Virat Kohli stands as one of the most celebrated cricketers of all time. Renowned for his fierce playing style, unwavering consistency, and dynamic leadership, Kohli has become the face of Indian cricket in the modern era. His evolution from a young batting prodigy to an international icon is filled with record-breaking achievements and unforgettable milestones. This detailed biography explores Kohli’s life, cricketing milestones, and lasting influence on the game.
Childhood and Early Roots
Born on November 5, 1988, in Delhi, India, Virat Kohli hails from a Punjabi Hindu household. His father, Prem Kohli, was a criminal lawyer, while his mother, Saroj Kohli, managed their home. Kohli grew up alongside his brother Vikas and sister Bhavna. Displaying a passion for cricket from as young as three, Kohli’s parents enrolled him at West Delhi Cricket Academy under coach Rajkumar Sharma at the age of nine.
He attended Vishal Bharti Public School and later Saviour Convent to accommodate his cricket training alongside academics. The untimely death of his father in 2006 due to a cerebral stroke was a defining moment, intensifying Kohli’s drive to succeed in cricket.
Rise Through the Ranks: Domestic and U-19 Success
Kohli made his mark in domestic cricket through standout performances for Delhi’s Under-15 and Under-17 squads, notably scoring an unbeaten 251. In 2006, he debuted in first-class cricket for Delhi against Tamil Nadu in the Ranji Trophy. In a show of extraordinary resolve, he returned to bat and scored 90 the day after his father’s passing.
His big breakthrough came as captain of India’s U-19 team in the 2008 ICC U-19 World Cup, leading them to triumph in Malaysia. His impressive leadership and batting earned attention, and that same year he was bought by Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the inaugural IPL auction, marking the beginning of his professional cricketing era.
International Debut and Early Years (2008–2012)
Virat Kohli played his first ODI in August 2008 against Sri Lanka, notching his maiden half-century during the series. His steady performances earned him a place in the 2009 Champions Trophy squad.
He scored his first ODI century in 2010 and was selected for the 2011 World Cup squad. Kohli struck a hundred in the opening game against Bangladesh and became the first Indian to score a century on World Cup debut. He contributed meaningfully throughout the tournament and was part of the victorious Indian side led by MS Dhoni.
Climbing the Ladder (2013–2016)
Between 2013 and 2016, Kohli matured into India’s most dependable batsman. His reputation as an elite chaser in ODIs solidified. As Test captain from 2014, he brought a bold new energy to Indian cricket, stressing fitness and pace attack.
He guided India to a historic Test series win in Sri Lanka and engineered dominant home series wins against top teams. His captaincy style was both passionate and uncompromising.
Kohli’s Career Zenith – 2016
The year 2016 is widely acknowledged as Kohli’s peak. In the IPL, he amassed a record 973 runs in a single season, including four centuries. He was phenomenal in the Asia Cup and the T20 World Cup, maintaining an average above 80.
Kohli’s Test performances were equally commanding, scoring multiple double hundreds. He etched his name in history by being the first player to score double tons in four successive Test series.
Overseas Dominance (2018)
2018 saw Kohli dispel myths about his vulnerability abroad. He amassed 593 runs in England’s five-Test series and was India’s top performer. He followed it up with another brilliant series in Australia, leading India to their first-ever Test series win Down Under.
He also became the fastest to score 10,000 ODI runs in just 205 innings during this phase.
Captaincy Pressure and Form Dip (2019–2021)
Kohli led India to the 2019 World Cup semi-final, where they bowed out to New Zealand. Despite his consistent form, critics pointed to his failure to secure an ICC title.
His lean phase began in 2020 and continued through 2021. Following back-to-back tournament disappointments, Kohli stepped down as T20I captain, was removed as ODI captain, and finally relinquished Test leadership in 2022.
Resurgence (2022–2023)
In late 2022, Kohli ended his century drought by scoring his 71st international ton during the Asia Cup. The 2023 ODI World Cup on home soil was a redemption arc.
He became the tournament’s highest run-scorer, surpassed Tendulkar’s record for most runs in a World Cup edition, and slammed his 50th ODI hundred. Although India fell short in the final, Kohli was named Player of the Tournament.
Kohli as a Captain
- Tests (2014–2022): 40 wins in 68 matches – most by any Indian captain
- ODIs (2013–2021): Won 65 of 95 games
- T20Is (2017–2021): 30 victories in 50 matches
- He transformed India into the world’s top-ranked Test side and steered memorable overseas series wins.
IPL Legacy
Kohli has been a one-franchise man with RCB since 2008.
- Captain (2013–2021)
- Most runs in IPL history – 7,000+
- 973 runs in 2016 – record for most in a season
- Lifted the IPL trophy in 2025 after years of heartbreak
Batting Philosophy
Kohli’s game is built on intensity, technique, and adaptability.
- Signature strokes: Powerful flicks, cover drives, and bottom-hand dominance
- Chasing ability: Arguably the greatest in ODI history
- Fitness revolution: Set new benchmarks in Indian cricket
- Multi-format genius: Excels in Tests, ODIs, and T20s
Off the Field
Kohli married Anushka Sharma in 2017. They became parents to Vamika in 2021.
He owns fitness and fashion ventures like Chisel and Wrogn, and runs the Virat Kohli Foundation, which nurtures aspiring athletes.
Major Achievements
Batting Milestones:
- Most ODI centuries (50)
- Fastest to 8K–12K ODI runs
- IPL record: Most runs in a season
- Only player with 400+ runs in 5 IPL seasons
ICC Records:
- 2011 World Cup & 2013 Champions Trophy winner
- Top scorer in 2014 & 2016 T20 World Cups
- Player of the Tournament – 2023 World Cup
Captaincy Honors:
- Most successful Indian Test captain
- First Asian skipper to win a Test series in Australia
Awards and Distinctions
- Padma Shri (2017)
- Khel Ratna (2018)
- Arjuna Award (2013)
- ICC Cricketer of the Year (2017, 2018)
- Wisden Cricketer of the Year (2016–2018)
- Global Fame: Featured in Forbes’ list of highest-paid athletes; 250M+ Instagram followers
Influence and Legacy
Kohli’s aggressive brand of cricket reshaped Indian team culture.
- Redefined fitness and mental toughness in Indian cricket
- Revolutionized ODI chasing standards
Used fame for social advocacy – from mental health to animal welfare
Even his critics concede that he redefined Indian cricket’s stature globally. His story is still being written – with every inning, his legacy continues to inspire.
