The BCCI will soon hold talks with Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma regarding their ODI future, reports...
Virat Kohli
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Virat Kohli Biography – From Delhi’s Streets to Cricketing Supremacy
Introduction
Virat Kohli is widely regarded as one of the most influential and skilled cricketers of the 21st century. Famed for his passion, reliability, and fearless approach, he has become the face of Indian cricket’s modern transformation. With numerous records, powerful leadership, and a relentless drive for excellence, Kohli’s journey stands as a blueprint for aspiring cricketers. This comprehensive profile delves deep into his early days, rise to glory, and enduring legacy.
Early Life and Family
Born on November 5, 1988, in Delhi, Virat Kohli comes from a Punjabi Hindu background. His father, Prem Kohli, worked as a criminal lawyer, and his mother, Saroj, managed the household. Growing up with siblings Vikas and Bhavna, young Kohli displayed an extraordinary passion for cricket.
He joined the West Delhi Cricket Academy (WDCA) at age nine, coached by Rajkumar Sharma. While attending Vishal Bharti Public School, he later switched to Saviour Convent to better juggle cricket and studies. His father’s sudden death in 2006 due to a stroke was a pivotal moment that made Kohli more determined than ever.
Domestic Circuit and U-19 Triumph
Kohli’s domestic journey began with impactful performances for Delhi’s U-15 and U-17 teams, highlighted by a massive unbeaten 251. In 2006, he debuted for Delhi’s senior Ranji side. Impressively, he scored 90 the day after his father passed away — a moment that showcased his mental grit.
He then led India’s U-19 team to a title win in the 2008 World Cup in Malaysia. Kohli’s batting form and strong leadership earned praise, and his career skyrocketed when RCB secured him during the inaugural IPL auction.
Breaking into International Cricket (2008–2012)
Virat stepped onto the international stage in 2008, debuting in an ODI against Sri Lanka. He earned his first fifty in the same series and gained consistent selection thanks to his stable batting.
He notched up his maiden ODI hundred in 2010 and joined the 2011 World Cup squad. Scoring a ton in the opening match against Bangladesh, he became the first Indian to achieve a century in his World Cup debut. He played a crucial role as India clinched the title after 28 years.
Rapid Rise and Leadership Role (2013–2016)
Between 2013 and 2016, Kohli evolved into India’s go-to batter. He racked up match-winning scores and was exceptional in run chases. Taking over Test captaincy in 2014, he instilled a bold, fitness-driven mindset.
India registered a historic Test series win in Sri Lanka after 22 years and steamrolled opponents like England and South Africa at home. His captaincy emphasized aggressive tactics and nurturing pace bowlers.
The Unstoppable Force – 2016
Kohli’s 2016 season was exceptional across all formats. He shattered the IPL record with 973 runs in a single season and struck four centuries. In international T20s, he averaged above 80 across the Asia Cup and World Cup.
He carried his form into Tests, scoring double centuries against multiple teams and became the first player to record four consecutive double tons in Test series.
Mastering Overseas Conditions (2018)
In 2018, Kohli silenced critics about his performance outside Asia. He dominated the England Test series with 593 runs and was India’s standout performer.
Later that year, he led India to a historic Test series victory in Australia — a first for the nation. He also became the fastest player to reach 10,000 ODI runs, achieving the feat in only 205 innings.
2019–2021: Mixed Fortunes and Transition
India reached the 2019 World Cup semi-finals under Kohli’s captaincy, only to lose to New Zealand. Despite personal batting success, the absence of an ICC title began to weigh on his leadership.
By 2020, Kohli faced a rare form slump and endured a century drought. Following India’s defeats in key tournaments, he relinquished T20I and Test captaincy and was removed as ODI skipper — signaling a shift in his role.
The Comeback Trail (2022–2023)
Kohli returned to form in late 2022, scoring a ton against Afghanistan in the Asia Cup – his first century since 2019. The 2023 ODI World Cup saw him in sublime touch, where he topped the run charts and broke Tendulkar’s single-edition record.
He reached an unprecedented 50 ODI centuries and earned the Player of the Tournament honor. Though India lost the final, Kohli’s brilliance stood tall.
Captaincy Achievements
- Tests (2014–2022): 68 matches, 40 wins
- ODIs (2013–2021): 95 matches, 65 wins
- T20Is (2017–2021): 50 matches, 30 wins
He guided India to the No. 1 Test ranking and masterminded memorable wins abroad.
