India captain Virat Kohli has come a long way since he made his international bow exactly nine years ago.

It was August 18, 2008 when Kohli wore Blue colours for the first time – turning out for his country against Sri Lanka in a one-dayer at Dambulla.

Ironically, he will take on the same opposition at the very same venue in the first ODI of the five-match series, starting on Sunday.

And 28-year-old Kohli hasn’t forgot where his fairytale career began.

Indeed, he posted a throwback Tweet on Friday:

However, it was not a debut to remember for the batting genius, then only 19-years-old, for he fell for just 12 to the swing of Nuwan Kulasekara as India were bundled out for just 146 in their innings after batting first.

Mahel Jayawardene’s men then made short work of the target, winning by eight wickets with 15 overs to spare.

On Sunday, though, the hosts know all too well they will face a totally different Kohli at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium.