backbone of Indian cricket and the run-machine, @imVkohli Your passion and commitment inspire millions. Wishing you a year filled with success, happiness, and unforgettable moments!#happybirthdayviratkohli #viratkohli #shami #kohli #indianteam pic.twitter.com/aaNF5QShC9

— ???????????????????????????????? ???????????????????? (@MdShami11) November 5, 2024

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri posted a special message for Kohli:

Many happy returns of the day Champ. Have a good one. Your time soon coming. God bless. @imVkohli pic.twitter.com/pAofqp5OIs

— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) November 5, 2024  

Royal Challengers Bengaluru, the IPL team Kohli plays for, used the legend's 'wrong footed' run-up to frame their caption. "It’s time to celebrate the legend who redefines ‘wrong-footed’ by doing most things right," it read: 

It’s time to celebrate the legend who redefines ‘wrong-footed’ by doing most things right, especially when he wears that iconic jersey number 1️⃣8️⃣! ????????

To the fittest, fastest, the undisputed GOAT, and our very own, Virat Kohli aka King Kohli, here’s wishing you a very happy… pic.twitter.com/4fQ7dCbuOy

— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) November 4, 2024

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Star Sports came up with a poster of Kohli sitting on a royal chair wearing a crown, with his kingdom, the cricket field, in front. "Happy Birthday, King," it said:

Kohli's illustrious career, now spanning more than 15 years, has cemented his place among cricket's all-time greats. Known for his consistency, technical prowess, and relentless work ethic, Kohli has brought a new intensity to Indian cricket. He first captured the world's attention as a talented young captain, leading India to victory at the 2008 ICC U19 World Cup. Since then, his career has been marked by countless memorable performances, fierce competitiveness, and a commitment to physical fitness that has set a new standard in the game.

Across 118 Test matches, Kohli has amassed 9,040 runs at an impressive average of 47.83, including 29 centuries and 31 half-centuries, with a top score of 254*. His stats make him the fourth-highest run-scorer and century-maker for India in Test cricket. From his early days as a promising talent to becoming a global icon, Kohli's journey has redefined what it means to represent Indian cricket. His career symbolizes a new era for the sport—one that is aggressive, resilient, and known worldwide, capturing the spirit of modern India on the cricket field.