Cricket as a sport has been around for more than half a century. However, certain cricketers don’t just excel on the field—they redefine the game itself. The Virat Kohli biography reveals he is one such player. Virat Kohli is a transformative figure in cricket. His journey from Delhi to global stardom is remarkable. This Virat Kohli biography thus reveals a story of dedication and talent. He began playing cricket at a young age, showing promise early on.
Kohli made his international debut in 2008 and soon rose to prominence. His aggressive batting style captivated fans and redefined modern cricket. Known as the “Chase Master,” he has an incredible ability to chase down targets. This Virat Kohli biography will also highlight his significant achievements and milestones.
Virat Kohli Biography
From his early days, Virat Kohli showed remarkable talent. He played cricket in the bustling streets of Delhi. His journey is a testament to hard work and determination. Known affectionately as “Chiku,” he soon gained recognition. Kohli has earned the nickname “Run Machine” for his impressive scoring ability.
His ability to chase down targets is exceptional. This skill has earned him the title of “Chase Master.” Kohli’s records speak volumes about his dedication. He consistently performs under pressure, leading his team to victory. Moreover, his aggressive batting style captivates fans worldwide. Let’s start off this Virat Kohli Biography by delving into his early days.
Virat Kohli Family
His Father: Prem Nath Kohli
Virat Kohli’s father, Prem Nath Kohli, was a respected criminal lawyer. He played a pivotal role in nurturing Virat’s passion for cricket. Tragically, he passed away from a stroke in December 2006 at the age of 54. At that time, Virat was participating in a Ranji Trophy match for Delhi against Karnataka. Despite the heartbreaking news, he chose to play the next day, scoring an impressive 90 runs. This moment also showcased his dedication and commitment to the sport, which he often attributes to his father’s unwavering support.
Virat Kohli’s Mother: Saroj Kohli
Saroj Kohli, Virat’s mother, has been a cornerstone of his success. As a homemaker, she dedicated herself to ensuring her children had quality lives and opportunities. Saroj also encouraged Virat’s cricketing ambitions from a young age, providing him with the support he needed to pursue his dreams. In a touching tribute during an ODI series against New Zealand in 2016, Virat wore a jersey with his mother’s name on it, honouring her influence in his life and career.
Virat Kohli’s Brother: Vikas Kohli
Virat’s elder brother, Vikas Kohli, shares a passion for fitness and sports. He is known for his dedication to maintaining a healthy lifestyle and often shares workout photos on social media. Vikas is married to Chetna, and they also have a son named Aarav. While he initially played cricket alongside Virat, he later chose to pursue different interests and now manages some of Virat’s business ventures. Vikas remains an avid supporter of his brother, attending matches and cheering him on.
Virat Kohli’s Sister: Bhawna Kohli Dhingra
Bhawna Kohli Dhingra, Virat’s elder sister, prefers to maintain a low profile but is active on social media. She is married to Sanjay Dhingra and has two children, Mehak and Ayush. Bhawna often expresses her support for the Indian cricket team through her posts and is also a fan of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). She plays an important role in the family dynamics and has contributed to Virat’s fashion outlet, One8 Select.
Virat Kohli’s Wife: Anushka Sharma
He is married to Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma. The couple dated for several years before tying the knot in December 2017 in a private ceremony in Italy. They welcomed their first child, Vamika, in January 2021, followed by their son Akaay, born on February 15, 2024. Anushka has faced criticism due to Virat’s performance but their relationship remains strong and supportive. They strive to maintain their children’s privacy while balancing their busy careers.
Virat Kohli Children
Virat Kohli biography took a turn when Anushka and he had two children: a daughter Vamika and a son Akaay. They are committed to keeping their children’s lives away from the media spotlight. The couple has expressed gratitude towards the media for respecting their privacy by sending gift hampers to the paparazzi. They aim to maintain a consistent routine for their children even while travelling.