IPL Commitment and Records
A one-team man, Kohli has always represented RCB since 2008.
- Captain from 2013 to 2021
- Holds record for most IPL runs – 7,000+
- 2016 highlight: 973 runs with 4 tons
- IPL Champion in 2025, fulfilling a long-awaited dream
Kohli’s Cricketing Style
Kohli is revered for his classical stroke play, aggression, and elite athleticism.
- Shot selection: Emphasis on flicks, cover drives, and footwork
- King of chases: Redefined chasing in ODIs
- Fitness icon: Transformed India’s approach to athleticism
- All-format great: Proven match-winner in every format
Personal Life and Ventures
Virat tied the knot with actress Anushka Sharma in 2017 in Italy. They welcomed their daughter Vamika in 2021.
He’s a co-founder of ventures like Chisel (fitness) and Wrogn (fashion), and his charitable arm — the Virat Kohli Foundation — promotes grassroots sports.
Accolades and Landmarks
Cricketing Milestones:
- Most ODI tons (50)
- Fastest to 8K–12K ODI runs
- Record-holder for most IPL season runs
- Consistent top performer in IPL history
Major Events & ICC Stats:
- 2011 World Cup winner
- 2013 Champions Trophy champion
- Top scorer in 2014 & 2016 T20 WCs
- 2023 World Cup Player of the Tournament
Leadership Records:
- Most Test wins as India captain
- Pioneered Test wins abroad, including in Australia
Prestigious Honors
- Padma Shri (2017)
- Khel Ratna Award (2018)
- Arjuna Award (2013)
- ICC’s Best Cricketer (2017, 2018)
- Wisden Honoree (2016–2018)
- Global Recognition: Featured in Forbes and Instagram’s most-followed athletes
Lasting Influence and Legacy
Kohli’s influence has transcended numbers and statistics.
- Pushed Indian cricket toward a new era of athleticism
- Changed how ODIs are chased
- Built a legacy of professionalism and mental fortitude
Actively supports mental health, animal welfare, and young athletes
Even today, Kohli continues to be a beacon of passion and excellence — and his story is still being written.
Virat Kohli Biography – From Delhi’s Streets to Cricketing Supremacy
Introduction
Virat Kohli is widely regarded as one of the most influential and skilled cricketers of the 21st century. Famed for his passion, reliability, and fearless approach, he has become the face of Indian cricket’s modern transformation. With numerous records, powerful leadership, and a relentless drive for excellence, Kohli’s journey stands as a blueprint for aspiring cricketers. This comprehensive profile delves deep into his early days, rise to glory, and enduring legacy.
Early Life and Family
Born on November 5, 1988, in Delhi, Virat Kohli comes from a Punjabi Hindu background. His father, Prem Kohli, worked as a criminal lawyer, and his mother, Saroj, managed the household. Growing up with siblings Vikas and Bhavna, young Kohli displayed an extraordinary passion for cricket.
He joined the West Delhi Cricket Academy (WDCA) at age nine, coached by Rajkumar Sharma. While attending Vishal Bharti Public School, he later switched to Saviour Convent to better juggle cricket and studies. His father’s sudden death in 2006 due to a stroke was a pivotal moment that made Kohli more determined than ever.
Domestic Circuit and U-19 Triumph
Kohli’s domestic journey began with impactful performances for Delhi’s U-15 and U-17 teams, highlighted by a massive unbeaten 251. In 2006, he debuted for Delhi’s senior Ranji side. Impressively, he scored 90 the day after his father passed away — a moment that showcased his mental grit.
He then led India’s U-19 team to a title win in the 2008 World Cup in Malaysia. Kohli’s batting form and strong leadership earned praise, and his career skyrocketed when RCB secured him during the inaugural IPL auction.
Breaking into International Cricket (2008–2012)
Virat stepped onto the international stage in 2008, debuting in an ODI against Sri Lanka. He earned his first fifty in the same series and gained consistent selection thanks to his stable batting.
He notched up his maiden ODI hundred in 2010 and joined the 2011 World Cup squad. Scoring a ton in the opening match against Bangladesh, he became the first Indian to achieve a century in his World Cup debut. He played a crucial role as India clinched the title after 28 years.
