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Virat Kohli received an electrifying welcome from the enthusiastic crowd at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata during India's 2023 World Cup match against South Africa. This reception was no surprise, as the star batsman was celebrating his 35th birthday on Sunday, November 5. Thousands of fans flocked to the venue, donning No. 18 India jerseys, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere.
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The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) went the extra mile to ensure that Virat Kohli's birthday would be a memorable occasion. The stadium was adorned with posters commemorating each of Kohli's centuries scored at the Eden Gardens, while the streets surrounding the stadium were awash with posters of the cricket sensation.
As Virat Kohli stepped onto the field to bat in the 6th over, following a dynamic start from Rohit Sharma, the entire crowd rose to their feet, showering him with cheers. It was a breathtaking moment as the 70,000-strong crowd chanted "Kohli, Kohli" in unison, their enthusiasm unwavering until Kohli took his position to face Kagiso Rabada.
The passionate "Kohli, Kohli" chants continued to echo throughout the Eden Gardens as Virat Kohli aimed to build on the momentum provided by Rohit Sharma's sensational 24-ball 40. India, having won the toss and opting to bat, found themselves in a top-of-the-table clash in the World Cup.
Virat Kohli exhibited his fluency at the crease, executing a beautiful cover drive against Kagiso Rabada, who was relentless in hitting the right areas and applying pressure after the early dismissal of Shubman Gill. Kohli's responsibility increased as he ensured that India crossed the 130-run mark within the first 25 overs of the match. Additionally, he reached a significant milestone by becoming only the second batsman after Sachin Tendulkar to accumulate 3000 runs against South Africa in international cricket, surpassing 43 runs in the process.
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