Virat Kohli is more than just a cricketer—he is an emotion for millions of fans around the world. Often referred to as “King Kohli,” he is widely regarded as one of the greatest batsmen of the modern era. With his aggressive style, unmatched consistency, and incredible work ethic, Kohli has set new benchmarks in international cricket. As of 2025, his journey continues to inspire budding cricketers globally.
Early Life and Background
Born on November 5, 1988, in Delhi, India, Virat Kohli showed signs of cricketing talent from a young age. He joined the West Delhi Cricket Academy at the age of 9, where coach Rajkumar Sharma played a crucial role in shaping his career. Kohli quickly rose through the ranks of age-group cricket and represented Delhi at the under-15 and under-17 levels.
The turning point in his life came in 2006, during a Ranji Trophy match whenVirat Kohliplayed a crucial knock of 90 runs for Delhi just a day after his father passed away. This incident highlighted his extraordinary mental strength and dedication to the game.
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Rise to Fame: U-19 World Cup and Early International Career
Virat Kohli gained national attention after leading the India Under-19 team to victory in the 2008 ICC U-19 World Cup held in Malaysia. Shortly after, he was drafted into the Indian national team for the ODI series against Sri Lanka in August 2008.
While his initial outings were not remarkable, Kohli gradually cemented his position with consistent performances. His breakthrough came during the 2009–10 season, and by 2011, he was a regular in India’s limited-overs squad.
2011 World Cup Glory and ODI Domination
Virat Kohli was a part of the Indian squad that won the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup under the leadership of MS Dhoni. Though he didn’t score heavily throughout the tournament, his century against Bangladesh and crucial knock in the final helped India lift the trophy.
Post-2011, Kohli emerged as a run-machine in ODIs. He became known for his ability to chase down targets with precision, earning the nickname “Chase Master.” His consistent performances helped India maintain dominance in limited-overs cricket.
Test Cricket and Captaincy
Kohli made his Test debut in 2011 against the West Indies but struggled initially. However, he soon adapted and began scoring centuries in difficult overseas conditions, including Australia, South Africa, and England.
In 2014, following M
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Records and Achievements
Virat Kohli’s career is decorated with numerous records and accolades:
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Most centuries in ODI chases – Kohli has over 25 centuries while chasing, the highest by any player.
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Fastest to 8,000, 9,000, 10,000, 11,000, and 12,000 ODI runs.
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Scored 50 ODI centuries, breaking Sachin Tendulkar’s long-standing record.
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Over 25,000 international runs across formats (Test, ODI, T20I).
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ICC Cricketer of the Year multiple times.
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Led India to Test series wins in Australia, West Indies, and dominant home records.
S Dhoni’s retirement from Test cricket, Kohli was appointed the Test captain of India. Under his leadership, India became the No. 1 Test team in the world and recorded historic series wins, including their first-ever Test series win in Australia in 2018–19.
T20 Cricket and the IPL
Kohli has been a crucial part of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) since its inception in 2008. He holds the record for:
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Most runs in IPL history (over 7,000 runs).
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Highest single-season run tally in IPL – 973 runs in 2016.
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Led RCB to the final in 2016.
Playing Style and Fitness Regime
Kohli is known for his aggressive batting, sharp reflexes, and quick running between the wickets. He has mastered all formats of the game and adapts his technique depending on the situation. Kohli’s fitness regime is one of the most rigorous in world cricket. He revolutionized fitness standards in Indian cricket, setting an example for younger players.
He follows a strict diet and training program, which includes weight training, endurance runs, and functional fitness workouts. His transformation from a chubby teenager to a lean, athletic cricketer is one of the most inspiring stories in sports.
Personal Life Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli married Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma in December 2017 in a private ceremony in Italy. The couple welcomed their daughter Vamika in January 2021 and later a son named Akaay in 2024.
Despite being a global celebrity, Kohli has maintained a balanced personal life and often credits Anushka for being his pillar of strength. The couple is widely regarded as one of India’s most powerful and respected celebrity duos.
Brand Endorsements and Net Worth
Virat Kohli is among the highest-paid athletes in the world. His net worth as of 2025 is estimated to be over $150 million (₹1,200 crore+). He endorses several global and Indian brands including:
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Puma
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MRF
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Audi
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Tissot
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Blue Star
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Vivo
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Myntra
Philanthropy and Social Work
Kohli runs the Virat Kohli Foundation (VKF) which focuses on underprivileged children and sports development. He is also involved in promoting animal welfare, health awareness, and youth empowerment.
His involvement in causes beyond cricket reflects his commitment to giving back to society.
Virat Kohli is not just a cricketing legend; he is a symbol of modern Indian ambition, discipline, and determination. His journey from a young Delhi boy to one of the greatest batsmen in the history of cricket is nothing short of inspirational. Whether on or off the field, Kohli continues to lead by example, leaving behind a legacy that will influence generations to come.
As he enters the twilight of his career, fans and experts alike celebrate not just his numbers, but the spirit, passion, and fire he brought to the game of cricket.