Virat Kohli Early Life
The Child Prodigy of Virat Kohli
The early days of Virat Kohli biography reveal how he was as a child. Virat Kohli was born on November 5, 1988, in Delhi, India. He grew up in a Punjabi Hindu family in Uttam Nagar. His father, Prem Nath Kohli, was a criminal lawyer, and his mother, Saroj Kohli, was a homemaker. Virat has an older brother, Vikas, and an older sister, Bhawna. From a young age, he showed a keen interest in cricket.
As a child, Virat would often pick up a bat and ask his father to bowl to him. His passion for the sport was evident even at three years old. On May 30, 1998, he joined the West Delhi Cricket Academy (WDCA) with his father’s encouragement. This marked the beginning of his cricketing journey.
At the academy, Virat trained under coach Rajkumar Sharma. Rajkumar Sharma played a huge role in shaping Virat Kohli biography. Virat Kohli’s focus and determination impressed everyone around him. Despite facing challenges early on, including not making the under-14 Delhi team, he persevered. His father turned down offers to move him to influential clubs, believing in his potential.
Virat eventually made it to the under-15 Delhi team and continued to excel. He also attended Saviour Convent School during his ninth grade to further his cricketing career. Tragically, on December 18, 2006, Virat lost his father to a cardiac arrest. This loss deeply affected him.
Virat Kohli Post Father’s Demise
The demise of Virat Kohli’s father was a turning point in his biography. After his father’s passing, Virat took cricket more seriously. He dedicated himself fully to the sport and prioritized practice sessions. His mother noted a significant change in his demeanour following this tragedy.
Virat’s talent shone brightly as he progressed through the ranks. He consistently performed well and quickly gained recognition in domestic cricket. Rajkumar Sharma recalled how Virat’s powerful throws and batting skills set him apart from others.
His commitment to training was unwavering. He attended every practice session without fail and even trained with former Indian bowler Atul Wassan. In 2006, Wassan selected him for the Delhi team in the Ranji Trophy.
Virat’s mental strength became apparent during challenging times. Rajkumar Sharma became a mentor and father figure to him after Prem’s death. He recalled how Virat played through grief during a Ranji match against Karnataka shortly after losing his father.
Despite personal setbacks, Virat’s passion for cricket only grew stronger. He worked tirelessly to improve his game and became known for his leadership abilities among his peers. His journey from a young boy with dreams to a prominent cricketer is an inspiring story of dedication and resilience.
Through hard work and perseverance, Virat Kohli emerged as one of India’s finest cricketers. His early life laid the foundation for an extraordinary career that continues to inspire countless aspiring athletes around the world.
Virat Kohli: From the Streets of Delhi to Under-19 World Cup Winner
Kohli made his domestic debut in February 2006, playing for Delhi against Services. Although he didn’t score in his first match, he quickly showcased his talent. By November of that year, he made his first-class debut against Tamil Nadu, where he scored just 10 runs. However, a standout performance came in December when he scored 90 runs against Karnataka.
The turning point in Kohli’s Biography came in early 2008 when he captained the Indian Under-19 team at the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup in Kuala Lumpur. Under his leadership, India triumphed over South Africa in a nail-biting final, winning by just 12 runs via the Duckworth-Lewis method. Kohli was India’s second-highest run-scorer in the tournament. He ended the tournament with 235 runs at an average of 47. He also displayed remarkable leadership qualities throughout the tournament.
Following this monumental win, Kohli was signed by the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) for a modest sum of Rs. 12 Lakhs. Later that year, he made his international debut during an ODI against Sri Lanka, scoring 12 runs. His performances in domestic cricket continued to impress selectors, and by 2009, he was making waves internationally.
Virat Kohli Career
Virat Kohli’s career is an inspiring story of talent and hard work. He rose from the streets of Delhi to become one of cricket’s biggest stars. The Virat Kohli biography is filled with memorable moments and also impressive achievements.
Early International Career
Kohli made a name for himself with strong performances early on. In 2009, he scored his first One Day International (ODI) century against Sri Lanka. However, this was just the beginning of a remarkable journey.
