Virat

Kohli

Virat Kohli Biography and Career

If there's one name that stands out in the cricket world, it’s Virat Kohli – The King. Ever since he made his debut in 2008, we all knew he was something special.

Kohli has been smashing records left and right. He scored his first ODI century on August 14, 2008, against Sri Lanka, and in January 2019, he led India to an unforgettable Test series win in Australia. With 43 centuries in ODIs and over 8,000 runs in Test cricket, Kohli’s numbers speak for themselves. But it’s not just about the stats – it’s the way he gets them.

Kohli’s batting is all about pure technique. He’s known for his classic shots, like cover drives and flicks, which make him stand out. His fitness is incredible. He can turn singles into doubles and his quick reflexes between the wickets are unmatched. In Test cricket, he has the patience to play long innings, and he’s a master against spin. In ODIs, he’s known as the "Chase Master" for his consistency in chasing down targets, and in T20s, he focuses more on timing and placement than hitting the ball out of the stadium.

As captain, Kohli has completely transformed the Indian team. Since taking charge in 2017, India became the No. 1 Test team and won that historic Test series in Australia in 2018-19. His aggressive, bold style has helped India win so many big matches, including that famous victory in Australia in 2021.

Kohli’s IPL journey with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) has been full of highs and lows. While RCB hasn’t won the IPL title under his leadership, Kohli’s individual brilliance – like his 973-run season in 2016 – is still one of the best we’ve seen. His passion for the game and loyalty to RCB have always been clear, despite the team not winning the big one yet. 

Like every player, Kohli has had his tough times too. He faced a lot of criticism in 2017-18 when he struggled for runs, and there were a few heated moments with opponents. But Kohli is a fighter and always bounces back.

His fitness transformation is an inspiration to many! He went from being not so fit to becoming one of the fittest players in world cricket. His dedication to fitness and discipline off the field has played a huge role in his success.  As Virat himself has mentioned, the biggest challenge he faced in his fitness journey was food. Overcoming the temptation of his tastebuds, he stuck to a simple vegetarian diet, often eating the same meals three times a day for months, proving his commitment to his goals. This transformation began around 2014, when he made a conscious shift to a healthier lifestyle.

There’s one more special aspect of Kohli that stands out – his strong connection with the crowd and his refusal to be heckled. During his 123-run knock in the 2018 Perth Test, when the Australian crowd was teasing him, Kohli gave it back with his trademark attitude, making it clear that he wouldn't be intimidated. His confidence and passion for the game shone through, and this bold response helped redefine how Indian cricketers are perceived globally.

Virat Kohli’s unmatched passion for the game, exceptional skill, and strong leadership have cemented his place as one of the greatest cricketers of all time. His legacy as "King Kohli" continues to inspire and influence the world of cricket.

Beyond Cricket

Virat Kohli’s life beyond cricket is just as captivating as his cricketing achievements. In December 2017, he tied the knot with Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma in an intimate ceremony in Italy. Together, they have two children, Vamika and Akaay. Despite being in the limelight, Kohli has always been protective of his family, especially when it comes to keeping his kids out of the public eye. We’ve all seen the heartwarming reels of him celebrating victories with Anushka or sharing quiet, tender moments. Their bond, both on and off the field, is something fans admire.

Away from cricket, Kohli has built a strong presence on social media, with over 270 million Instagram followers, though he prefers to keep his personal life private. Beyond his cricket career, he’s expanded into business, owning a chain of restaurants, and is the face of major brands like Puma, Audi, and MPL. 

Virat Kohli Records 

Virat Kohli ODI Records

• Fastest to 1,000 ODI runs (2012): Achieved in 24 innings during the Asia Cup against Bangladesh, breaking Sourav Ganguly's record (27 innings).

• Fastest to 8,000 ODI runs (2016): Achieved in 175 innings during a match against West Indies, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar's record (189 innings).

• Fastest to 10,000 ODI runs (2018): Reached in 205 matches during an innings against West Indies in Visakhapatnam, breaking Sachin Tendulkar’s record (259 matches).

• First to 50 ODI centuries (2023): Achieved during the World Cup match against Bangladesh in Pune, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar's 49 centuries.

Virat Kohli Test Records

• Most runs in a calendar year (2017): Scored 2,595 runs, highlighted by a double century against Sri Lanka in Nagpur, breaking Sachin Tendulkar’s record (2,528 runs in 1998).

• Historic Test series win in Australia (2021): Led India to victory in the fourth Test at Brisbane, marking a historic series win on Australian soil.

Virat Kohli T20I Records

• First to score 1,000 T20I runs as captain (2022): Achieved during the T20 World Cup semi-final against England.

Virat Kohli Overall International Records

• Fastest to 25,000 international runs (2018): Reached in 514 innings during a Test against England at Trent Bridge, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar's record (577 innings).

• Eight-time 1,000+ international runs in a calendar year: Last achieved in 2023, highlighted by a stunning knock against Pakistan in the Asia Cup Super 4 match.

Virat Kohli World Cup Records

• Most 50+ scores in a single World Cup (2023): Recorded 9 scores of 50+ (6 fifties, 3 centuries), including a century against New Zealand in Dharamshala.

Virat Kohli IPL Records

• Most runs in IPL history: Kohli has over 7,000 runs, becoming the first player to cross this milestone during IPL 2023.

• Highest individual score in IPL (2016): Scored 122* against Kings XI Punjab in Bengaluru.

• Most centuries in a single IPL season (2016): Scored four centuries, leading Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) to the final.

• Most runs in a single IPL season (2016): Scored 973 runs, the highest ever in IPL history.

• First player to play 250 matches for a single franchise (RCB): Achieved in IPL 2023, a testament to his loyalty and consistency with RCB.