Modern day great Virat Kohli celebrated his 36th birthday on November 5. Although the day was overshadowed by India‘s recent Test series defeat against New Zealand, Kohli’s fans ensured that the occasion was memorable. From elaborate celebrations to heartfelt tributes, the day was filled with gestures of admiration for one of cricket’s most iconic figures.

Bhopal Police celebrates Virat Kohli’s birthday in full swing

In a unique display of fandom, police officers in Bhopal took to the streets to celebrate Kohli’s birthday. They lit firecrackers and joined a fan who cut a cake adorned with Kohli’s image, showcasing the deep connection and affection that many have for the cricketer. This spontaneous celebration reflects how Kohli has transcended the sport, becoming a symbol of pride for many Indians.

Here’s the video:

Bhopal Police officers are celebrating Virat Kohli’s birthday. ❤️

– KING KOHLI, THE GOAT ICON OF INDIA…!!!! 🐐pic.twitter.com/k1lyrJUm5F

— Tanuj Singh (@ImTanujSingh) November 5, 2024

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The sand sculpture tribute to Kohli

Adding to the festivities, renowned sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik created a stunning 5-foot-high sand sculpture of Kohli at Puri Beach in Odisha. Utilizing about four tons of sand, Pattnaik and his students crafted this tribute as a way to honour Kohli’s contributions to cricket. Pattnaik expressed his admiration, stating that creating the sculpture was a way for him to celebrate Kohli’s birthday as an artist. This artistic gesture highlights how Kohli’s influence extends beyond the cricket field into the realms of art and culture.

Here’s the video:

Happy birthday to the incredible cricket icon @imVkohli , a legend in every format of the game, My SandArt at Puri beach in Odisha. #HappyBirthdayViratKohli pic.twitter.com/C3dlnsGNt0

— Sudarsan Pattnaik (@sudarsansand) November 5, 2024

Reflecting on Kohli’s dipping form

Despite the celebrations, Kohli’s recent form has been a topic of concern. In the Test series against New Zealand, he struggled significantly, managing only 93 runs across six innings, with an average of just 15.50. His performance included a solitary innings of 70 runs in the series opener, indicating that he is currently grappling with form issues at a crucial stage in his career.

As he turns 36, Kohli is aware that he is entering the later years of his professional journey. The upcoming series against Australia will be pivotal not only for him but also for Team India as they seek to regain momentum and secure vital points in the World Test Championship standings.

A crucial series on the cards

Kohli and his teammates are gearing up for a challenging tour of Australia, which includes five Test matches starting from November 22. This series presents an opportunity for Kohli to reclaim his status as one of cricket’s elite players. With high stakes involved, including WTC points, Kohli’s performance will be under scrutiny as fans hope for a resurgence.

In light of his past achievements—having led India to numerous victories and broken multiple records—there remains an air of optimism among fans and analysts alike. They believe that Kohli possesses the talent and resilience necessary to bounce back from this slump.

Also READ: IPL 2025: RCB clears the air on reappointment of Virat Kohli as captain

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