Virat Kohli: The King of Cricket and His Legendary Career

Virat Kohli (born 5 November 1988) is an Indian cricketer, renowned for his dominance in Test and ODI cricket. Nicknamed the "King" and "Chase Master," he is the highest run-scorer in IPL history and ranks third in T20Is, ODIs, and international cricket. Kohli led India to major victories, including the 2011 World Cup and 2024 T20 World Cup. He has won 10 ICC awards, including the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy twice. Honored with the Arjuna Award, Padma Shri, and Khel Ratna, he was named among Time’s 100 most influential people in 2018. He retired from T20Is in 2024.

Virat Kohli Biography – Early Life, Cricket Career,
Records, Achievements & Personal Life | Indian
Cricketer & Former Captain @prabhatkhabar.com

Early Years

Born on 5 November 1988 in Delhi, Virat Kohli grew up in a Punjabi Hindu family. His father, Prem Nath Kohli, was a lawyer, and his mother, Saroj Kohli, a housewife. He joined the West Delhi Cricket Academy in 1998 and later played for Delhi’s U-15 team. His father's passing in 2006 strengthened his dedication to cricket. In 2015, his family moved to Gurgaon.

Early Cricket Journey and Rise to the U-19 Team

Delhi Cricket Career

Virat Kohli began his junior cricket journey in October 2002 at the Luhnu Cricket Ground against Himachal Pradesh. He scored his first domestic half-century at Ferozeshah Kotla, making 70 runs against Haryana. By the end of the season, he was Delhi’s highest run-scorer with 172 runs at an average of 34.40. In the 2003–04 season, he was named captain of the Delhi U-15 team, scoring 54 runs in a win over Himachal Pradesh and hitting his maiden century (119 runs) against Jammu and Kashmir. He finished the season with 390 runs at an average of 78.

In 2004, Kohli joined the Delhi U-17 team for the Vijay Merchant Trophy. He played four matches, scoring 470 runs, including a highest score of 251*. His coach, Ajit Chaudhary, praised his temperament. Kohli started the 2005–06 season with a score of 227 against Punjab. In the semi-finals, he scored 228 runs, helping Delhi defeat Baroda. Delhi later won the tournament, with Kohli emerging as the highest run-scorer, amassing 757 runs at an average of 84.11.

On 18 February 2006, Kohli made his List A debut in the Ranji One-Day Trophy against Services. Later that year, he debuted in first-class cricket for Delhi in the Ranji Trophy against Tamil Nadu, scoring 10 runs. In the next match against Karnataka, Kohli resumed play after his father's passing and scored a determined 90 runs, helping Delhi avoid a follow-on. His resilience earned praise from Chetan Chauhan, Venkatesh Prasad, and captain Mithun Manhas.

Kohli made his T20 debut in April 2007 during the Inter-State T20 Championship, finishing as Delhi’s highest run-getter with 179 runs at an average of 35.80. In September 2008, he played in the Nissar Trophy against SNGPL, scoring 52 and 197, though Delhi lost on the first-innings lead. He returned to the Ranji Trophy in 2009–10, with a vital 67-run knock against Maharashtra. Ashish Nehra noted Kohli’s transformation from a chubby youngster into a top-tier athlete.

India U-19 Journey

In July 2006, Kohli was selected for the India U-19 squad for a tour of England. He dominated the three-match ODI series against England U-19s with an average of 105 and maintained a 49 average in the Test series. India won both formats, with coach Lalchand Rajput commending Kohli’s technique.

During a tour of Pakistan in September, Kohli played a crucial role, scoring 63 and 28 in the first Test and 83 in the second, leading India to victories. In early 2007, he toured New Zealand, scoring 113 in the first Test. He later played tri-series tournaments in Malaysia and Sri Lanka before regaining form with scores of 144 and 94 in a subsequent Test series.

