By Biography Daddy:-Virat Kohli Indian Cricket Player Introduction.
Virat Kohli was born on 5th November 1988 in Delhi, India, into a Punjabi Hindu family. His father, Prem Kohli, was a criminal lawyer, and his mother, Saroj Kohli, is a homemaker. He has an elder brother, Vikas Kohli, and an elder sister, Bhavna Kohli.
From a young age, Kohli displayed an incredible interest in cricket. He picked up a bat when he was just three years old. Seeing his passion and natural ability, his family enrolled him at the West Delhi Cricket Academy (WDCA) at the age of nine under the guidance of Rajkumar Sharma, who became a crucial mentor in shaping Kohli’s early career.
Virat Kohli Education
Virat did his early schooling at Vishal Bharti Public School and later shifted to Saviour Convent School in Paschim Vihar, Delhi, so that he could concentrate on his cricket training. Academics took a backseat as cricket became his sole focus.
Virat Kohli Early Cricket Career
Virat quickly rose through the ranks in Delhi’s age-group cricket. He represented Delhi Under-15 team in the Polly Umrigar Trophy in 2002–03 and soon captained the side. In 2004, he was selected for the Delhi Under-17 team for the Vijay Merchant Trophy, scoring 757 runs in 7 matches including two centuries.
A defining moment came in December 2006, when Kohli played a Ranji Trophy match against Karnataka just a day after his father’s death. He scored a gritty 90 runs, showcasing his mental toughness and passion for the game. This moment won him national admiration.
2008 U-19 World Cup Victory
Virat Kohli captained the Indian Under-19 cricket team at the 2008 ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup in Malaysia. Under his leadership, India won the tournament, and Kohli’s performances with both bat and leadership skills earned wide recognition. He scored crucial runs throughout the tournament, including a significant all-round performance in the semifinals against New Zealand.
This victory played a pivotal role in bringing him into the spotlight, catching the attention of selectors and IPL franchises.
IPL Debut and Early Years
After the U-19 World Cup, Virat Kohli was bought by Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the inaugural Indian Premier League (IPL) season in 2008. Though he did not have a great season initially, the team retained faith in him. Kohli’s performances gradually improved with each IPL season.
He became a vital part of RCB’s middle-order and was eventually made the vice-captain in 2011 and captain in 2013, succeeding Daniel Vettori. Despite not winning an IPL trophy yet, Kohli is the tournament’s all-time highest run-scorer.
His most prolific IPL season came in 2016, where he scored 973 runs, including four centuries, leading RCB to the final.
International Debut
Virat Kohli made his ODI debut for India on 18 August 2008 against Sri Lanka. He was given an opportunity to open the innings due to the absence of senior players. Kohli scored his maiden ODI fifty in the series and soon established himself in the side.
He made his T20I debut in 2010 and his Test debut in 2011 against the West Indies. Initially, he struggled in the longer format, especially during the 2011 tour of England. However, he made a strong comeback later that year with a century in Australia in Adelaide.
Rise to Prominence
Between 2012 and 2016, Virat Kohli evolved into India’s most dependable batsman. His impeccable technique, temperament, and unmatched consistency earned him comparisons to Sachin Tendulkar. He was known for his ability to chase big totals under pressure.
Notable performances include:
- Scoring 183 against Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2012.
- Playing several match-winning chases against Sri Lanka and Australia.
- Becoming ICC ODI Cricketer of the Year in 2012.
By 2014, he was seen as the natural heir to MS Dhoni and was named vice-captain across formats.
Captaincy Era
After Dhoni stepped down from Test captaincy in 2014, Kohli took over as the Test captain during India’s tour of Australia. His attacking mindset and hunger for victory defined a new era in Indian cricket.
In 2017, he became the full-time captain in all three formats. Under his leadership:
- India achieved the number one Test ranking.
- He led India to their first-ever Test series win in Australia in 2018–19.
- India reached the final of the ICC World Test Championship 2021.
