Today marks the birthday of a man who would one day take over the crown of Indian cricket from Sachin Tendulkar. Yes, it’s November 5th, the birthday of a boy from West Delhi who would grow up to be called the “King” of modern-day cricket. Happy 37th birthday, Virat Kohli!
And if you thought November couldn’t get any better, think again. The Indian Women’s Cricket Team just lifted the 2025 ICC World Cup, and now we’re celebrating Kohli’s special day. But here’s something even more fascinating: this month shares a special link with two other Indian cricket legends: Sunil Gavaskar and Sachin Tendulkar. Coincidence? Not quite. Let’s get into the details, shall we?
The Legendary November Connection: Gavaskar, Tendulkar, and Kohli
If I’m not mistaken, Sunil Gavaskar was India’s first true batting superstar. He was the man who gave Indian cricket its fearless edge against giants like West Indies and Australia. Then came Sachin Tendulkar, who molded that legacy into a global phenomenon. And finally, Virat Kohli, who carried the torch into the modern era with unmatched aggression and consistency.
All three led India, all three inspired generations, and yes, all three have a special November connection. Their careers are bound by fate in ways that make Indian cricket’s history even more magical.
1) Sunil Gavaskar’s Last International Match
Sunil Gavaskar began his journey in March 1971 against the mighty West Indies, led by Garry Sobers. Over the years, he became the first batter ever to cross 10,000 Test runs and helped India clinch the 1983 World Cup. He finally bid farewell to international cricket on November 5, 1987, exactly 37 years ago today, after playing his last ODI against England at the Wankhede Stadium.
2) Virat Kohli Is Born
Exactly a year after Gavaskar’s retirement, a new star was born. It was Virat Kohli. The Delhi boy who would eventually go on to dominate world cricket, break and create new records, and lift multiple ICC trophies.
During the 2023 ODI World Cup, Kohli broke Sachin Tendulkar’s long-standing record of 49 ODI centuries, further solidifying his place among the greats. While he has retired from T20Is (2024) and Tests (2025), Kohli continues to lead India’s charge in ODIs, proving that his hunger for runs is far from over.
3) Sachin Tendulkar’s Debut for India
Exactly a year and 10 days after Virat Kohli was born, a 16-year-old from Mumbai named Sachin Tendulkar walked out to bat for India for the first time against Pakistan. That day, Indian cricket’s story changed forever.
Over the next 24 incredible years, he became the only player to score 100 international centuries and still holds the record for the most runs in cricket history. It’s 34,357 runs across 664 matches (it would have been more only if Steve Bucknor didn’t get in the way). And here’s a twist: his final international appearance also came in November.
Virat Kohli and the November Legacy That Unites India’s Cricketing Kings
Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar, and Virat Kohli. These are the three names that have defined Indian cricket across generations. What Sunil started, Sachin took to a whole other level, and Kohli carried forward with unmatched passion.
Their journeys were different, their challenges unique, but one thing unites them. That is this special month that ties their legacies together in cricketing history. So, once again, here’s wishing a very Happy 37th Birthday to the modern-day “King” of Indian cricket, Virat Kohli!
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