Kohli gained prominence in 2008 as captain of India’s U-19 World Cup-winning team in Malaysia. He scored 235 runs at an average of 47, finishing as the third-highest scorer. His 100 off 74 balls against West Indies U-19s was hailed as the "innings of the tournament." In the semi-final against New Zealand, he contributed 43 runs and took two wickets. In the final against South Africa, his 19-run knock helped India secure victory.

In June 2008, Kohli received the Border-Gavaskar scholarship to train at Cricket Australia’s Centre of Excellence in Brisbane. Later, he played in the Emerging Players Tournament, scoring a standout 120 against New Zealand Emerging Players. With 204 tournament runs, he caught selectors' attention, earning a call-up to the senior Indian team.

International career

2008–2009: Debut and Early Career

In August 2008, Virat Kohli was named in India’s ODI squad for the Sri Lanka tour and the Champions Trophy in Pakistan. Having played only eight List A matches, his selection was unexpected. With Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag injured, Kohli debuted as a makeshift opener on August 18, 2008, scoring 12 runs before being dismissed by Nuwan Kulasekara. He registered his maiden ODI half-century in the fourth match, scoring 54 runs.

After the Champions Trophy was postponed to 2009, Kohli joined India A as a replacement for the injured Shikhar Dhawan in unofficial Tests against Australia A. In October 2008, he played for the Indian Board President’s XI against Australia, scoring 105 runs in the first innings against a bowling attack featuring Brett Lee and Mitchell Johnson. Although included in India’s squad for the ODI series against England in November 2008, he did not play.

Kohli received a Grade D BCCI contract in December 2008 but was dropped for the January 2009 ODI series against Sri Lanka. In July–August 2009, he played in the Emerging Players Tournament in Australia, finishing as the leading run-scorer with 398 runs at an average of 66.33. His 104-run knock in the final helped India clinch the title.

He returned to India’s ODI squad in August 2009, replacing an injured Gautam Gambhir. In December, he scored his maiden ODI century (107 off 114 balls) in Kolkata, forming a 224-run partnership with Gambhir to help India seal the series against Sri Lanka. 

The Indian Premier League

Individual Record

• Matches: 252
• Runs: 8004
• Highest Score: 113*
• Centuries: 8
• Half-Centuries: 55
• Batting Average: 38.67
• Strike Rate: 131.97

Early Years with Royal Challengers Bangalore

Joining RCB (2007)

In 2007, the BCCI introduced the Indian Premier League (IPL), a franchise-based T20 league. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), owned by Vijay Mallya, selected Kohli for $50,000 based on his U-19 World Cup performance.

First Two Seasons (2008–2009)

Kohli made his IPL debut in 2008 against Kolkata Knight Riders but was dismissed for just one run. Initially placed in the middle order, he struggled to make an impact. Later, he was promoted to the top order against Deccan Chargers, where he regained form. However, he had to return to the middle order in the final matches to accommodate Misbah-ul-Haq, finishing the season with 165 runs as RCB placed seventh.

In 2009, Kohli had a slow start but scored a half-century against Deccan Chargers. With Jacques Kallis and Ross Taylor dominating the top order, his opportunities were limited. However, he played a key role in the semi-final against Chennai Super Kings, helping RCB reach the final. In the final, he was dismissed for seven runs as Bangalore lost to Deccan Chargers by eight runs, finishing as runners-up.

Rise with RCB (2010–2012)

Vice-Captaincy and Breakthrough (2010)

In the 2010 IPL season, Virat Kohli was named vice-captain of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and played a crucial role in their middle order. He guided the team to victory against Kings XI Punjab and formed key partnerships with Kevin Pietersen against Chennai Super Kings and Punjab. A standout knock of 58 at a strike rate of 165 came against Deccan Chargers.

RCB reached the playoffs but lost to Mumbai Indians in the semi-final. In the Champions League T20, Kohli’s 47 against Mumbai fell short in a 2-run loss, but his unbeaten 49 helped RCB reach the semi-finals before losing to Chennai Super Kings.