Rapid Rise and Leadership Role (2013–2016)
Between 2013 and 2016, Kohli evolved into India’s go-to batter. He racked up match-winning scores and was exceptional in run chases. Taking over Test captaincy in 2014, he instilled a bold, fitness-driven mindset.
India registered a historic Test series win in Sri Lanka after 22 years and steamrolled opponents like England and South Africa at home. His captaincy emphasized aggressive tactics and nurturing pace bowlers.
The Unstoppable Force – 2016
Kohli’s 2016 season was exceptional across all formats. He shattered the IPL record with 973 runs in a single season and struck four centuries. In international T20s, he averaged above 80 across the Asia Cup and World Cup.
He carried his form into Tests, scoring double centuries against multiple teams and became the first player to record four consecutive double tons in Test series.
Mastering Overseas Conditions (2018)
In 2018, Kohli silenced critics about his performance outside Asia. He dominated the England Test series with 593 runs and was India’s standout performer.
Later that year, he led India to a historic Test series victory in Australia — a first for the nation. He also became the fastest player to reach 10,000 ODI runs, achieving the feat in only 205 innings.
2019–2021: Mixed Fortunes and Transition
India reached the 2019 World Cup semi-finals under Kohli’s captaincy, only to lose to New Zealand. Despite personal batting success, the absence of an ICC title began to weigh on his leadership.
By 2020, Kohli faced a rare form slump and endured a century drought. Following India’s defeats in key tournaments, he relinquished T20I and Test captaincy and was removed as ODI skipper — signaling a shift in his role.
The Comeback Trail (2022–2023)
Kohli returned to form in late 2022, scoring a ton against Afghanistan in the Asia Cup – his first century since 2019. The 2023 ODI World Cup saw him in sublime touch, where he topped the run charts and broke Tendulkar’s single-edition record.
He reached an unprecedented 50 ODI centuries and earned the Player of the Tournament honor. Though India lost the final, Kohli’s brilliance stood tall.
Captaincy Achievements
- Tests (2014–2022): 68 matches, 40 wins
- ODIs (2013–2021): 95 matches, 65 wins
- T20Is (2017–2021): 50 matches, 30 wins
He guided India to the No. 1 Test ranking and masterminded memorable wins abroad.
IPL Commitment and Records
A one-team man, Kohli has always represented RCB since 2008.
- Captain from 2013 to 2021
- Holds record for most IPL runs – 7,000+
- 2016 highlight: 973 runs with 4 tons
- IPL Champion in 2025, fulfilling a long-awaited dream
Kohli’s Cricketing Style
Kohli is revered for his classical stroke play, aggression, and elite athleticism.
- Shot selection: Emphasis on flicks, cover drives, and footwork
- King of chases: Redefined chasing in ODIs
- Fitness icon: Transformed India’s approach to athleticism
- All-format great: Proven match-winner in every format
Personal Life and Ventures
Virat tied the knot with actress Anushka Sharma in 2017 in Italy. They welcomed their daughter Vamika in 2021.
He’s a co-founder of ventures like Chisel (fitness) and Wrogn (fashion), and his charitable arm — the Virat Kohli Foundation — promotes grassroots sports.
Accolades and Landmarks
Cricketing Milestones:
- Most ODI tons (50)
- Fastest to 8K–12K ODI runs
- Record-holder for most IPL season runs
- Consistent top performer in IPL history
Major Events & ICC Stats:
- 2011 World Cup winner
- 2013 Champions Trophy champion
- Top scorer in 2014 & 2016 T20 WCs
- 2023 World Cup Player of the Tournament
Leadership Records:
- Most Test wins as India captain
- Pioneered Test wins abroad, including in Australia
Prestigious Honors
- Padma Shri (2017)
- Khel Ratna Award (2018)
- Arjuna Award (2013)
- ICC’s Best Cricketer (2017, 2018)
- Wisden Honoree (2016–2018)
- Global Recognition: Featured in Forbes and Instagram’s most-followed athletes
Lasting Influence and Legacy
Kohli’s influence has transcended numbers and statistics.
- Pushed Indian cricket toward a new era of athleticism
- Changed how ODIs are chased
- Built a legacy of professionalism and mental fortitude
Actively supports mental health, animal welfare, and young athletes
Even today, Kohli continues to be a beacon of passion and excellence — and his story is still being written.