In 2011, Kohli played in his first World Cup. He made a significant impact by scoring a century in his debut match against Bangladesh. He is also the first Indian to score a century on a World Cup debut. This performance helped set the tone for India’s successful tournament. In the final against Sri Lanka, he contributed 35 runs, hence helping India win its first World Cup title in 28 years.
Later in 2011, Virat Kohli biography got even more interesting as he debuted in Test cricket. Virat Kohli’s Test debut came against the West Indies. With senior players resting after the World Cup victory, he had big shoes to fill. The tour of Australia (2011-12) was tough for India, as they lost 4-0. However, Kohli stood out by scoring the only century for India during that series.
In 2012, Kohli showcased his chasing ability during the Commonwealth Bank Series against Australia and Sri Lanka. India needed to chase down a challenging target of 320 runs within 40 overs to stay in contention for the finals. Kohli’s unbeaten 133 runs off just 86 balls led India to victory, although they ultimately missed out on qualifying.
An important moment in Virat Kohli biography came when Virat got the vice-captaincy for the ODI team during Asia Cup in 2012. Although India did not reach the final, Kohli’s stunning innings of 183 against Pakistan made him the tournament’s highest run-scorer.
Kohli played a crucial role in India’s success at the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy, where he was the top scorer with 43 runs in the final against England.
Virat Kohli: The Successor to Sachin Tendulkar
When Sachin Tendulkar retired in late 2013, it marked a turning point for Virat Kohli biography. He took over the important number four batting position in Tests and proved himself worthy by scoring 119 and 96 runs in a drawn Test match against South Africa at Johannesburg.
In the final on June 23, 2013, India faced England at Edgbaston. The match was reduced to 20 overs per side due to rain. India batted first and scored 129 runs, with Virat Kohli contributing 43 runs off 34 balls. Despite a shaky start, India managed to defend their total, winning by just 5 runs. His consistency continued as he scored two centuries during an ODI series against Australia in early 2014.
Kohli’s aggressive batting style became well-known during this period. In late 2014, he captained India for the first time in a Test match against Australia in Australia. This was when MS Dhoni was injured. He scored an impressive century on his captaincy debut. He then followed it up with another century in the second innings. This was an exhibition of Virat Kohli the leader.
Virat Kohli’s Captaincy Era Begins
MS Dhoni officially retired from Test Cricket following that series. A new chapter is marked in the Virat Kohli biography as he officially took over as captain from the fourth Test onward. Under his leadership, he hit his first double-century against West Indies in 2016. He then followed it up with another double hundred against New Zealand later that year.
Kohli’s captaincy saw him lead India through several successful series wins. These series wins came both at home and abroad. He became known for setting high fitness standards and fostering a competitive spirit within the team. In addition to leading India to victories over formidable opponents like Australia and England, he also became one of only thirteen players to score over 10,000 runs in ODIs. He achieved this milestone faster than any other player.
However, the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy brought disappointment for Kohli and his team. Again entering as favourites, India performed well in the group stages and also managed to reach the final against Pakistan on June 18, 2017. Kohli won the toss and elected to field first. Pakistan set a daunting target of 339 runs. India struggled throughout their innings, with Kohli scoring only 5 runs before being dismissed. Ultimately, India lost by a staggering 180 runs, marking one of their most significant defeats in an ICC final. This loss put immense pressure on Kohli as captain and also raised questions about his leadership in high-stakes matches.
The crowning achievement of Kohli’s captaincy came during India’s historic tour of Australia from late 2018 to early 2019. In that series, he led India to its first-ever Test series victory on Australian soil—an accomplishment that showcased both his leadership skills and batting excellence.
Leading India to the 2019 World Cup Semi-Finals
Kohli was named captain for India’s ODI World Cup campaign in 2019. Virat scored five fifties in that tournament. However, it was a tally many considered below par for someone of his calibre. He became known for reaching significant milestones during this time. Notably, he became the fastest player to reach 20,000 international runs across formats.
However, India fell short in their semifinal match against New Zealand. This was a disappointing end given their strong performance throughout the tournament. Following this setback, Kohli continued to excel individually. He scored his highest Test score of 254 not out during a series against South Africa later that year.
