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India has been blessed with some of the finest cricketers in the world, including the great Sunil Gavaskar and Sachin Tendulkar. Every Indian cricket fan was doubtful about who will take the responsibility after the retirement of Master Blaster. But Virat Kohli showed the temperament of a fine batter. Over 17 years of his international career, he has served the game across all formats. His classical batting, ability to chase big scores, hunger to continuously improve has made him the legend of modern-day cricket.
Besides this, King Kohli has established himself as a sport icon and an unmatched brand. He has association with some of the top brands in the market.
Kohli has the highest number of international centuries after the God of Cricket Sachin Tendulkar. Additionally, he is an inspiration for many young aspiring cricketers worldwide. Let us know about him in detail to find out what are the factors that led him to become the global icon. In this biography of Virat Kohli, we will go through his formative years, early cricketing days, and some of his remarkable achievements in life.
Early Life and Education
Let us uncover some important information about the early life of the current legend. We will get to know about his parents, spouse, children, and his pre-cricket journey:
Kohli Family
Virat Kohli was born on 5 November 1988 in a Punjabi Hindu family in Delhi. His father Prem Nath Kohli was a criminal lawyer and his mother Saroja Kohli was a homemaker. Kohli also has an elder brother Vikas and an elder sister Bhawna.
Early Schooling
Kohli spent his initial years in Uttam Nagar, West Delhi, where Virat Kohli studied in Vishal Bharti Public School. He continued there till 9th standard. For further studies, Kohli moved to Saviour Convent School, Paschim Vihar, New Delhi. This is where he finished his board exams and studied till 12th standard. Kohli was not known for his academic excellence as his first love was cricket. He had shown keen interest in the sport at a very tender age when he was just three. His parents recognised his interest and supported him throughout.
Cricketing Journey
Virat Kohli’s cricketing journey is a remarkable tale of grit, hunger, and ambition. From a young boy in West Delhi to becoming one of India’s batting legends, his path was paved with discipline and hard work. Let’s take a closer look at his journey through the domestic circuit and into the international arena.
Domestic Career
Virat’s domestic journey began with the West Delhi Cricket Academy in 1998, where he trained under coach Rajkumar Sharma. Even at a young age, he stood out for his technique and intensity. He quickly progressed through junior-level cricket and earned a place in Delhi’s Under-15 team for the Polly Umrigar Trophy in the 2002–03 season. His performances were stellar, which earned him promotions to the Under-17 and then the Under-19 teams.
One of the most defining moments of Kohli’s domestic career came in 2006. Just a day after his father’s untimely death, he walked out to play a Ranji Trophy match for Delhi against Karnataka. Kohli scored a brave 90 runs, showing immense character and dedication. This incident marked a shift in his mindset, as he decided to take cricket even more seriously to fulfill his father’s dream.
His consistent performance in the domestic circuit and youth tournaments culminated in him being named captain of the Indian squad for the 2008 ICC Under-19 World Cup. Under his leadership, India lifted the trophy in Malaysia, and Kohli’s aggressive captaincy and reliable batting made him a standout performer.
International Debut
Riding high on his U-19 World Cup success, Kohli earned his maiden India call-up later in 2008. He made his One Day International debut on 18 August 2008 against Sri Lanka. Opening the innings, he managed to score a modest 12 runs but showed flashes of the potential he carried.
In the initial phase of his international career, Kohli had to fight for his spot in a team already packed with experienced names. However, he grabbed every opportunity that came his way. His breakthrough came during the 2009 tour of Sri Lanka, where he scored his first ODI century and proved he could deliver under pressure.
From that point, there was no looking back. His consistency, technique, and ability to chase down totals made him a key player in the Indian batting line-up. His early international years laid the foundation for the extraordinary career that was about to unfold.
Related Read: Who is the King of Cricket: Virat Kohli VS Sachin Tendulkar?
Rise to Prominence
After earning his place in the Indian team, Virat Kohli’s career graph only moved upward. With each passing year, he added new layers to his game, turning into a match-winner. Be it his fiery presence on the field or his calm finishing abilities with the bat, Kohli began to command respect across the cricketing world. His hunger for runs and passion for winning were unmissable. He showed the temperament of a fighter and started performing in high-pressure games.
Notable Innings
One of Kohli’s most memorable early knocks came in the 2012 Asia Cup against Pakistan. Chasing 330, he smashed 183 off just 148 balls- his highest ODI score till date. That innings was a masterclass in controlled aggression and chase mastery. In the following year, India dominated the Champions Trophy where the top three batters- Virat, Rohit, and Shikhar, played incredible innings throughout.
