Virat Kohli Biography
Virat Kohli, born on November 5, 1988, in Delhi, India, is one of the most iconic cricketers of modern times. Known for his aggressive playing style and consistent performances, Kohli has become a household name not just in India but across the cricketing world. With numerous records to his name, he is often referred to as the “Run Machine” of Indian cricket.
Early Life and Background
Virat Kohli was born into a Punjabi family in Delhi. His father, Prem Kohli, was a criminal lawyer, and his mother, Saroj Kohli, is a homemaker. From a young age, Kohli showed a keen interest in cricket. He joined the West Delhi Cricket Academy at the age of 9, under the guidance of coach Rajkumar Sharma. His dedication and natural talent were evident early on.
Rise Through Domestic Cricket
Kohli made headlines when he played a crucial innings for Delhi in a Ranji Trophy match just after the death of his father in 2006. His commitment and performance won the hearts of cricket fans and selectors alike. He quickly rose through the ranks in Indian domestic cricket and was soon selected for the India Under-19 team.
Captaincy and U-19 World Cup Glory
In 2008, Virat Kohli led the Indian Under-19 team to victory in the ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup in Malaysia. His leadership skills and aggressive batting caught the attention of selectors, and the same year, he made his ODI debut for India against Sri Lanka.
International Debut and Career Milestones
- ODI Debut: August 18, 2008, vs. Sri Lanka
- Test Debut: June 20, 2011, vs. West Indies
- T20I Debut: June 12, 2010, vs. Zimbabwe
Virat Kohli has since become a crucial part of the Indian cricket team in all formats. He has scored more than 25,000 international runs, including 70+ international centuries. His fitness, technique, and mental strength make him a standout performer.
Captaincy Era
Kohli took over the Test captaincy from MS Dhoni in 2014 and later became the full-time captain in all formats. Under his leadership:
- India became the No.1 Test team in the ICC rankings.
- The team reached the finals of major ICC tournaments.
- He emphasized fitness and aggressive cricket.
Indian Premier League (IPL) Career
Virat Kohli has been a loyal player for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) since the inception of the IPL in 2008. He was the captain of RCB for several seasons and holds the record for the highest runs in a single IPL season (973 runs in 2016).
Personal Life
In 2017, Virat Kohli married Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma. The couple welcomed their daughter, Vamika, in January 2021. Kohli is known for his strong personality, discipline, and passion both on and off the field.
Awards and Achievements
- Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award – 2018
- Padma Shri – 2017
- ICC Cricketer of the Year – Multiple years
- Most Centuries in ODI by an Indian after Sachin Tendulkar
Interesting Facts About Virat Kohli
- Kohli is a fitness icon and follows a strict diet and workout regime.
- He is the fastest batsman to reach 8,000, 9,000, 10,000, and 11,000 runs in ODIs.
- He co-owns several fitness brands and is actively involved in philanthropy through the Virat Kohli Foundation.
Conclusion
Virat Kohli’s journey from a passionate young cricketer in Delhi to becoming one of the greatest cricketers of all time is truly inspiring. His dedication, consistency, and leadership continue to influence millions of aspiring cricketers around the globe.