Virat Kohli Resigns from Captaincy
After several successful years as captain across formats, Kohli faced increasing pressure following India’s performance in major tournaments. Despite individual successes, he felt that new leadership might benefit the team. In September 2021, Kohli announced his resignation from T20I captaincy to allow fresh ideas within the squad.
He emphasized his desire to focus more on his batting without the added pressure of captaincy. Later, in January 2022, he stepped down from Test captaincy after India’s series loss to South Africa. He expressed that he wanted to concentrate on his game and contribute more effectively to the team’s success. Thus, this marked a new chapter in Virat Kohli biography.
The Resurgence of Virat Kohli
After some lean years where Kohli struggled with form across formats after achieving great heights earlier in his career, he managed to regain momentum starting with impressive performances at various tournaments. His return began with a spectacular innings against Afghanistan during Asia Cup in late 2022—his first T20I hundred.
In early 2023, Kohli showcased his return to form with multiple ODI centuries—including significant knocks against Sri Lanka and Pakistan during crucial matches like those held at Asia Cup events.
The highlight of his career came during the much-anticipated ODI World Cup held later that year. He broke several records throughout this tournament: surpassing over 1,000 runs within a calendar year. This marked his eighth instance while also equaling Sachin Tendulkar’s legendary record of achieving 49 ODI hundreds.
During a thrilling semifinal match against New Zealand, Virat Kohli achieved a remarkable milestone. He scored his record-breaking fiftieth ODI century. This happened while the legend Sachin Tendulkar was present in the stands. Despite this achievement, India fell short in the final against Australia.
Kohli’s performance throughout the tournament earned him Player of the Tournament honours. He amassed an impressive total of 765 runs. Moreover, this was the highest ever recorded by any player in a single edition of the World Cup.
In June 2024, following India’s victory in the T20 World Cup against South Africa, Kohli announced his retirement from T20 Internationals. He played a crucial role in the final, scoring 76 runs off 59 balls and also helping India secure their second T20 World Cup title.
After the match, Kohli expressed that it was time for the next generation to take over. Kohli finished his T20I career with 4,188 runs in 125 matches, hence making him one of the top run-scorers in the format.
Virat Kohli Biography: List of All Major Records and Awards of Virat Kohli
Test Records
- Most wins as captain of India: 40 wins out of 68 matches.
- Four Test double-hundreds: Achieved in four consecutive series.
ODI Records
- Most ODI centuries: 50 centuries.
- Most ODI centuries while chasing: 27 centuries.
- Most ODI centuries in India: 22 centuries.
- Fastest to milestones:
- 8,000 runs in 175 innings.
- 9,000 runs in 194 innings.
- 10,000 runs in 205 innings.
- 11,000 runs in 222 innings.
- 12,000 runs in 242 innings.
- 13,000 runs in 267 innings.
T20I Records
- Highest career batting average: 51.75.
- Fastest to milestones:
- 3,000 runs in 81 innings.
- 3,500 runs in 96 innings.
- 4,000 runs in 107 innings.
- Most Player of the Match awards: 15 times.
- Most Player of the Series awards: 7 times.
IPL Records
- Most runs in Indian Premier League (IPL): 8,004 runs.
- Most runs in a single edition of IPL: 973 runs in the 2016 season.
- Only player involved in three double-century partnerships: Twice with AB de Villiers and once with Chris Gayle.
- Most runs against Delhi Capitals: 1,030 runs.
- Most hundreds in IPL: 8 centuries.
- Most hundreds in a single season of IPL: 4 centuries.
Honours and Awards
National Honours
- Arjuna Award (2013): Second highest sporting honour in India.
- Padma Shri (2017): India’s fourth highest civilian award.
- Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award (2018): India’s highest sporting honour.
Sporting Honours
- Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy (ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Decade): 2011–2020.
- Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy (ICC Cricketer of the Year): Won in both 2017 and 2018.
- ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Decade: 2011–2020.
- ICC ODI Player of the Year: Won in the years 2012, 2017, 2018, and again in 2023.
- ICC Test Player of the Year (2018).
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