 

RCB’s Key Retention and Leadership Emergence (2011)

Before the 2011 IPL, Virat Kohli was RCB’s only retained player for $1.8 million. He scored his first half-century against Deccan Chargers and earned consecutive Player of the Match awards against Delhi and Pune. With Daniel Vettori injured, Kohli captained RCB, earning praise from coach Ray Jennings.

RCB topped the league stage but lost the final to Chennai Super Kings, with Kohli scoring 35. He finished as the second-highest scorer with 557 runs. In the Champions League, Kohli’s 70 and unbeaten 84 took RCB to the final, but they lost to Mumbai Indians by 31 runs.

Full-Time Captaincy and Challenges (2012)

Virat Kohli had a rough start to the 2012 IPL, with low scores in the first two matches. He regained form with 57 against Chennai but struggled for consistency, managing only 165 runs by the ninth game. After Daniel Vettori stepped down, Kohli took over as RCB’s captain.

His best knock was an unbeaten 73 against Delhi, forming a 203-run stand with Chris Gayle. In a must-win match against Deccan, he scored 42, but RCB lost and was eliminated. Kohli finished with 364 runs from 16 games, realizing the need to evolve and improve his game.

Virat Kohli’s Captaincy Challenges (2013–2014)

Full-Time Captaincy and Narrow Exit (2013)

With Daniel Vettori’s retirement, Virat Kohli became RCB’s full-time captain in the 2013 IPL. He started well, scoring an unbeaten 93 against Hyderabad and back-to-back fifties against Chennai and Delhi. However, he hit a rough patch, scoring just 45 runs in four innings before bouncing back with 99 against Delhi.

RCB, once table-toppers, faltered due to poor bowling execution. Kohli’s unbeaten 56 in the final league match kept playoff hopes alive, but Hyderabad’s win over Kolkata ended their campaign. Despite strong performances, RCB was eliminated in the group stage.

Struggles and Setbacks (2014)

Ahead of IPL 2014, RCB retained Virat Kohli for ₹12.5 crore (US$1.4 million). He started with an unbeaten 49 but struggled for consistency. RCB’s batting collapsed against Rajasthan Royals, managing just 70 runs, with Kohli scoring 21. Despite moving up to open, he failed to make a significant impact, registering three ducks.

His first half-century came in the twelfth match, but a loss to Kolkata confirmed RCB’s elimination. He ended the season with 73 against Chennai, but RCB lost. Despite the poor season, Kohli remained the most-searched player online, highlighting his growing global popularity.

Breakthrough Years: Leadership and Batting Dominance (2015–2016)

Steady Progress and Playoff Entry (2015)

Ahead of IPL 2015, Virat Kohli was optimistic about RCB’s improved middle order, allowing him to play with less pressure. Opening with Chris Gayle, he started with 41 runs against Sunrisers Hyderabad and soon hit his first fifty in a loss to Chennai Super Kings. To maximize AB de Villiers’ impact, Kohli promoted him up the order.

Bangalore’s bowling improved, dismissing Delhi for 95 in a ten-wicket win. Kohli’s best knock came against Mumbai, scoring 82 in a 215-run stand with de Villiers. He later smashed 44 off 19 balls in a rain-shortened chase against Hyderabad.

RCB qualified for the playoffs, but Kohli’s dismissal for 12 in Qualifier 2 against Chennai ended their campaign. He finished with 505 runs in 16 matches, averaging 45.90.

Record-Breaking Season and MVP Title (2016)

Virat Kohli started IPL 2016 with 75 runs in a 45-run win over Hyderabad, followed by 79 in the next match. He remained consistent, scoring fifties in three of the first four games and forming three century partnerships with AB de Villiers. His maiden T20 century came against Gujarat Lions, but Bangalore struggled, winning only two of their first seven matches.

Facing elimination, Kohli led a stunning comeback, scoring a century in a chase against Pune and building a record 229-run partnership with de Villiers. He smashed four centuries in the season, surpassing 4,000 IPL career runs. His leadership helped RCB reach the final, where he scored 54, though Bangalore lost.

Kohli finished with 973 runs at 81.08, winning the Orange Cap and the MVP title. Coach Daniel Vettori hailed his "phenomenal" leadership.