Another iconic performance came in the 2014 T20 World Cup semi-final against South Africa, where he scored an unbeaten 72 off 44 balls. It wasn’t just the runs, but the way he anchored the innings that stood out. Even under pressure, he showed maturity beyond his years.
In Tests, Kohli’s century at Adelaide in 2014 during his first match as captain marked a significant moment. He scored 115 in the first innings and followed it up with 141 in the second, almost leading India to a win. His ability to score in overseas conditions was a sign of his evolution as a complete batter.
Time and again, Kohli proved that he was not just consistent — he was clutch. He performed when it mattered most, earning a reputation as one of the best chasers and most dependable players in world cricket.
Captaincy Tenure
Virat Kohli took over as India’s Test captain in 2014 after MS Dhoni’s retirement from the format. In 2017, he was named the full-time captain across all three formats. His leadership style was aggressive, bold, and full of energy — reflecting his personality on and off the field.
Under Kohli, Team India reached new heights in Test cricket. India held the number one ranking for a record 42 months, and he led the team to their first-ever Test series win on Australian soil in 2018–19. He also played a key role in building a world-class pace attack and instilling a fitness-first culture in the team.
In white-ball cricket, Kohli’s captaincy saw India reaching the finals of the 2017 Champions Trophy and the semi-finals of the 2019 ODI World Cup. While an ICC trophy eluded him as captain, his leadership helped India become a dominant force across formats.
Kohli stepped down as T20I captain in 2021 and later relinquished ODI and Test captaincy. Despite this, he remains one of India’s most successful and influential captains, with an impressive win record and countless individual milestones achieved during his tenure.
Also Read: Virat Kohli Net Worth 2025
Virat Kohli Records and Achievements
Similar to all legends who have played this game, Virat Kohli has got numerous achievements and accolades in his bucket. His consistency across formats and unmatched hunger for runs have set benchmarks for future generations. Here’s a look at some of his most remarkable records and achievements:
| Category | Record / Achievement |
| International Centuries | 80+ international centuries (2nd most after Sachin Tendulkar) |
| Fastest to 8000, 9000, 10000, 11000, 12000 ODI Runs | Fastest in terms of innings taken |
| Most ODI Centuries While Chasing | Holds the record for most centuries in successful ODI run chases |
| Most T20I Player of the Match Awards | One of the highest in T20 internationals |
| ICC Awards | ICC Cricketer of the Year (2017, 2018), ICC ODI Player of the Year (2012, 2017, 2018) |
| Captaincy Milestone | Most Test wins as India captain (40 wins in 68 Tests) |
| Test Rankings | Ranked No.1 Test batter in 2018 (ICC Rankings) |
| IPL Achievements | Most runs in a single IPL season – 973 runs in 2016 |
| Fastest to 23,000 International Runs | Achieved the feat across formats in record time |
| Padma Shri | Awarded Padma Shri in 2017, India’s fourth-highest civilian award |
| Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna | Received India’s highest sporting honour in 2018 |
From smashing centuries to redefining fitness standards, Virat Kohli has reimagined what it means to be a modern cricketer.
Playing Style and Technique
Virat Kohli is often celebrated not just for his statistics, but for the sheer elegance and efficiency with which he plays the game. His technique is a blend of classical cricketing shots and modern-day aggression. Whether it’s pacing an ODI run chase or anchoring a Test innings, Kohli has been phenomenal throughout his career. His temperament and continuous improvements have made him stand out from cricketers of his era.
At the core of Kohli’s technique is his strong bottom hand and exceptional wrist work, especially on the leg side. His trademark flicks through mid-wicket and cover drives are a visual treat for fans. He is known for playing with a straight bat, keeping his head still, and maintaining excellent balance at the crease — all marks of a technically sound batter.
In limited-overs formats, Kohli excels in building innings. He is patient at the start, rotates strike effortlessly, and accelerates in the latter half without taking unnecessary risks. His understanding of match situations makes him one of the best chasers in cricket history.
In Tests, he has worked hard on his game outside the subcontinent. His performances in Australia, South Africa, and England reflect a batter who is constantly evolving. Over the years, he has improved his off-stump awareness and tightened his defense against seam and swing bowling.