- India reached the semifinals of the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup.
Kohli’s captaincy was marked by his belief in fitness, aggressive fast bowling, and fearlessness.
Batting Records and Milestones
Virat Kohli has amassed countless records in international cricket:
ODI Records:
- Fastest to 8,000, 9,000, 10,000, 11,000 and 12,000 runs in ODIs.
- 50 ODI centuries, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s 49.
- Over 13,000 ODI runs, second only to Tendulkar in terms of centuries.
- Highest average among modern-day greats in ODIs (around 58).
Test Records:
- Over 8,500 runs in Tests.
- 29 Test centuries.
- Double centuries in four consecutive Test series (a unique record).
T20I Records:
- Most runs in T20 Internationals.
- First player to score 3,000 runs in T20Is.
- Consistent performances in T20 World Cups, including Player of the Tournament in 2014 and 2016.
Kohli is one of the few players to have scored a century in all three formats of the game.
Fitness and Discipline
One of the reasons for Kohli’s success is his extraordinary focus on fitness. Inspired by athletes like Cristiano Ronaldo, he revolutionized the fitness culture in Indian cricket. He turned vegetarian in 2018 and follows a strict diet and training regimen. His commitment to fitness has extended to the Indian team, inspiring others to follow suit.
Personal Life
Virat Kohli married Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma on 11 December 2017 in a private ceremony in Italy. Their wedding was widely covered by media and fans. The couple welcomed their first child, Vamika, in January 2021.
Kohli and Anushka, fondly known as “Virushka,” have often been in the public eye but have maintained a dignified privacy about their personal lives.
Philanthropy and Business
Kohli runs the Virat Kohli Foundation, which works towards the upliftment of underprivileged children and youth. He is also involved in various charity initiatives, including animal welfare.
In the business sphere, Kohli has invested in brands like Wrogn (fashion brand), One8 (athleisure), and Chisel (fitness chain). He is one of the highest-paid athletes in the world and frequently appears in Forbes’ list of top-earning sportspersons.
Controversies and Challenges
Despite his image as a national hero, Kohli has faced controversies:
- His aggressive on-field behavior and sledging have drawn criticism at times.
- His confrontation with journalist in 2015 and altercations with opposition players like James Anderson and Steve Smith.
- In 2021, there were speculations about a fallout with the BCCI over his captaincy exit from limited-overs formats.
In December 2021, Kohli stepped down as India’s Test captain, marking the end of an era.
Return to Form and Continued Legacy
After a brief slump in form between 2020–2022, where he went without an international century for nearly three years, Kohli bounced back in style. He scored his 71st international century against Afghanistan in Asia Cup 2022.
He continued to shine in ICC World Cup 2023, scoring multiple centuries and becoming Player of the Tournament. Kohli surpassed many records and reaffirmed his position as one of the greatest modern cricketers.
Legacy and Influence
Virat Kohli’s legacy transcends statistics. He redefined batting across formats, championed fitness, and took Indian cricket into a new age of aggressive professionalism. His energy, consistency, and passion have inspired a generation of cricketers not just in India but worldwide.
Some aspects of his legacy include:
- Raising the bar for chasing targets in ODIs.
- Making Test cricket exciting for youth.
- Championing fitness culture in cricket.
- Leading India to overseas Test wins in Australia, South Africa, and England.
- Inspiring future captains like Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul.
Awards and Honours
Virat Kohli has received numerous accolades:
- Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna (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: Multiple years
Conclusion
Virat Kohli’s journey from a young boy in West Delhi to becoming a global cricketing icon is nothing short of extraordinary. He has broken records, silenced critics, and inspired millions. Whether it is his passion, aggression, or commitment, Kohli stands tall as a symbol of modern Indian sport.
As he continues to play and mentor future stars, Virat Kohli’s legacy will remain etched in the annals of cricketing history. His name will forever be synonymous with excellence, leadership, and the relentless pursuit of greatness.