Challenges in Form and Leadership (2017–2019)

Injury Setback and a Disastrous Campaign (2017)

Virat Kohli missed the first three matches of IPL 2017 due to a shoulder injury. On his return, he scored 62 against Mumbai Indians, but Bangalore lost. His form remained moderate, and against Kolkata Knight Riders, he was dismissed for a duck as RCB collapsed for an IPL-record low of 49 runs.

Despite scoring 55 against Pune, Bangalore managed only 96 runs. With seven losses in ten matches, they were the first team eliminated. Kohli ended the season with 308 runs in 10 innings. Despite the disappointing campaign, ESPNcricinfo named him in the all-time IPL XI.

Consistent Batting, but Playoff Struggles Continue (2018)

Retained for ₹17 crore (US$2.0 million), Virat Kohli was the league’s most expensive player in IPL 2018. He started with 33 runs in a loss to Kolkata Knight Riders, later scoring consecutive fifties and briefly holding the Orange Cap. However, Bangalore struggled, and Kohli criticized the team’s over-reliance on himself and de Villiers, along with poor bowling.

He played crucial knocks of 70 and 48* in must-win games but managed only 4 runs in the decisive match against Rajasthan Royals, leading to Bangalore’s elimination. Post-exit, Kohli openly criticized the middle order for failing in key moments.

Frustration and Missed Opportunities (2019)

Kohli started the 2019 IPL season with just 6 runs against Chennai Super Kings. Seeking stability, he briefly moved down the order but soon returned to his usual position. In his 100th match as Bangalore’s captain, a loss to Rajasthan Royals, Gautam Gambhir questioned his prolonged leadership despite mixed results.

Kohli regained form with a fifty against Kolkata Knight Riders and led Bangalore to their first win with 67 against Kings XI Punjab. Despite a century, his performances were inconsistent. Though Bangalore improved late in the season, early setbacks cost them a playoff spot for the third straight year.

Declining Form and Captaincy Exit (2020–2022)

Struggles in UAE and Playoff Exit (2020)

After the COVID-19 lockdown, Kohli returned to the IPL with high expectations but struggled initially, scoring just 18 runs in his first three matches. He regained form with 72 against Rajasthan Royals and an unbeaten 90 against Chennai Super Kings. Preferring singles over boundaries, he accumulated steady runs.

Under his leadership, Bangalore won five of their first eight matches, but both Kohli and the team faltered later, suffering four consecutive losses. Despite this, they qualified for the playoffs. In the eliminator, Kohli was dismissed for 7, and Bangalore lost to Sunrisers Hyderabad. He admitted the team played nervously.

Captaincy Decision and Playoff Exit (2021)

Before the 2021 season, Kohli emphasized the advantage of neutral venues. He began with two scores of 33 before hitting an unbeaten 72 against Rajasthan Royals, leading Bangalore to four consecutive wins. In September, he became the first player to play 200 matches for a single franchise and announced he would step down as captain after the season.

Kohli crossed 10,000 T20 runs with back-to-back fifties, but his form declined before the playoffs. In the eliminator against Kolkata Knight Riders, he scored 39, but Bangalore lost. He thanked the franchise and reaffirmed his loyalty to the team.

Loss of Form and Inconsistency (2022)

Ahead of the 2022 season, Bangalore retained Kohli for ₹15 crore (US$1.7 million), with Faf du Plessis taking over as captain. Kohli started with an unbeaten 41 against Punjab Kings but struggled with inconsistency at number 3. His only notable early contribution was 48 against Mumbai Indians. He endured a rough patch, including consecutive ducks against Lucknow and Hyderabad, managing just 119 runs in seven matches.

To address his struggles, Kohli was promoted to open but continued to struggle, recording his slowest T20 fifty and another duck. Ravi Shastri suggested he needed a break, but Kohli remained confident. He bounced back with 73 against Gujarat Titans to keep Bangalore’s playoff hopes alive but failed in the knockouts.

