Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli (born 5 November 1988) is an Indian international cricketer widely regarded as one of the greatest batsmen in modern cricket. Known for his aggressive playing style, consistency, and fitness, Kohli has represented India in all formats of the game and served as the captain of the Indian national team.
He is also one of the most successful players in the Indian Premier League (IPL), playing for Royal Challengers Bengaluru since the league began.
Early Life
Virat Kohli was born in Delhi, India. From a young age, he showed a strong passion for cricket. His father, Prem Kohli, was a lawyer, and his mother, Saroj Kohli, is a homemaker.[1]
He joined the West Delhi Cricket Academy as a child and quickly progressed through junior cricket. His talent and dedication helped him rise rapidly through the ranks of Indian cricket.
Domestic and International Career
Kohli first gained national recognition when he captained the Indian Under-19 team to victory in the 2008 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup.[2]
Later that year, he made his debut for the Indian national team in One Day Internationals (ODIs). Over time, he established himself as a key player across all formats including Tests, ODIs, and Twenty20 Internationals.
He became the captain of the Indian team in all three formats and led the team to numerous victories, including historic Test series wins overseas.
During his captaincy, India achieved the No.1 ranking in Test cricket and secured a historic Test series victory in Australia.[3]
Batting Style and Records
Virat Kohli is known for his technically sound batting, aggressive mindset, and ability to chase targets under pressure.
Some of his major achievements include:
- One of the fastest players to reach multiple ODI run milestones
- First player to score 50 centuries in One Day Internationals
- Scored centuries against almost every major cricket-playing nation
- One of the highest run scorers in international cricket
His batting performances between 2016 and 2018 were particularly remarkable, where he scored thousands of runs across formats with a very high average.[4]
Indian Premier League
Virat Kohli has played for Royal Challengers Bengaluru since the inception of the Indian Premier League.
He holds several IPL records including:
- One of the highest run scorers in IPL history
- Record for most runs in a single IPL season (973 runs in 2016)
- Multiple IPL centuries
- Captained the team from 2013 to 2021
He later won his first IPL title with the franchise after many seasons with the team.[5]
Personal Life
Virat Kohli married Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma in December 2017. The couple has a daughter named Vamika.
Kohli is widely known for his strict fitness regime and has played a major role in transforming fitness standards in Indian cricket.
Philanthropy and Business
Beyond cricket, Kohli is involved in various charitable activities. He supports initiatives related to child welfare, sports development, and education.
He has also launched business ventures and lifestyle brands and is one of the most marketable athletes in the world.
Physical Appearance
- Height: 5 feet 9 inches (approx.)
- Eye colour: Dark Brown
- Hair colour: Black
He is known for his athletic fitness and disciplined training routine.
Legacy
Virat Kohli is regarded as one of the greatest cricketers of his generation. His passion, competitiveness, and consistent performances have made him a global sporting icon.
His journey from a young cricketer in Delhi to one of the most successful players in world cricket continues to inspire millions of fans.