Virat Kohli, an iconic Indian cricketer, is celebrated for his aggressive playing style, remarkable consistency, and record-breaking achievements. Known for his fitness and commitment, Kohli has led India to numerous victories, particularly in limited-overs formats. His passion, discipline, and exemplary batting across formats make him one of cricket’s modern greats.
Virat Kohli is one of India's most celebrated cricketers, known for his intense passion, exceptional batting skills, and leadership abilities. Born on November 5, 1988, in Delhi, India, Kohli showed early promise as a cricketer, joining the West Delhi Cricket Academy at the age of nine.He made his first-class debut for Delhi in 2006, and shortly after, he led the India U-19 team to victory in the ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup in 2008.
Virat Kohli had a close and deeply influential relationship with his father, Prem Kohli, who played a crucial role in shaping his early years in cricket. Growing up in Delhi, Virat was encouraged by his father to pursue cricket seriously. Prem Kohli worked as a criminal lawyer, and despite not being wealthy, he made every possible sacrifice to support Virat's dreams. From enrolling him in the **West Delhi Cricket Academy** to attending every match he played, his father was a constant presence in his life and career. One poignant memory that deeply affected Virat was the loss of his father when he was only 18 years old. In 2006, while he was playing a Ranji Trophy match for Delhi, his father passed away suddenly due to a stroke. Despite this immense personal tragedy, Virat showed incredible dedication; he returned to the field the next morning and scored 90 runs to save his team from a difficult position. This incident became a defining moment in his career, showcasing his resilience and determination. Kohli often recalls his father’s influence, describing him as a “self-made man” who instilled values of hard work, discipline, and honesty. His father’s memory has served as a source of motivation throughout his career, and Virat has said he strives to make his father proud with every achievement on and off the field.
This table highlights Kohli's consistency, leadership, and his strong performances, especially during the 2008 U-19 World Cup, which marked the beginning of his journey to international cricket fame
| ASPECT | DETAILS |
|---|---|
| Debuit in U-19 | 2006 (played for India U-19 at 17 years old) |
| Captaincy | Led the India U-19 team in the 2008 ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup held in Malaysia |
| Role | Right-handed batsman, occasional right-arm medium pacer |
| Batting Average in U-19 | 47.67 (in Youth ODIs) |
| Total U-19 Youth ODIs | 17 matches |
| Runs Scored | 758 runs |
| Highest Score | 146 |
| 50s/100s in Youth ODIs | 5 half-centuries and 2 centuries |
| 2008 U-19 World Cup Performance | Scored 235 runs in 6 matches at an average of 47.00 |
| U-19 World Cup Achievement | Led India U-19 to World Cup victory in 2008, defeating South Africa in the final |
Virat's international career is one of the most successful and influential in modern cricket, characterized by his aggressive style, record-breaking performances, and leadership qualities. Here’s a breakdown of his career milestones and achievements:Early International Debut and Rise (2008 - 2012) ODI Debut: August 18, 2008, against Sri Lanka. Initially selected as an opening batsman due to injuries in the squad. Showed early signs of consistency, earning his place in the Indian lineup. First ODI Century: Scored his maiden century against Sri Lanka in 2009, showcasing his talent as a reliable batsman. T20I Debut: June 12, 2010, against Zimbabwe. Test Debut: June 20, 2011, against the West Indies. Struggled initially but soon adjusted to Test cricket, scoring his maiden Test century in 2012 against Australia.
| Format | Matches | Runs | Average | Centuries | Half-centuries | Highest Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 111 | 8,676+ | 49.29+ | 29+ | 29+ | 254* |
| ODI | 279 | 15000+ | 57.38+ | 50 | 70 | 183 |
| T20I | 115 | 4,008+ | 52.47+ | 1 | 37 | 122* |
| IPl | 216 | 7000+ | 50.89 | 5 | 36 | 113* |
Virat Kohli’s career is a testament to discipline, passion, and resilience. His combination of technical skill, mental toughness, and leadership has made him one of cricket's modern greats.
Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma, one of India’s most beloved celebrity couples, tied the knot in a beautiful and private ceremony on December 11, 2017, in Tuscany, Italy. Both Kohli, the cricket superstar, and Sharma, a leading Bollywood actress, had kept their relationship largely private before the marriage, with only occasional appearances together in public.
Virat Kohli has made an extraordinary impact on cricket, both for India and internationally, with numerous achievements across his career:
Virat Kohli announced his retirement from T20 international cricket after India’s victory over South Africa in the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup final. He revealed his decision during the post-match presentation, noting that he felt it was time to make way for the next generation of Indian cricketers in the T20 format. Kohli played an instrumental role in India’s win, scoring a crucial 76 off 59 balls, which earned him the Player of the Match award. Kohli, who debuted in T20Is in 2010, wrapped up his T20I career with 125 matches and 4,188 runs, including 38 half-centuries and one century