Virat Kohli, born on 5 November 1988, isn’t just a cricketer—he’s a phenomenon. Over the past decade and a half, he has become one of the most consistent and respected players in the world. A right-handed batter known for his passion, skill, and unmatched hunger to win, Kohli has left a lasting mark on all formats of the game—Tests, ODIs, T20Is, and league cricket. While he no longer leads Team India, he remains the heart and soul of Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL. His story is one of talent, discipline, and tireless hard work.
From Delhi Streets to National Dreams
Virat grew up in a middle-class Punjabi family in Delhi. His father, Prem Nath Kohli, worked as a lawyer, and his mother, Saroj Kohli, was a homemaker. He was the youngest among three siblings. As a toddler, he would mimic cricket shots in the living room. At the age of 9, his parents enrolled him in the West Delhi Cricket Academy. His coach, Rajkumar Sharma, saw something special in him. Despite being rejected from the Under-14 team initially, Virat didn’t give up. Within a year, he was playing for Delhi’s Under-15 team, where his talent began to shine.
Making Waves in Youth Cricket
Climbing the Ranks in Delhi
In 2002, Kohli played his first Under-15 game for Delhi. He quickly became a top scorer, even smashing 251 not out in a domestic tournament. His performances earned him a place in Delhi’s Under-17 team, where he continued to impress everyone with his big scores and maturity.
Wearing the India U-19 Cap
By 2006, Kohli had already caught the attention of national selectors. He represented India Under-19 in England and delivered strong performances. Later, he scored centuries in New Zealand and played key roles in Pakistan and Malaysia. Coaches praised him for staying calm under pressure and adapting well to different types of bowlers.
Breaking Into International Cricket
The ODI Debut and Quick Rise
Kohli played his first One Day International (ODI) in August 2008 against Sri Lanka. Though he only scored 12 runs, he made headlines within a few weeks by hitting his first half-century. In 2009, he toured with the India A team to Australia and scored consistently, making it clear that he was ready for the big stage.
Becoming a Test Legend
Kohli made his Test debut in June 2011 against the West Indies. He didn’t take long to make an impact, scoring his maiden Test hundred in Adelaide in 2012. Over the next decade, he became India’s go-to player in red-ball cricket. By the time he announced his Test retirement in May 2025, Kohli had played 123 Test matches, scoring 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85. His highest score in Tests is an unbeaten 254. Most notably, he has 7 centuries in Australia—more than any other Indian batter.
T20s: Master of the Chase
Kohli made his T20 International debut in 2010. Quickly, he gained a reputation for finishing games and chasing big totals under pressure. As of June 2024, he had played 125 T20Is and scored 4,188 runs with an average of 48.69. He recorded one century (122*) and 38 fifties in the format. He ended his T20I career on a high note by winning the 2024 T20 World Cup, scoring a match-winning 76 in the final against South Africa.
ODIs: King of Consistency
Kohli’s ODI record speaks for itself. He has played 302 matches and scored 14,181 runs with a strong average of 57.88. He has 51 centuries and 74 fifties to his name. During the 2025 Champions Trophy, he added another century to his tally against Pakistan and crossed the 14,000-run mark faster than anyone before—doing it in just 287 innings. He also holds the record for most catches by an Indian fielder in ODIs. Not surprisingly, he was included in the ICC Team of the Tournament.
The IPL Story: Loyalty and Glory
Always with Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Kohli has been part of the RCB setup since the IPL began in 2008. He became the team’s captain in 2013 and led them until 2021. Over 267 matches, he has scored 8,661 runs with a strike rate of 132.9. He has 8 centuries and 63 fifties in the tournament. His loyalty to RCB is unmatched—he never switched teams despite the franchise not winning a trophy for many years.
Winning the Trophy in 2025
After years of trying, 2025 finally brought joy to Kohli and RCB fans. He scored 657 runs in 15 matches and played a key role in RCB’s first-ever IPL title win. In the final against Punjab Kings, he scored 43 runs and helped his team lift the trophy. He also set a new IPL record by becoming the first player to hit over 771 fours. His emotional celebration after the match showed how much it meant to him.
What Lies Ahead for Kohli?
Leaving Tests and T20s Behind
In May 2025, Kohli said goodbye to Test cricket. A year earlier, he had also retired from T20 Internationals. These decisions surprised many, but they also showed that Kohli wanted to focus on formats where he could make the biggest impact. He’s now fully committed to playing ODIs and participating in leagues like the IPL.
A County Cricket Dream?
There are also talks of Kohli playing county cricket in England. Middlesex has reportedly shown interest. If the BCCI gives permission, fans may soon see him in county whites—something many have wanted for years.
Career Stats Snapshot
| Format | Matches | Runs | Average | 100s | 50s | Best | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 123 | 9,230 | 46.85 | 30 | 31 | 254* | 55.58 |
| ODI | 302 | 14,181 | 57.88 | 51 | 74 | 183 | 93.35 |
| T20I | 125 | 4,188 | 48.69 | 1 | 38 | 122* | 137.05 |
| IPL | 267 | 8,661 | 39.55 | 8 | 63 | 113 | 132.9 |
| All T20s | 414 | 13,050 | – | – | – | – | – |
Trophies, Titles, and Honors
- Second-most centuries in international cricket (82)
- Most ODI centuries in history (51)
- Fastest to reach 14,000 ODI runs (287 innings)
- First player with 9,000+ T20 runs for a single franchise
- Set IPL records for most fours and longest wait before winning a title
- 7 Test centuries in Australia—most by any Indian
- ICC Player of the Year (2017, 2018)
- ODI Player of the Decade (2011–2020)
- ICC Spirit of Cricket Award (2019)
- Arjuna Award (2013), Padma Shri (2017), Khel Ratna (2018)
More Than Just a Cricketer
Kohli is admired not just for his skills but also for his mindset. He is known for his aggressive attitude on the field and disciplined lifestyle off it. He’s played a major role in changing India’s cricket fitness standards. Thanks to his leadership, young players now pay more attention to health and training.
Off the field, Kohli is one of the most marketable athletes. He endorses big brands like Puma, MRF, and Audi. He co-founded fashion brand WROGN, owns restaurants, and has invested in plant-based food businesses and a bowling league. His popularity goes far beyond the boundary lines.
Giving Back to Society
In 2013, Kohli started the Virat Kohli Foundation to support underprivileged kids and promote sports among youth. The foundation works with NGOs like Smile Foundation and runs several charity events. His efforts show that he’s not just a cricket hero but also a role model for giving back.
On the personal side, he married actress Anushka Sharma in December 2017. They have a daughter, Vamika, and a son, Akaay. Kohli follows a vegetarian diet and speaks often about staying mentally and physically fit.
A Lasting Impact
Virat Kohli’s legacy is already secure. He brought a new level of professionalism to Indian cricket. Whether it’s how he trains, how he bats under pressure, or how he lifts his team—his influence is huge. Even after leaving Tests and T20Is, he continues to inspire young cricketers and fans around the world.
Virat Kohli’s career has been a mix of big runs, iconic wins, and personal growth. From his early days in Delhi to becoming India’s batting mainstay, he has never stopped learning or giving his best. As he continues to play ODIs and the IPL, and possibly county cricket, there’s still more to look forward to. For fans of cricket, Kohli is not just a player—he’s an era.
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