Virat Kohli, one of the most prominent names in world cricket, has redefined the standards of the game in the 21st century. Known for his aggressive batting, sharp cricketing acumen, and unmatched fitness levels, Kohli has left an indelible mark on the sport. From a young boy with a passion for cricket to becoming one of the greatest players to ever grace the game, Virat Kohli’s journey is one of determination, consistency, and excellence.
Early Life and Entry into Cricket
Born on November 5, 1988, in Delhi, Virat Kohli was introduced to the game of cricket at a young age. His father, Prem Kohli, was a lawyer, and his mother, Saroj Kohli, was a homemaker. Kohli’s love for cricket developed early on, and his parents supported his ambitions wholeheartedly. He joined the West Delhi Cricket Academy at the age of nine, where he honed his skills and quickly made a name for himself.
His rise was meteoric, and by the age of 19, Kohli was already representing Delhi in domestic cricket. His breakthrough moment came in 2008 when he made his debut for the Indian national team in an ODI against Sri Lanka. This was just the beginning of a remarkable career that would later make Kohli one of the most celebrated cricketers in the world.
The Rise of a Star
Kohli’s debut in international cricket set the stage for an illustrious career. His ability to chase down targets with calmness and his consistent performances in challenging conditions made him a key player for India. His first major breakthrough came in 2008 when he played a match-winning knock of 102* against Sri Lanka in an ODI.
The Indian cricketing world took notice of his batting skills, and his rise to prominence was swift. In 2013, Kohli was appointed vice-captain of the Indian team, a reflection of the faith placed in his leadership abilities. However, it was his aggression, confidence, and unmatched work ethic that truly set him apart from his contemporaries.
Mastering the Art of Chasing
Virat Kohli is widely regarded as one of the best chasers in the history of One-Day International (ODI) cricket. His temperament under pressure, paired with his ability to read the game, made him the go-to player when India needed to finish a game. Whether it was a crucial match in a World Cup or a tense chase in the IPL, Kohli’s consistency and hunger for runs have earned him the tag of “Chase Master.”
Kohli’s performances in run chases against top teams, including Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand, earned him admiration from all corners of the cricketing world. His famous knock of 82* against Australia in the 2016 T20 World Cup is considered one of the greatest innings in T20 cricket history.
Test Cricket Excellence
While Kohli made a name for himself in limited-overs cricket, his dominance in Test cricket is equally noteworthy. After taking over as captain of the Indian Test team in 2014, Kohli transformed the team into one of the most formidable sides in the world. His aggressive leadership and commitment to fitness helped India reach the top of the ICC Test rankings in 2016, and they retained the position for several years.
Kohli’s performances in Test cricket have been exceptional. He has scored numerous centuries in challenging conditions, including a memorable series win in Australia in 2018-2019. His match-winning performances in tough places like South Africa, England, and Australia have made him a force to be reckoned with in the longest format of the game.
Leadership and Captaincy
Virat Kohli’s leadership has been a defining feature of his career. He took over the reins of the Indian cricket team in all formats in 2017 after MS Dhoni stepped down from the limited-overs captaincy. Under Kohli’s leadership, India achieved tremendous success, including the historic Test series win in Australia, numerous series wins at home, and consistently remaining at the top of the ICC rankings.
Kohli’s leadership is marked by his fearless attitude and his ability to lead by example. He is known for his passion, energy, and commitment to the team, which has helped build a strong unit. His aggressive approach, both as a batsman and captain, has inspired a new generation of cricketers.
Personal Life and Off-Field Contributions
Virat Kohli’s personal life is equally well-known, especially his marriage to Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma in 2017. The couple has been in the limelight for their love story, and their fans continue to admire them both for their public lives and individual contributions to their respective fields.
Beyond cricket, Kohli is also known for his charity work. He established the Virat Kohli Foundation, which works towards supporting underprivileged children and various social causes. Kohli’s commitment to fitness and his advocacy for healthy living have also made him a role model for millions of people worldwide.
Records and Achievements
Kohli’s list of records and achievements is extensive. He has broken multiple records in ODI cricket, including the fastest player to reach 8,000, 9,000, 10,000, and 11,000 runs. He became the fastest player in history to score 8,000 runs in ODIs, and he holds the record for the most number of centuries in successful run chases.
As of 2025, Kohli has over 70 international centuries to his name, putting him in the same league as some of the greatest batsmen the game has ever seen, including Sachin Tendulkar, Ricky Ponting, and Jacques Kallis. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest modern-day batsmen.
The Future of Virat Kohli
At the age of 35, Kohli is still an active player in international cricket and continues to be a crucial member of the Indian team. His passion for the game and drive to improve himself remain unparalleled. Even though he has already achieved so much, his hunger for success shows no sign of waning.
While he has passed the leadership baton to Rohit Sharma in limited-overs cricket, Kohli’s role as a player and mentor continues to be of immense value to the Indian team. His legacy as one of the finest cricketers of all time is firmly etched, and the future will only add to his greatness.
