Early Life and Background

Virat Kohli was born on 5 November 1988 in Delhi, India. His father, Prem Kohli, worked as a criminal lawyer, while his mother, Saroj Kohli, managed the home. Raised in a middle-class Punjabi family, Virat displayed energy and a love for sports from a young age. At just three, he picked up a bat; by nine, he joined the West Delhi Cricket Academy (WDCA), where coach Rajkumar Sharma first saw the focus and discipline that would define his career.

Struggles and Turning Point

In 2006 Kohli suffered the devastating loss of his father to a brain stroke. The tragedy might have derailed many, but Virat used it as fuel. He famously scored a vital 90 for Delhi in a Ranji Trophy game the very next morning — an emotional display of commitment that revealed his mental toughness. He often says he carries his father’s dream forward with every match.

Rise in Under-19 Cricket

Kohli’s leadership and batting reached a global audience when he captained India to the ICC Under-19 World Cup title in 2008. His assertive captaincy and confident batting fast-tracked him to the national team later that year.

International Debut and Breakthrough

Debuting in ODIs in August 2008 against Sri Lanka, Kohli’s early international years were a mix of promise and learning. He steadily refined technique, temperament and fitness. By 2011 he had cemented his spot and became the first Indian batter to score a century on World Cup debut.

The Run-Machine Era

From around 2013 to 2019 Kohli entered a period of near-unrivalled dominance. He compiled runs across formats with astonishing frequency — breaking records such as fastest to multiple ODI run-milestones, and setting chase-mastery standards. His technique, combined with an intense competitive drive, earned him reputation as the modern “run-machine.”

Captaincy and Leadership

Kohli took charge as India’s Test captain in 2014 and as limited-overs captain in 2017. Under his leadership India recorded historic results — notably a Test series win in Australia (2018–19) — and the team’s fitness and fielding standards improved markedly. He also nurtured a new generation of players who became key contributors for India.

Playing Style & Strengths

Kohli is admired for textbook batting technique, supreme fitness, and mental resilience. His elegant cover drives, ruthless running between wickets, and uncanny ability to chase totals have defined many modern limited-overs contests. He combines classical timing with contemporary intensity.

IPL & Domestic Cricket

In the Indian Premier League, Virat has been the heartbeat of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). He holds the record for the tournament’s most runs and produced one of the highest single-season tallies in IPL history. In late 2025 he returned briefly to domestic one-day cricket to play for Delhi—showing his dedication to match practice and form.

Personal Life

Virat married Bollywood actor Anushka Sharma on 11 December 2017. Their union is one of India’s most watched celebrity stories. They welcomed their daughter Vamika in January 2021 and a son in 2024. Despite immense fame, Kohli often stresses balance, family values and privacy.

Fitness Revolution

Kohli’s transformation from a talented youngster to a peak-fitness icon is central to his legacy. His strict diet, gym regimen and professional approach to recovery set new standards for Indian cricket, influencing selection and culture across the team.

Awards & Records

His trophy cabinet includes major honours such as the Arjuna Award, Padma Shri and Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, alongside multiple ICC recognitions. Numerically, Kohli’s achievements — dozens of international centuries and fastest-to milestones — underline his sustained excellence.

Legacy

Virat Kohli’s legacy stretches beyond runs and records. He symbolizes modern professionalism: fitness, work ethic, mental strength and an uncompromising hunger to improve. For millions of fans and aspiring cricketers, he is both an idol and a benchmark.