Happy Birthday Virat Kohli  | Five exciting and lesser known facts about Virat Kohli

The cricket fraternity showered heartfelt birthday wishes on Indian skipper Virat Kohli as the run machine-turned 34 on November 5. From legendary Indian cricketers like VVS Laxman, Virender Sehwag to the teammates of Delhi-born batter, everyone took to their Twitter handles to share wishes for Kohli on his special day. Since making his debut in 2008, Kohli has played 254 ODIs, 96 Tests, and 92 T20Is for the national side.

He has several records in all the formats and is the only batter to have a 50-plus average in all three formats of the game at the same time.

Whether knocking the highest number of double centuries in consecutive Test series or the fastest 1,000 runs in ODIs, the former team blue captain Kohli has a flair for setting new records. Over the years, he has recharged Indian cricket with leadership, talent and discipline. For all the ‘King Kohli’ fans out there, here are five exciting and lesser known facts about him that you may not be aware of.

1. Kohli was torn between his love for Cricket and Tennis

There was a time when Virat Kohli had to pick between his love for Tennis and Cricket, but he eventually took to cricket due to the accessibility of the sport and the encouragement of the many important people in his life. It was not until a few years later that he decided to pursue cricket professionally and make a career out of it.

2. His father's demise changed his approach to the game

Virat Kholhi was deeply shocked by the unexpected demise of his father in December 2006. “The way I approached the game changed that day. I just had one thing in my mind that I have to play for my country and live that dream for my dad” 

Virat turned this personal tragedy into something inspiring. The same day of his father’s demise, Virat decided to continue playing a Ranji trophy match against Karnataka showing his extreme proficiency for the sport. Even after being extremely devastated from the events that transpired he was the first to report to the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium the next day.

3. Sachin Tendulkar is his most looked up to icon and inspiration to pursue Cricket

Indian batsman and cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar had a massive influence on Virat when he was a young boy. After the Indian team had claimed the top spot in the ICC test rankings, Virat acknowledged Sachin Tendulkar’s presence with a bow. He also carried his hero Sachin on his shoulders and paraded him proudly stating how he carried a burden for the nation for 21 years. The moment was symbolic and marked the last World Cup game for him (Sachin) who was passing on the mantle to the future of Indian cricket and was a dream come true for the Indian team. While talking about Virat Kohli, Sachin Tendulkar mentions, “Kohli’s biggest strength is to be able to analyse the situation and adjust his game. His match awareness is terrific”.

4. He loves football and has a stake in FC Goa

Virat showed a keen interest in the franchisee-based sports league when it first arrived in India. He started off by buying a stake in FC Goa, a team in the Indian Super League football tournament started in September 2014. One of their highlights each year is a celebrity football match that raises funds for charity. In September 2014, Virat became the co-owner of ISL Football Club FC Goa in July 2016. "You can't be a complete introvert. Some might think I'm pretty young to do something like this or it is a step taken too early, but nothing is too early. If you believe in something you have to put your 100% commitment to it. I want football to grow in India”, Virat said on his love for football and his intent to promote it.

5. While Virat Kohli is Vegan now, he was a true-blue desi foodie

Besides cricket, Virat’s second love has always been food. Ranging from eating burgers to butter chicken to his mom's tasty delicacies, there was no cuisine he left untouched, making the most of anything scrumptious available on the streets of Delhi.

He could not say no to an extra helping at dinner, until he realised the need to maintain a healthy diet. Moreover, he was still a work in progress when it came to aspects such as fitness and attitude. A few journalists remember him jumping on fast food during interviews, oblivious to his dietary requirements.

Away from the ground he chose to hit the gym to get fitter, saying no to partying which people his age normally love. He developed other interests such as music and reading and was soon most comfortable in the company of a cookbook.

Despite all the fame and money that he's earned, Virat still remains true to the sport that has given him all the recognition. For cricket crazy India, Virat is a hero whom people of India call their own and worship in the years to come