Virat Kohli Biography and Early Life and Background
Virat Kohli was born on November 5, 1988 (Birth Day of Virat Kohali), in Delhi, India. He grew up in a middle-class Punjabi family and had a deep passion for cricket from a young age. His father, Prem Kohli, was a lawyer, and his mother, Saroj Kohli, was a homemaker. Recognizing his talent, his parents enrolled him in the West Delhi Cricket Academy when he was just nine years old. Under the guidance of coach Rajkumar Sharma, Kohli honed his skills and developed into a promising young cricketer.
Domestic Career and U-19 Success
Kohli’s journey began with Delhi’s Under-15 team in the 2002–03 Polly Umrigar Trophy. His performances at the junior level earned him a place in the Delhi Under-17 and later the Under-19 squad. In 2008, he captained the Indian Under-19 team to victory in the ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup held in Malaysia. This win highlighted his leadership skills and exceptional batting ability, paving the way for his entry into senior cricket.
International Debut and Rise to Prominence
Virat Kohli made his One Day International (ODI) debut for India on August 18, 2008, against Sri Lanka. Initially, he played as a top-order batsman, filling in for injured senior players. However, his consistent performances and strong temperament helped him cement his place in the national team.
His breakthrough moment came during the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup. He played a vital role in India’s triumph, becoming the first Indian to score a century on his World Cup debut. His ability to chase targets and build innings made him a reliable batsman for the team.
Dominance Across Formats
By 2013, Kohli had established himself as one of the best batsmen in the world. His aggressive playing style and ability to handle pressure made him a match-winner in ODIs, Tests, and T20s. His performances in limited-overs cricket earned him the reputation of being the “Chase Master.”
In 2014, Kohli became India’s Test captain following MS Dhoni’s retirement from the format. Under his leadership, India dominated world cricket and achieved the No. 1 Test ranking. He holds the record for the most double centuries by an Indian captain in Test cricket. His consistency in T20s was equally impressive, winning the Player of the Tournament awards in the 2014 and 2016 ICC T20 World Cups.
IPL Journey with Royal Challengers Bangalore
Kohli has been a key player for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) since its inception in 2008. His best season came in 2016 when he scored a record 973 runs, the most in a single IPL season. Although RCB has yet to win an IPL title under his captaincy, Kohli remains one of the league’s highest run-scorers and most influential players.
Captaincy and Achievements
Kohli took over as India’s captain across all formats in 2017 and led the team to several historic victories:
- India won its first-ever Test series in Australia (2018–19).
- India reached the final of the ICC World Test Championship (2021).
- India maintained a dominant home record in Test cricket.
- India won several bilateral series against top teams in all formats.
His aggressive approach and high fitness standards transformed Indian cricket, making the team one of the most formidable sides in the world.
Records and Milestones
Virat Kohli has set numerous records in international cricket:
- Fastest batsman to reach 8,000, 9,000, 10,000, 11,000, and 12,000 runs in ODIs.
- Most centuries in successful ODI chases.
- Over 70 international centuries across formats.
- First player to score 600+ runs in multiple IPL seasons.
- Several records for highest batting averages in ODIs while chasing.
Awards and Recognition
Kohli’s excellence has been recognized with several prestigious awards:
- Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award (2018)
- Padma Shri (2017)
- Arjuna Award (2013)
- ICC Cricketer of the Year (2017, 2018)
- ICC ODI Player of the Year (2012, 2017, 2018)
- Wisden Leading Cricketer in the World (2016, 2017, 2018)
Personal Life (Virat Kohli Biography )
In December 2017, Virat Kohli married Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma in a private ceremony in Italy. The couple welcomed their daughter, Vamika, in January 2021. Kohli follows a strict fitness routine and is known for his disciplined lifestyle, setting new standards for cricketers worldwide.
Legacy and Influence
Kohli’s impact on Indian cricket is immense. His aggressive attitude, commitment to fitness, and relentless pursuit of excellence have set a benchmark for future generations. As he continues to play, he remains one of the greatest batsmen in the history of cricket and an inspiration to millions around the world.
