Virat Kohli is one of the greatest cricketers in India. He is an inspiration, a record-breaker, and a global icon. His aggressive style, unmatched consistency, and ability to chase down targets have made him one of the most revered players in the history of cricket in India. Kohli’s journey is nothing short of legendary. In this article, we’ll discuss every stop in his life from leading the Indian team across formats to becoming the highest run-scorer in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Early Life
Born on November 5, 1988, in Delhi, Kohli showed a keen interest in cricket from a young age. His father, Prem Nath Kohli, recognized his talent and enrolled him in the West Delhi Cricket Academy at just nine years old. Under the guidance of coach Rajkumar Sharma, he honed his batting skills and quickly made a name for himself in Delhi’s cricketing circuit.
His big break came in 2008, when he captained India’s U-19 team to victory in the ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup. His leadership and batting performances caught the attention of national selectors, paving the way for his international debut.
Rise to International Stardom
Kohli made his ODI debut for India in 2008 against Sri Lanka. Though he started as a makeshift opener, his hunger for runs and fearless batting style helped him secure a permanent spot in the middle order. His ability to handle pressure made him a key player in India’s historic 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup win, where he played a crucial role in the final.
Over the years, he adapted his game across formats. His Test debut came in 2011, and he soon became one of India’s most reliable batsmen in the longest format. By 2013, he was ranked No. 1 in ODIs, and in 2018, he became the only Indian cricketer to hold the top spot in all three formats—Test, ODI, and T20I.
Taking over from MS Dhoni, Kohli was named India’s full-time captain in 2017, leading the team in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is. Under his leadership, India dominated world cricket, securing memorable series wins overseas, including in Australia and England. His fitness-first approach revolutionized Indian cricket, setting new standards for discipline and performance.
As captain, Kohli led India to the ICC World Test Championship final in 2021 and 2023. He also guided the team to multiple Asia Cup and bilateral series victories. However, after stepping down from T20I and ODI captaincy, Kohli continued to shine with the bat, playing a pivotal role in India’s 2024 T20 World Cup triumph.
Records and Achievements
Kohli’s records in cricket in India are staggering. He holds the record for the most centuries in ODIs, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar, and is the highest run-scorer in IPL history. Some of his other major achievements include:
- Fastest to 8,000, 9,000, 10,000, 11,000, and 12,000 ODI runs
- Most centuries in successful ODI chases
- First cricketer to score 20,000 international runs in a single decade
- Most ICC awards won by any player, including ICC Cricketer of the Decade (2020)
Beyond Cricket
Off the field, Kohli enjoys a high-profile life. He married Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma in 2017, and the couple has since welcomed two children. Known for his fitness and disciplined lifestyle, he follows a strict training routine and has inspired many young cricketers to focus on physical fitness.
His brand value is among the highest in the world of sports. Kohli endorses several international brands and has his own fitness chain, One8, in collaboration with Puma. He is also actively involved in philanthropy, supporting various causes through the Virat Kohli Foundation.