Virat Kohli, the star Indian cricketer, is set to play at Eden Gardens on November 5th against the high-flying South Africa, coinciding with his 35th birthday. Prior to this, Pakistan will be competing at the same venue in Kolkata against Bangladesh on October 31. Pakistan's wicketkeeper-batsman, Mohammad Rizwan, took the opportunity to wish Kohli an early happy birthday.
During a practice session at Eden Gardens before the Bangladesh match, Rizwan appeared to be in high spirits. In conversation with India Today - Aaj Tak on the sidelines of the ground, he was asked about the upcoming match between India and South Africa at Eden Gardens. In response to a question about Kohli's birthday falling on the same day, he extended his best wishes to Kohli.
Rizwan expressed, "It is nice to know that his birthday is on the 5th of November. Wish him all the best and a happy birthday, though I don't celebrate mine and I don't believe in that. Wishing a great one to Virat. I hope he can get his 49th ODI hundred on his birthday. And I wish him that he could also get his 50th ODI century in this World Cup."
When asked about Virat's 35th birthday, Pakistan's captain, Babar Azam, did not give a response. Babar has been struggling with his form in the ongoing tournament, and his below-par performances have adversely affected the team's morale, with just two wins out of six matches so far.
Virat Kohli Just One Century Away From Sachin Tendulkar’s Record
It's worth noting that Virat Kohli currently has 48 ODI centuries to his name, and he is inching closer to matching Sachin Tendulkar's legendary record of 49 centuries in the ODI format. Kohli came close to achieving this milestone during a match against New Zealand but fell just five runs short as he was dismissed while attempting a big shot.
While India have won all six of their matches, Pakistan's chances of advancing to the semi-finals are hanging by a thread, given their string of losses in the tournament.