Record-Breaking Feats and Consistency (2023–2024)

Dominant Batting Display in 2023

Virat Kohli began the 2023 IPL season with an unbeaten 82 against Mumbai Indians and maintained strong form, scoring fifties in three of the first four matches. Balancing aggressive powerplay hitting with a cautious middle-over approach, he adapted well to different bowling attacks. Kohli led Bangalore as stand-in captain during Faf du Plessis' injury.

Despite an altercation with Gautam Gambhir, he remained consistent, maintaining a strike rate above 140. In a must-win situation, he hit consecutive centuries against Hyderabad and Gujarat, surpassing Chris Gayle’s record. Despite his 639 runs at an average of 53.2, Bangalore failed to qualify for the playoffs.

Milestones and Orange Cap in 2024

Kohli began the 2024 season slowly but rebounded with a match-winning 77 against Punjab Kings. He notched two fifties in the first four games before scoring a career-best 113* against Rajasthan Royals in a losing cause. Despite a six-game losing streak, Kohli’s consistent performances helped Bangalore recover with six straight wins to reach the playoffs.

On May 12, he became the first player to play 250 matches for a single franchise. In the eliminator against Rajasthan Royals, he crossed 8,000 IPL runs, winning his second Orange Cap with 741 runs at 61.75.

Kohli: The Successor to Tendulkar

Virat Kohli's batting style has often been compared to Sachin Tendulkar, whom he idolized. Regarded as Tendulkar's "successor," many believe Kohli has the potential to surpass his records. He has drawn praise from legends like Vivian Richards and Brian Lara, with Dean Jones calling him the "new king of world cricket." Tendulkar himself acknowledged Kohli’s ability to break his record of 100 international centuries. Kohli became the fastest player to reach 27,000 international runs, surpassing Tendulkar's record in 594 innings. He now joins Ricky Ponting and Kumar Sangakkara in this elite milestone.

Playing Style and Aggression

Virat Kohli is renowned for his technical proficiency and dynamic presence on the field. Primarily batting at number three in ODIs, he uses a slightly open-chested stance with a strong bottom-hand grip. His quick footwork, wide range of strokes, and ability to construct innings under pressure define his game. Preferring grounded shots over aerial ones, he excels in wrist play, particularly in the mid-wicket and cover regions. His signature shot is the cover drive, alongside an effective flick shot, though he rarely employs the sweep.

Despite his strengths, Kohli struggles with deliveries outside off-stump, a weakness exploited by bowlers in Tests and ODIs. He thrives in run chases, with 28 of his 51 ODI centuries coming while batting second. His aggressive approach extends to his captaincy, where he leads by example. Though initially seen as brash, he credits his aggression for driving his passion and motivation, making him a modern cricketing icon.

Public Image and Brand Influence

In 2008, sports agent Bunty Sajdeh of Cornerstone Sport and Entertainment signed Virat Kohli, recognizing his leadership potential. Over the years, Kohli’s brand value soared, reaching ₹1,000 crore (US$120 million) in 2023. His lucrative bat sponsorship deal with MRF and a ₹1.1 billion (US$13 million) endorsement agreement with Puma in 2017 made him the first Indian athlete to sign a ₹100 crore brand deal. By 2023, he remained cricket’s most marketable player, earning ₹165 crore (US$20 million) annually.

On social media, Kohli is the most-followed Asian, with over 270 million Instagram followers, commanding ₹8.9 crore (US$1.1 million) per sponsored post. Forbes ranked him among the highest-paid athletes, placing him 100th in 2019 and 66th in 2020. Recognized for his style, he was named one of GQ’s best-dressed men. His influence extends to entertainment, with the animated superhero series Super V and a Madame Tussauds wax statue celebrating his legacy.

Personal Life and Beliefs

Virat Kohli’s relationship with Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma began in 2013, earning them the nickname "Virushka." They first met during a commercial shoot for Clear shampoo. The couple married on 11 December 2017 in Florence, Italy. They welcomed their first child, daughter Vamika, on 11 January 2021, and their second child, son Akaay, on 15 February 2024.

