Virat Kohli's Birthday: Wishes Pour In As Star India Batter Chases Record-Equalling 49th ODI Century On Special Day

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Wishes poured in from the cricketing fraternity as star India batter Virat Kohli celebrates his 35th birthday on a day when he has the chance to score a record-equalling 49th ODI hundred during India vs South Africa World Cup 2023 match.

The iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata hosts the high-voltage clash and have huge plans in store for Kohli, who turns 35 today. The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) will gift a golden bat to the star India batter on his special day.

Kohli, who missed out on a ton in two of his last three innings, has a great chance to gift himself and the team with another ton that could seal India's top spot in the ICC World Cup 2023 points table and also see him go level with legendary Sachin Tendulkar on his birthday.

While sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik created a sand sculpture on the eve of Indian cricketer Kohli's birthday in Puri, Odisha, fans and the cricket fraternity took to social media to wish the batter.

"514 intl. matches & counting, 26,209 intl. runs & counting, 2011 ICC World Cup & 2013 ICC Champions Trophy winner. Here's wishing Virat Kohli - Former #TeamIndia Captain & one of the greatest modern-day batters - a very Happy Birthday!, BCCI posted on X, formerly Twitter.

Meanwhile, his Indian Premier League team, Royal Challengers Bangalore posted: "Happy Birthday to...the Run Machine, the Right Arm Quick, the Chase Master, the one that carries the hopes of a Billion people, the King, the Not-Just-a-King-He's-a-Genius, the one that went down the ground and out of the ground, the undisputed Face of Cricket, the Milestone Maverick, the GREATEST OF ALL TIME, the one and the only...Virat Kohli"

Former cricketer and teammate Yuvraj Singh also sent his wishes with an heart-felt message: "When you joined the team as a youngster who was eager for opportunities and hungry to perform, it was clear to everyone that you were destined for greatness. You've not only made a mark for yourself but have also inspired countless others to strive for excellence.

"As you celebrate another year of breaking and setting records, take a moment to reflect on all that you've achieved. Proud to have shared this incredible journey with you, and to see you grow from strength to strength.

"May your passion and determination continue to drive you and the Indian team to new heights in the World Cup and make our nation proud once again. Happy Birthday King Kohli."

"A very Happy Birthday @imVkohli! Your journey from hard work and determination to becoming a world-class player is nothing short of legendary. You've come a long way, and it's great to witness how far you've come. Here's to more milestones and success in your life!" posted another former teammate Suresh Raina.