- Virat Kohli, one of the most celebrated cricketers of the modern era, is a name that resonates with passion, aggression, and excellence. Born on November 5, 1988, in Delhi, India, Kohli has risen from a promising young talent to one of the greatest batsmen in cricket history. His journey is not just about runs and records, but also about resilience, leadership, and an unyielding spirit.
Early Life and Background
Virat Kohli was born into a Punjabi Hindu family. His father, Prem Kohli, was a criminal lawyer, and his mother, Saroj Kohli, is a homemaker. Kohli has an elder brother, Vikas, and an elder sister, Bhawna. From a young age, Virat showed a keen interest in cricket. Recognizing his talent, his father enrolled him at the West Delhi Cricket Academy when he was just nine years old, where he trained under Rajkumar Sharma.
Kohli studied at Vishal Bharti Public School and later shifted to Saviour Convent School. His life changed forever in 2006, when, at the age of 18, he chose to continue playing a Ranji Trophy match for Delhi even after the death of his father. He scored a crucial 90 runs in that match — a moment that defined his dedication and mental toughness.
Rise Through the Ranks
Kohli first came into the national spotlight as the captain of the Indian Under-19 team that won the ICC U-19 World Cup in 2008 in Malaysia. That victory marked the arrival of a new cricketing star. Shortly after, he made his ODI debut for India on August 18, 2008, against Sri Lanka.
Initially, Kohli had a few inconsistent performances, but he cemented his place with solid innings and match-winning knocks. His breakthrough came during the 2011 World Cup, where he played a key supporting role in India’s triumph.
Batting Genius
Virat Kohli is widely regarded as one of the best batsmen in the world across all formats. His batting is characterized by flawless technique, excellent footwork, quick running between the wickets, and an unmatched hunger for runs. He holds numerous records:
- Fastest to 8,000, 9,000, 10,000, 11,000, and 12,000 ODI runs
- First Indian to score three consecutive centuries in ODIs
- Among the few players with 70+ international centuries (as of 2023)
- The fastest batsman to reach 20,000 international runs
Kohli is especially known for his consistency in chasing targets in ODIs — earning him the nickname “Chase Master.” His performances in Test cricket have been equally impressive, with hundreds in almost every country.
Captaincy and Leadership
In 2013, Kohli was named the vice-captain of the Indian team. He became the captain of the Indian Test team in 2014, following the retirement of MS Dhoni, and later took over as the full-time captain in all formats in 2017.
Under his leadership:
- India became the number one Test team in the world.
- India won their first-ever Test series in Australia in 2018-19.
- He led India to the finals of the World Test Championship (WTC) in 2021.
- He oversaw historic series wins in West Indies and dominant performances at home.
Kohli’s leadership style was aggressive, intense, and passionate. He backed his players, demanded fitness and discipline, and helped build a strong bench strength.
IPL and Domestic Career
Virat Kohli has been the face of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) since the inception of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2008. He has been their leading run-scorer and served as captain for several years, taking the team to multiple playoffs and one final. Though he stepped down from captaincy in 2021, he continues to be RCB’s most valuable player.
In domestic cricket, Kohli has represented Delhi since his teenage years. His commitment to the domestic circuit has often been cited as an example for younger players.
Fitness and Discipline
Kohli brought a revolution in the Indian team’s approach to fitness. Inspired by elite athletes like Cristiano Ronaldo, he transformed his lifestyle in 2015 by turning to a strict diet, regular training, and avoiding junk food. His transformation led to improved performance and inspired the team to adopt high fitness standards, including the now-famous Yo-Yo Test.
Off the Field: Personal Life
Virat Kohli married Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma on December 11, 2017, in a private ceremony in Italy. The couple is widely loved and has a massive fan following. They welcomed their daughter Vamika in January 2021.
Kohli is also known for his philanthropy. He runs the Virat Kohli Foundation, which supports underprivileged children and promotes sports development in India.
Criticism and Comebacks
Like every great athlete, Kohli has faced his share of challenges — including a lean patch from 2020 to 2022, during which he went without an international century. He stepped down from captaincy in all formats during this period. However, true to his character, he made a stunning comeback with a century in the Asia Cup 2022 and continued to perform consistently, silencing critics with grace and skill.
Legacy and Impact
Virat Kohli’s legacy is not just built on statistics but on the mindset he instilled in Indian cricket. He made fitness a priority, brought aggression and fearlessness to the team, and inspired millions through his journey. He has been a role model for aspiring cricketers, not just in India but around the world.
Kohli’s journey from a passionate Delhi boy to one of the world’s best cricketers is a tale of ambition, discipline, and heart. He remains a symbol of modern Indian cricket — bold, relentless, and always hungry for greatness.