Virat Kohli – Complete Biography

Personal Information

  • Full Name: Virat Kohli
  • Date of Birth: 5 November 1988
  • Place of Birth: Delhi, India
  • Nationality: Indian
  • Height: 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm)
  • Batting Style: Right-handed
  • Bowling Style: Right-arm medium
  • Role: Top-order Batsman
  • Marital Status: Married
  • Spouse: Anushka Sharma (Indian Actress)
  • Children: Vamika Kohli

Early Life and Background

Virat Kohli was born into a middle-class Punjabi family in Delhi. His father, Prem Kohli, was a criminal lawyer, and his mother, Saroj Kohli, is a homemaker. From a very young age, Virat showed a strong passion for cricket. Recognizing his talent, his parents enrolled him at the West Delhi Cricket Academy in 1998.

Tragedy struck in 2006 when his father passed away due to a stroke. Despite the emotional setback, Virat continued to play cricket with determination, showing extraordinary mental strength that later became one of his greatest qualities.

Domestic Cricket Career

Virat Kohli made his domestic debut for Delhi in 2006. He quickly gained attention for his consistency and aggressive batting style. His breakthrough came when he captained India to victory in the 2008 ICC Under-19 World Cup, which marked the beginning of his rise on the international stage.

International Cricket Career

ODI Career

Virat Kohli made his One Day International (ODI) debut for India in August 2008 against Sri Lanka. Initially struggling to secure a permanent place, he soon established himself as one of the most reliable batsmen in the world. Known for his exceptional chasing ability, Kohli earned the nickname “Chase Master.”

Test Career

Kohli made his Test debut in 2011 against West Indies. His defining moment in Test cricket came during the 2014 Australia tour, where he scored multiple centuries. Later, as Test captain, he transformed India into a strong overseas-performing team, emphasizing fitness and aggressive play.

T20 International Career

Virat Kohli debuted in T20 Internationals in 2010. He became one of the highest run-scorers in T20I history and is widely regarded as one of the greatest T20 batsmen of all time, especially in ICC tournaments.

Captaincy Career

Virat Kohli served as:

  • Test Captain: 2014–2022
  • ODI Captain: 2017–2021
  • T20I Captain: 2017–2021

Under his leadership:

  • India became No.1 Test team in the world
  • India won historic Test series abroad
  • Emphasis on fitness, fast bowling, and aggressive mindset increased

Kohli is the most successful Indian Test captain in terms of wins.

Indian Premier League (IPL)

Virat Kohli has been associated with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) since the inception of the IPL in 2008. He captained the team for several seasons and holds the record for most runs in a single IPL season (973 runs in 2016).

Playing Style and Strengths

  • Technically sound batting
  • Excellent cover drives
  • Strong mental toughness
  • Exceptional fitness levels
  • One of the best run-chasers in cricket history

Records and Achievements

  • One of the highest century scorers in international cricket
  • Fastest batsman to reach multiple ODI milestones
  • Multiple ICC Player of the Year awards
  • Holds numerous records across all formats

Awards and Honors

  • Arjuna Award (2013)
  • Padma Shri (2017)
  • Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna (2018)

Personal Life

Virat Kohli married Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma in December 2017. The couple is known for maintaining privacy and supporting various social and charitable causes.

Business and Brand Value

Virat Kohli is one of the most valuable sports brands in the world. He owns:

  • One8 lifestyle brand
  • Wrogn fashion brand
  • Investments in fitness chains and startups

He consistently ranks among the highest-paid athletes globally through endorsements and business ventures.

Legacy

Virat Kohli is widely regarded as one of the greatest cricketers of all time. His passion, discipline, and hunger for excellence have inspired millions of young cricketers around the world. Beyond statistics, Kohli’s legacy lies in transforming Indian cricket’s attitude toward fitness, aggression, and professionalism.

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