They say time waits for no one, but Virat Kohli seems to have missed that memo. At 37 years of age, when most cricketers are happily retired or slowing down, King Kohli is ageing like the finest of wines; getting better, sharper, and hungrier.
After his magnificent 124 off 108 balls against New Zealand in Indore, former teammate Irfan Pathan couldn’t help but marvel at the "Run Machine." Pathan pointed out that Kohli has been sitting on the throne of India’s batting lineup for over a generation.
"Virat Kohli once again showed why he is such a great player. Back in 2013, when I was also playing, people used to say Virat Kohli is the best batter in the Indian team currently. In 2016, people also used to call him the best batter in the Indian team. Now, 10 years later in 2026, people are still calling Virat Kohli the best batter in India's ODI side. There's no doubt about it. He scored runs under MS Dhoni's captaincy, under his own captaincy, under Rohit Sharma's captaincy, and now under young Shubman Gill's captaincy too."
Irfan Pathan is right, the numbers are scary. Kohli’s recent form is the ultimate proof that class is permanent. Just look at his last few months: he smashed a classy 74* against the Aussies in Sydney, destroyed the South African attack with 302 runs in just three matches (including two centuries), and even marked his return to domestic cricket with a blistering 131 in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Now, with this 54th ODI ton against the Kiwis, he has made it four centuries in his last eight innings.
In Virat Kohli we Trust
But it’s not just about the stats. It’s about that specific feeling he gives every Indian fan. You know the one, the feeling that says, "The match still can be won." As long as King Kohli is standing at the crease, hope never dies. He has trademarked that emotion for over a decade.
Pathan summed up this incredible longevity perfectly:
"Another 100 for Virat 'Run Machine' Kohli. When we saw Virat Kohli's fitness, the way he runs, there's absolutely no change in his fitness. In fact, it looks like he has only gotten better. He plays, scores runs and repeats. Unfortunately, the century came in the losing cause, but it was a magnificent century, nonetheless."
At 37, the King isn't just playing; he is ruling.
