Virat Kohli stands tall among cricket’s all-time greats. Revered for his intensity, match-winning prowess, and disciplined lifestyle, Kohli redefined Indian cricket in the 21st century. His path from a cricket-loving boy in Delhi to a globally admired icon is one of perseverance, transformation, and relentless pursuit of excellence. This biography delves into every phase of Kohli’s phenomenal journey.
Roots and Early Passion for Cricket
Virat Kohli was born on November 5, 1988, in Delhi to a middle-class Punjabi Hindu family. His father, Prem Kohli, practiced criminal law, while his mother Saroj was a homemaker. He grew up alongside his older brother, Vikas, and sister, Bhavna. Virat’s love for cricket was evident from a young age — he was often seen swinging a bat even before he turned four.
To nurture his early spark, Kohli joined the West Delhi Cricket Academy at age nine. Under coach Rajkumar Sharma, he developed his foundation as a batter. Initially studying at Vishal Bharti Public School, he later transferred to Saviour Convent to balance schoolwork and cricket. In 2006, tragedy struck when his father passed away unexpectedly. A day later, Kohli turned up to bat in a Ranji match and scored 90, earning nationwide respect.
Domestic Circuit Breakthrough
Kohli’s rise in domestic cricket began with commanding performances for Delhi’s junior teams. His double-century in U-17 cricket and gritty Ranji debut in 2006 made him one to watch. His unwavering focus was evident as he played shortly after his father’s demise.
He etched his name into the spotlight in 2008 by leading India’s U-19 squad to World Cup glory in Malaysia. His tactical captaincy and dependable batting gained headlines. That same year, the IPL began, and Royal Challengers Bangalore secured Kohli, kickstarting his professional franchise journey.
First Steps in International Cricket
Building Blocks (2008–2012)
Kohli earned his first India cap in August 2008 against Sri Lanka. He quickly impressed with a crucial fifty in his fourth game. His maiden century came in 2010, and he cemented his ODI place with consistent scores.
In the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup, Kohli scored a ton in the opening match, making him the first Indian to do so on World Cup debut. He played a supporting but vital role in India’s World Cup triumph under Dhoni.
Becoming the Backbone (2013–2016)
Between 2013 and 2016, Kohli emerged as India’s batting spearhead. His prowess in chasing targets became legendary. His appointment as Test captain in 2014 after MS Dhoni’s retirement marked a shift in India’s mindset — aggression, fitness, and results.
He led India to historic series wins, including a memorable one in Sri Lanka after 22 years. Under his leadership, India dominated visiting sides like South Africa and England on home turf.
2016: A Year to Remember
Kohli was virtually unstoppable in 2016. He tallied an unmatched 973 runs in the IPL — a record for a single season. His Asia Cup and T20 World Cup exploits further elevated his status.
In red-ball cricket, he began a spree of double centuries. By 2017, he had achieved the remarkable feat of scoring double tons in four straight Test series.
Overseas Excellence (2018)
Kohli’s batting on foreign soil reached new heights in 2018. His standout performance came in England, scoring 593 runs in the five-Test series. He followed it up by leading India to their first-ever Test series win in Australia.
He also reached 10,000 ODI runs in just 205 innings — the fastest to achieve this feat — solidifying his place among cricketing elites.
Leadership Burdens and Form Woes (2019–2021)
Kohli’s leadership in the 2019 World Cup took India to the semi-finals. But after falling to New Zealand, criticism grew over his inability to clinch ICC trophies.
From 2020 onward, Kohli faced a lean phase. With no centuries across formats and team losses mounting, scrutiny increased. He stepped down as T20I captain and was removed from the ODI role. His decision to resign from Test captaincy in 2022 marked the end of a defining chapter.
Renaissance and Records (2022–2023)
Kohli silenced critics in 2022 with a scintillating century against Afghanistan in the Asia Cup, ending a three-year dry spell. In 2023, during the ODI World Cup in India, Kohli delivered one of his best-ever campaigns.
He became the tournament’s highest run-scorer, surpassed Tendulkar’s record for most runs in a World Cup edition, and scored his 50th ODI century — an unprecedented landmark. Though India fell short in the final, Kohli was crowned Player of the Tournament.
Captaincy Overview
- Test Matches (2014–2022): Captained 68 Tests, winning 40 – an Indian record
- ODIs (2013–2021): Led India in 95 matches with 65 wins
- T20Is (2017–2021): 30 victories in 50 outings
- India attained No. 1 Test status and clinched away wins in Australia and England under Kohli’s reign.
Kohli and the IPL
A one-team man, Kohli has been the face of RCB since 2008.
- Served as captain from 2013 to 2021
- Highest run-scorer in IPL history (7,000+ runs)
- 973 runs in 2016 remains an all-time record
- Lifted the IPL trophy with RCB in 2025
Signature Style and Strengths
Virat Kohli’s batting technique is built on a strong base, swift footwork, and an explosive bottom-hand grip. His wristwork and cover drives are often cited as textbook strokes.
He’s revered as one of the best chasers in limited-overs cricket. His approach toward fitness revolutionized India’s cricketing ecosystem, emphasizing speed, agility, and endurance.
The Man Behind the Legend
Kohli married Anushka Sharma, a leading Bollywood actress, in December 2017. They welcomed their daughter, Vamika, in January 2021.
Beyond cricket, Kohli is a successful entrepreneur. He co-owns Wrogn (fashion label), Chisel (fitness chain), and actively runs the Virat Kohli Foundation, supporting young athletes from underprivileged backgrounds.
Key Records and Achievements
Batting Highlights:
- Most ODI centuries in history: 50
- Fastest to reach 8,000 to 12,000 ODI runs
- Leading IPL run-scorer
- Only player with 400+ runs in five separate IPL seasons
- Record 7 double centuries as Test captain
- ICC Men’s Player of the Decade (2010s)
Tournament Success:
- ICC Cricket World Cup winner (2011)
- ICC Champions Trophy winner (2013)
- Player of the Tournament: 2023 ODI World Cup
- Leading run-getter in 2014 and 2016 T20 World Cups
Captaincy Milestones:
- Most successful Indian Test captain
- First Asian skipper to win a Test series in Australia
Honors and Recognition
- Padma Shri (2017)
- Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award (2018)
- Arjuna Award (2013)
- ICC Cricketer of the Year – Twice (2017, 2018)
- Wisden’s Leading Cricketer in the World – 3 consecutive years
- Regular on Forbes’ Top Athletes list
- Over 250 million followers on Instagram
A Lasting Legacy
Virat Kohli’s contribution to cricket is immense. He introduced a fierce yet focused playing style, inspired a fitness revolution, and became a global role model.
He’s not just a cricketer; he’s a generational influence. His journey remains a testament to passion, preparation, and purpose. While his career continues, Kohli’s impact is already etched into the annals of cricketing greatness.
