Virat Kohli, often hailed as one of the greatest cricketers of all time, is a name synonymous with excellence, passion, and consistency in modern cricket. Born on November 5, 1988, in Delhi, India, Kohli’s journey from a young boy with a bat to the captain of the Indian cricket team and a global sporting icon is a testament to his talent, hard work, and unrelenting determination. As of April 2025, his legacy continues to grow, both on and off the field, inspiring millions worldwide.
Early Life and Introduction to Cricket
Virat Kohli was born into a middle-class Punjabi family in Delhi. His father, Prem Kohli, was a criminal lawyer, and his mother, Saroj Kohli, was a homemaker. He grew up with an elder brother, Vikas, and an elder sister, Bhawna. From a young age, Kohli displayed an affinity for cricket, a sport that dominates the cultural landscape of India. At the age of three, he would swing a bat playfully, hinting at the prodigious talent that would later emerge.
Kohli’s formal introduction to cricket came at the age of nine when his father enrolled him in the West Delhi Cricket Academy under the guidance of coach Rajkumar Sharma. His dedication was evident early on—he would spend hours honing his skills, displaying a level of discipline rare for someone so young. Tragedy struck in 2006 when Kohli’s father passed away due to a brain stroke. At the time, Kohli was just 18 and playing a Ranji Trophy match for Delhi against Karnataka. In a remarkable display of grit, he scored 90 runs that day, saving his team from defeat, before rushing to attend his father’s funeral. This incident shaped Kohli’s resilience and mental toughness, qualities that would define his career.
Domestic Career and Rise to Prominence
Kohli’s domestic career took off with Delhi, where he quickly established himself as a prolific run-scorer. His breakthrough moment came in 2008 when he led the Indian Under-19 team to victory in the ICC U-19 World Cup in Malaysia. As captain, he scored 235 runs in the tournament, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure. This triumph caught the attention of selectors and marked his entry into the senior Indian team.
In the Indian Premier League (IPL), Kohli was picked by Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the inaugural season of 2008. Though his early IPL years were modest, his consistency and leadership qualities eventually made him the face of the franchise. By 2025, he remains one of the IPL’s all-time leading run-scorers, despite not winning the title with RCB—a fact that fuels both his critics and his drive.
International Debut and Early Struggles
Kohli made his One Day International (ODI) debut for India in August 2008 against Sri Lanka, opening the batting and scoring 12 runs. His Test debut followed in 2011 against the West Indies. The initial years were not without challenges—his aggressive demeanor and inconsistent performances drew scrutiny. However, his maiden ODI century against Sri Lanka in 2009 and a gritty 116 in his fourth Test match against Australia in 2012 signaled his arrival on the big stage.
The Golden Years: Consistency and Captaincy
The period from 2013 to 2019 is often regarded as Kohli’s golden era. He transformed into a run-machine, breaking records with astonishing regularity. In ODIs, he became the fastest player to reach milestones like 8,000, 9,000, 10,000, and 11,000 runs, surpassing even Sachin Tendulkar’s records. His ability to chase runs in limited-overs cricket earned him the nickname “Chase Master.” By April 2025, he has amassed over 13,000 ODI runs, with more than 50 centuries, a feat that cements his status as one of the format’s all-time greats.
In Test cricket, Kohli evolved into a formidable batsman and leader. He took over the Test captaincy from MS Dhoni in 2014 and led India to historic victories, including a series win in Australia in 2018-19—the first by an Asian team. Under his leadership, India became a dominant force in Test cricket, topping the ICC rankings for several years. His aggressive captaincy style, coupled with personal performances like the 235 against England in 2016, showcased his ability to lead by example.
Kohli also captained India in ODIs and T20Is, steering the team to the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy final and multiple bilateral series wins. However, his tenure wasn’t without criticism—India’s failure to win an ICC trophy during his captaincy (2017-2021) remains a blemish on an otherwise stellar record. He stepped down as T20I captain in 2021 and was replaced as ODI captain later that year, marking the end of his leadership era.
Playing Style and Fitness Revolution
Kohli’s batting is a blend of classical technique and modern aggression. His cover drives, flicks, and lofted shots are textbook, while his ability to adapt to T20 cricket’s demands highlights his versatility. A standout feature of his career is his fitness transformation. After a lean patch in 2012, Kohli overhauled his diet and training regimen, becoming a beacon of athleticism in a sport once lenient on physical standards. His emphasis on fitness influenced a generation of cricketers in India and beyond.
Records and Achievements
As of April 2025, Kohli’s list of accolades is staggering. He holds the record for the most centuries by an Indian in ODIs and is second only to Tendulkar globally. In Tests, his 27 centuries and over 8,000 runs place him among India’s elite. He has won numerous awards, including the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for ICC Cricketer of the Year (2017, 2018) and the Padma Shri (2017), one of India’s highest civilian honors. His consistency across formats—averaging over 50 in ODIs and Tests—sets him apart as a modern legend.
Personal Life and Off-Field Impact
Off the field, Kohli married Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma on December 11, 2017, in a private ceremony in Italy. The couple, popularly dubbed “Virushka,” welcomed their daughter, Vamika, in January 2021. Their relationship has been a media sensation, blending cricket and cinema in India’s celebrity culture. In 2024, they announced the birth of their second child, a son named Akaay, further endearing them to fans.
Kohli is also a successful entrepreneur, with investments in fitness ventures like Chisel gyms and his athleisure brand, Wrogn. His philanthropy, through the Virat Kohli Foundation, supports underprivileged children and athletes, reflecting his commitment to giving back.
Legacy and Future
By April 2025, at 36 years old, Kohli remains a pivotal figure in Indian cricket. Though he relinquished captaincy, his hunger for runs and passion for the game show no signs of waning. Speculation about his retirement looms, but his performances suggest he has more to offer. Whether he leads RCB to an elusive IPL title or adds to his international tally, Kohli’s legacy as a cricketing titan is secure.
Virat Kohli’s story is one of talent meeting tenacity. From the streets of Delhi to the pinnacle of world cricket, he has redefined what it means to be a modern athlete—fierce, fit, and unrelenting. As he continues to bat, the world watches, knowing they are witnessing a once-in-a-generation talent.
