Virat Kohli celebrates his 27th birthday

Hailing from Delhi, Virat was born in 1988 to Prem and Saroj Kohli. Like many in the current Indian squad, his selection in the senior team was only a matter of time as Virat excelled in the junior and domestic circuit amassing hundreds with his attacking gameplay.

He led the Indian u-19 team to a World Cup Win under the tutelage of Dav Whatmore and a year later was appointed in the senior side.

Virat who made his debut in 2008, started off modestly before bursting into the international scene with a well compiled hundred against Sri Lanka at the Eden Gardens, a match India won chasing a big total. Soon after, Virat hit a purple patch and broke many records including the fastest to 1000, 3000, 4000, 5000 and 6000 runs for an Indian batsman.

Acknowledging his contributions towards Indian cricket, the Government of India awarded Virat the Arjuna Award in 2013.

His off-field antics have also garnered a lot of media interests, be it his endorsement deals or him courting a popular actress, Virat manages to grab eyeballs.

A recent survey has also projected Virat as the next big thing in endorsements as he is expected to topple his current teammate and Indian ODI captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

On his birthday, as his team takes the field against the Proteas, his team members have come out to wish the birthday boy a very happy birthday.

Team Director Ravi Shastri told bcci.tv, "Here's wishing you a very happy birthday young man."

Off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, Virat's 'go-to' man said, "I wish Virat a very happy birthday and may you live long and continue to serve Indian cricket for a very long time."