CAB President Snehasish Ganguly Gifts Virat Kohli a Gold-plated Bat on His 35th Birthday

The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) president Snehasish Ganguly gifted India batting maestro Virat Kohli a gold-plated bat on his 35th birthday as he also made the occasion extra special with his record-equaling 49th ODI century. Kohli equalled the most ODI centuries tally of legendary Sachin Tendulkar with a gritty knock against South Africa in Kolkata.

The fans came in big numbers at Eden Gardens to support India and wish Kohli and the batting maestro didn’t disappoint them at all.

Kohli also cut the birthday cake after receiving a special present from the CAB president.

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“CAB President Snehasish Ganguly today presented Virat Kohli with a gold plated bat that had “Happy Birthday Virat" mentioned on it. Below it was inscribed “You are a symbol of dedication and a living proof that age is just a number". Virat also cut a giant cake especially made with a Virat statute atop the dark chocolate cake with blue icing," the CAB stated in a post on their official Facebook page.

Kohli, who turned 35 on Sunday, struck 101 not out off 121 balls — which put him at par with Sachin Tendulkar — and shared a 134-run partnership with Shreyas Iyer (77) to take India to an imposing 326 for five.

Then Jadeja (5/33) Mohammed Shami (2/18), and Kuldeep Yadav (2/7) bowled superb spells to dismiss the Proteas for 83 in 27.1 overs.

Kohli was named Player of the Match after his incredible knock and said that he has been enjoying his cricket at the moment.

Also Read | Virat Kohli Registers Record-equalling 49 ODI Centuries: A Statistical Breakdown

“I’m enjoying playing cricket, that is more important to me than phases. I’m just happy that God has blessed me with that enjoyment. I’m just happy that I’m being able to do what I have done over the years," he said.

The former Indian captain said playing against South Africa was a motivation in itself for the entire side.

“It was a big game, probably playing the toughest team in the tournament. There was a motivation to do well. Because it happened on my birthday, it becomes special and the people made it more special for me," he added.