#ThisDayThatYear: Virat Kohli made his debut in 2008
On August 18, 10 years back, Indian cricket team skipper, Virat Kohli made his international debut against Lankans in Sri Lanka. A nervous 19-year-old Kohli didn't get off to a great start in his first ODI match and got out for 12. Before his senior debut, he had led the U-19 side to the World Cup glory. Here we decode Virat Kohli's ODI journey.
Kohli had a decent outing in his ODI series
Virat Kohli had a decent outing in his debut series. He scored 159 runs that included a half-century in the fourth match (54). Scores of 37, 25 and 31 in the series showed that he had it in him to get the desired starts.
Kohli gets his first ton against the Lankans in 2009
Virat Kohli had to wait almost a year to get another chance as 2009 turned out to be a big year for him. The knock of 79* against West Indies in Johannesburg kick-started his campaign. A few strings of starts followed, until the youngster showed his magic by slamming a ton against Sri Lanka. His 107 helped India chase down a stiff total.
ICC World Cup 2011 launched Virat Kohli
Kohli cemented his place in the side in 2010 and played almost all the matches. He smashed three ODI tons, but the finest moment came when he was picked in the starting XI for the ICC World Cup 2011. He repaid the trust with a ton against Bangladesh in India's opener. Being a part of the World Cup winning team was a special moment.
Last 6 years Kohli has been at his best
From there on, Kohli never looked back and each year he bettered himself. His 183 against Pakistan in Dhaka in 2012 was a stupendous knock that showed that he is one of the greatest India have ever produced. In 2012, Kohli was appointed the vice-captain. He became the ODI skipper in early 2017. The 29-year-old has a pile of records in this format.
A look at Kohli's ODI career
Since his debut in 2008, Kohli has gone on to play 211 ODI matches for India. He has amassed 9,779 runs at an amazing average of 58.20. He has already struck 35 centuries and 48 fifties. Kohli is currently the number ranked ODI player.
