NEW DELHI: Indian cricketer Virat Kohli has emerged as a global icon, captivating the hearts of fans across the world with his exceptional batting skills. Known for his remarkable ability to dominate bowlers from all corners of the globe, Virat has become a true inspiration for countless individuals.
His sheer batting prowess and unwavering determination have propelled him to unimaginable heights, making him one of the most popular personalities in the world.
But on Thursday, social media was shell-shocked after Brazilian football great Ronaldo refused to have heard Virat's name.
1/10:Virat Kohli's top achievements in 2023
Getty Images
2/10:The run machine
<p>Batting maestro Virat Kohli had an outstanding 2023, where he excelled across formats. From Tests, to ODI World Cup to IPL, the run-machine rewrote a plethora of records.<br /></p>Getty Images
3/10:The best at World Cup
<p>Kohli had a stupendous ODI World Cup at home as he finished the tournament as the highest run-scorer for the first time. Kohli raked up 765 runs in 11 matches in the competition at an average of 95.62.<br /></p>TOI Sports
4/10:3 tons at World Cup
<p>At the ODI World Cup, Kohli smashed three tons and 6 half-centuries during India's run to the final.<br /></p>Getty Images
5/10:Historic!
<p>At the World Cup, Kohli also became the first ever batter to notch up 50 centuries in the ODI format. He brought up the milestone against the Kiwis in the semi-final.<br /></p>Getty Images
6/10:Going past the legend!
<p>With the 50th ODI ton, Kohli also broke legendary Sachin Tendulkar's (49) record of most tons in the format.<br /></p>Getty Images
7/10:1500 runs at cricket's carnival
<p>Kohli also became the second Indian player after Sachin Tendulkar to complete 1500 runs in the ODI World Cup.<br /></p>PTI
8/10:500 matches for the country
<p>Earlier in the year, during the Test against West Indies, Kohli became the fourth player to represent India in 500 international matches.<br /></p>PTI
9/10:First ever to score 7000 IPL runs
<p>In the IPL 2023, Kohli became the first batter to score 7000 runs in the world's biggest T20 league. Kohli, who started playing IPL in 2008 for RCB, brought up the landmark in the league game against Delhi Capitals.<br /></p>TOI Sports
10/10:Fastest to Mount 13,000
<p>The fastest man to 10,000 ODI runs, Kohli, during the 2023 Asia Cup also became the fastest to score 13,000 runs in the format. Kohli brought up the feat in the clash against Pakistan. <br /></p>Getty ImagesIn an interaction with YouTuber Speed, Ronaldo was asked a few questions on Virat.
Here's how the interaction went:
YOUTUBER: Do you know Virat Kohli?
RONALDO: Who?
YOUTUBER: Virat Kohli, from India
RONALDO: No
YOUTUBER: You don't know Virat Kohli?
RONALDO: What is he? A player?
YOUTUBER: He is a cricket player
RONALDO: He is not very popular in here
YOUTUBER: Yeah, yeah. He is the best. He is like Babar Azam. You have never seen this dude? (Youtuber Speed shows Virat Kohli's picture to Ronaldo)
RONALDO: Yeah
Virat is currently the part of a three-match T20I series against Afghanistan and the batting ace will miss the opening encounter, to be played in Mohali on Thursday, due to personal reasons.
Virat will join the squad for the subsequent T20Is in Indore and Bengaluru on January 14 and 17, respectively.
