Virat Kohli is one of the defining cricketers of the modern era. Known for his relentless run-scoring, intense energy on the field and commitment to fitness, he helped change how Indian cricket approaches the game.
Early Life
Virat Kohli was born on 5 November 1988 in Delhi, India. He showed an interest in cricket from a very young age, and his family enrolled him at the West Delhi Cricket Academy, where he trained under coach Rajkumar Sharma. Hours of practice in Delhi’s junior system helped him progress through age-group cricket.
A defining moment came in December 2006, when his father, Prem Kohli, died while Virat was playing a Ranji Trophy match for Delhi. The teenager chose to return to the ground the next day and continue his innings for his team. The episode is often recalled as an early example of the mental toughness that would mark his career.
Career / Rise
Kohli first came to national attention in 2008, when he captained India to victory at the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup in Malaysia. Later that year he made his One Day International debut for India against Sri Lanka. He quickly established himself in the limited-overs team and was part of the squad that won the 2011 Cricket World Cup in India.
His reputation grew as a batter who thrived under pressure, particularly when chasing targets in one-day cricket. He became India’s Test captain in the 2014–15 season and later led the side in all formats. Under his leadership India’s Test team rose to the top of the world rankings and, in the 2018–19 season, won a Test series in Australia for the first time.
In the Indian Premier League, Kohli has played his entire career for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, a rare example of loyalty to a single franchise. After years of near misses, the team won its first IPL title in 2025.
Major Achievements
Kohli has scored more ODI centuries than any other player. During the 2023 Cricket World Cup semi-final against New Zealand in Mumbai, he scored his 50th ODI hundred, moving past the record previously held by Sachin Tendulkar, and he was named Player of the Tournament.
He was named Player of the Match in the final of the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which India won, and announced his retirement from T20 internationals soon afterwards. He was also part of the Indian team that won the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, and he retired from Test cricket in 2025.
Kohli is known for a classical technique built around wristy flicks through the leg side and a powerful cover drive, combined with sharp running between the wickets. That blend of orthodox skill and aggression has made him successful in every format of the game.
His honours in India include the Arjuna Award, the Padma Shri and the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna, the country’s highest sporting award. Away from cricket, he married the actor Anushka Sharma in 2017.
Legacy
Kohli’s legacy combines numbers with culture. As captain he pushed a strong focus on fitness and fast bowling, and many observers credit that period with helping India become a consistent force in overseas Test series. His aggressive, emotional style divided opinion at times, but it also inspired younger players to play with confidence and intensity.
For millions of fans, especially those who grew up after Tendulkar’s era, Kohli became the face of Indian cricket. His dedication to training and diet changed expectations of what an elite cricketer’s preparation looks like, and his record in run chases remains one of the most celebrated in the one-day game.
Quick Facts
- Born: 5 November 1988, Delhi, India
- Nationality: Indian
- Known for: Most ODI centuries; former India captain across formats
- Highlights: 2008 U-19 World Cup–winning captain; 2011 World Cup, 2024 T20 World Cup and 2025 Champions Trophy winner
- IPL team: Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Photo credit: Virat Kohli, January 2015. Photo: NAPARAZZI, via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.
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