In 2018, Kohli adopted a vegetarian diet to manage a cervical spine issue caused by high uric acid levels. While avoiding meat, he continues to consume dairy and eggs, identifying as an eggetarian. His dedication to fitness has made him one of the world's fittest cricketers.

Kohli follows superstitions, wearing a black wristband, specific gloves, and white shoes for good luck. He also sports a kara on his right arm. His tattoos include Lord Shiva, "Om," his parents’ names, a samurai warrior, a monastery, and his cap numbers.

Records, Achievements, and Honors

Test Cricket Records

• Most wins as an Indian captain (40 wins in 68 matches).
• Most Test double centuries by an Indian (7).
• Scored three double centuries in two consecutive years (2016 & 2017).
• Highest-ever ICC Test ranking points by an Indian (937 points in 2018).

One-Day International (ODI) Records

• Most ODI centuries (51).
• Most centuries in run chases (28).
• Most ODI centuries in India (22).
• Most runs in a single ODI World Cup edition (765 runs in 2023).
• Highest-ever ICC ODI ranking points by an Indian (911 points in 2018).
• Fastest to 8,000 (175 innings), 9,000 (194 innings), 10,000 (205 innings), 11,000 (222 innings), 12,000 (242 innings), 13,000 (267 innings), and 14,000 ODI runs (287 innings).

T20 International (T20I) Records

• Highest career batting average in T20Is (48.69).
• Most runs in a single T20 World Cup edition (319 runs in 2014).
• Fastest to 3,000 (81 innings), 3,500 (96 innings), and 4,000 T20I runs (107 innings).
• Most Player of the Match awards (15) and Player of the Series awards (7).

Indian Premier League (IPL) Records

• Most IPL runs (8,004).
• Most runs in a single IPL season (973 in 2016).
• Only player involved in three double-century partnerships (twice with AB de Villiers, once with Chris Gayle).
• Most runs against Delhi Capitals (1,030).
• Most IPL centuries (8) and most in a single season (4).

Awards and Recognitions

National Honors

• Arjuna Award (2013): India’s second-highest sporting honor.
• Padma Shri (2017): India’s fourth-highest civilian award.
• Khel Ratna Award (2018): India’s highest sporting honor.

International Cricket Awards

• Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy (ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Decade): 2011–2020.
• Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy (ICC Cricketer of the Year): 2017, 2018.
• ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Decade: 2011–2020.
• ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year: 2012, 2017, 2018, 2023.
• ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year: 2018.
• ICC Men’s ODI Team of the Year: 2012, 2014, 2016 (C), 2017 (C), 2018 (C), 2019 (C), 2023.
• ICC Men’s Test Team of the Year: 2017 (C), 2018 (C), 2019 (C).
• ICC Men’s T20I Team of the Year: 2022.
• ICC Spirit of Cricket Award: 2019.
• ICC Men’s Test Team of the Decade (C): 2011–2020.
• ICC Men’s ODI Team of the Decade: 2011–2020.
• ICC Men’s T20I Team of the Decade: 2011–2020.
• ICC Cricket World Cup Player of the Tournament: 2023.
• ICC T20I World Cup Player of the Tournament: 2014, 2016.
• Polly Umrigar Award for Best Indian Cricketer: 2011–12, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18.
• Wisden Leading Cricketer in the World: 2016, 2017, 2018.
• ICC Player of the Month: October 2022.
• CEAT International Cricketer of the Year: 2011–12, 2013–14, 2017–18, 2018–19.
• IPL Orange Cap: 2016, 2024.
• Barmy Army International Player of the Year: 2017, 2018.
• ESPNcricinfo ODI Batting Performance of the Year: 2012.

Other Recognitions

• People’s Choice Award (India) for Favorite Sportsperson: 2012.
• GQ Sportsman of the Year: 2013.
• CNN-News18 Indian of the Year: 2017.
• PETA India’s Person of the Year: 2019.
• A stand named after Kohli at Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium, Delhi.