What makes Kohli truly stand out is his running between the wickets and fitness level. He converts singles into twos and keeps the scoreboard ticking even during lean patches. His aggressive body language and never-give-up attitude reflect in the way he bats — with passion, pride, and precision.
Also Read: Virat Kohli’s IPL Centuries: A Complete List of His Iconic Innings
Personal Life
Virat Kohli is one of the most celebrated sports icons in the world. He has inspired thousands of young aspiring cricketers. Besides this, his off the field personality is also inspiring. Kohli has led a beautiful married life with Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma. The couple tied the knot on December 11, 2017, in a private ceremony in Tuscany, Italy. They welcomed their first child, a daughter named Vamika, on January 11, 2021. The name ‘Vamika’ is another name for Goddess Durga. In February 2024, they were blessed with a son named Akaay. Virat and Anushka have been protective of their children’s privacy, choosing not to expose them to social media until they can make that decision themselves. The family enjoys spending quality time together, engaging in activities like coloring and playing with blocks.
Additionally, his words and wisdom in various organised talks have also helped young learners from different walks of life.
Philanthropy and Business Ventures
Beyond cricket, Virat Kohli has carved a name for himself in the world of philanthropy and business. His off-field pursuits showcase his commitment to giving back to society and building a legacy beyond the pitch.
Kohli established the Virat Kohli Foundation (VKF) with a mission to support underprivileged children and promote sports development in India. Through VKF, he has collaborated with several NGOs and organized multiple charity events, including celebrity football matches. One of his key focus areas has been nurturing young sporting talent, ensuring they have access to proper facilities and guidance. His foundation has sponsored promising athletes in sports like wrestling, boxing, and athletics.
On the business front, Kohli has proven to be a savvy entrepreneur. He co-owns the UAE Royals in the International Premier Tennis League and FC Goa in the Indian Super League. Kohli has also invested in multiple startups and brands including Chisel Fitness, a chain of gyms, and Wrogn, a popular youth fashion brand. These ventures align well with his fitness-first image and youthful persona.
His endorsements and business decisions reflect his vision for long-term brand building. Whether it’s through giving back to the community or expanding into strategic investments, Virat Kohli continues to make an impact both on and off the field — proving that he’s more than just a cricketer; he’s a true icon.
Legacy and Impact on Cricket
Virat Kohli’s biography is full of inspiring stories. His impact on cricket goes far beyond runs and records. He has redefined what it means to be a modern-day cricketer- blending aggression, consistency, fitness, and passion in a way few others have. His legacy is not just about being one of the highest run-scorers in the game, but about how he changed the culture of Indian cricket.
Kohli brought a fearless and aggressive attitude to the field, setting new fitness standards that transformed Team India’s approach to preparation and performance. Under his leadership, the Indian team became known for its sharp fielding, relentless pace attack, and the hunger to win overseas — something that had eluded previous generations.
As a captain, Kohli’s bold decisions, including backing youngsters and embracing an aggressive mindset, laid the foundation for India’s success across formats. His contribution to India’s Test cricket resurgence, especially the historic series win in Australia in 2018-19, is often cited as a turning point in Indian cricket history.
Off the field, he inspired a new generation to take fitness seriously, making it an integral part of the cricketing journey. His influence is visible in the mindset of upcoming players who now carry forward the same hunger, discipline, and drive.
Also Read: Virat Kohli School Name
Frequently Asked Questions About Virat Kohli Biography
Virat Kohli was inspired by his father, Prem Kohli, who recognized his talent early and encouraged him to train professionally. His passion grew through local cricket matches and a strong desire to represent India at the highest level.
Virat Kohli made his ODI debut against Sri Lanka in 2008. He scored 12 runs and showed promise despite the modest performance. His calm presence and technique hinted at the brilliance that would unfold in the years ahead.
Virat Kohli holds numerous records, including the fastest century in ODIs for India, most centuries in chases, and being the fastest to 8,000, 9,000, and 12,000 ODI runs. He’s also among the top scorers in IPL and international cricket.
Through the Virat Kohli Foundation, he supports underprivileged children, promotes sports among youth, and backs healthcare and education initiatives. He also collaborates with NGOs and conducts charity events to raise awareness and funds for social causes.
Virat Kohli co-owns FC Goa (ISL), UAE Royals (tennis team), and One8 (apparel and restaurant brand). He’s invested in brands like Rage Coffee, Hyperice, and Blue Tribe, showing keen interest in fitness, food, and lifestyle ventures.
