Virat Kohli — Biography, Career, Records, Latest News & Updates
Virat Kohli isn’t just a cricketer; he’s a movement. Over the past decade, the Delhi-born batsman has become one of the most admired athletes in the world — a symbol of aggression, discipline, and passion for the game. Known as the “Run Machine,” Kohli has broken batting records that once felt untouchable, built a loyal global fanbase, and redefined how India approaches cricket. His journey from a young boy playing gully cricket to captaining India on the world stage is as inspiring as it is remarkable.
Early Life & Background
Virat Kohli was born on 5 November 1988 in Delhi to Prem and Saroj Kohli. From a young age, cricket fascinated him. His father, a criminal lawyer, recognized his son’s passion and enrolled him in the West Delhi Cricket Academy when Virat was just nine years old.
But life wasn’t easy. In 2006, Kohli lost his father to a sudden stroke, yet he turned his grief into fuel. On the very next day after his father’s death, 18-year-old Virat played a crucial Ranji Trophy match for Delhi and scored 90 runs — a defining moment that revealed his mental toughness.
Rise in Indian Cricket
Kohli first gained attention as India’s U-19 captain, leading the team to victory in the 2008 ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup in Malaysia. Later that year, he debuted for India’s senior ODI team against Sri Lanka.
It wasn’t an overnight success story. Kohli spent years proving himself, but by 2011, he had cemented his place. His fearless batting during the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup, especially in the final where he steadied India’s chase after losing early wickets, earned him praise.
Captaincy & Leadership Era
Virat Kohli’s leadership journey began when he took over India’s Test captaincy from MS Dhoni in 2014. Later, he became the ODI and T20I captain in 2017. His captaincy was marked by unmatched fitness standards and an aggressive brand of cricket.
Under Kohli’s leadership:
- India won its first-ever Test series in Australia (2018–19).
- India reached the ICC World Test Championship final (2021).
- Team India stayed No.1 in Test rankings for nearly five years.
- In limited overs, India achieved memorable bilateral series wins overseas.
Although Kohli stepped down from T20I captaincy after the 2021 T20 World Cup and later from ODIs and Tests in early 2022, his impact on shaping India’s modern cricket culture remains unmatched.
Batting Records & Achievements
Virat Kohli is often compared to legends like Sachin Tendulkar, and for good reason. His records speak for themselves:
- Fastest to 8,000, 9,000, 10,000, 11,000 & 12,000 ODI runs.
- Most ODI centuries while chasing.
- Over 75 international centuries (Tests + ODIs + T20Is).
- ICC Awards: ICC Cricketer of the Year (2017, 2018), ICC Test Player of the Year (2018), Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy (2017, 2018).
- Holds the record for the most runs in T20 internationals for India.
His batting is a mix of classical technique and modern aggression, especially while chasing targets — a skill that has earned him the tag “Chase Master.”
Playing Style & Fitness Revolution
Kohli isn’t just known for runs; he transformed India’s approach to fitness. Once criticized for being slightly overweight in his early days, Virat adopted a strict diet and intense training routine. He introduced a new culture in the Indian dressing room where fitness levels — Yo-Yo test scores, strength training, and endurance — became as important as batting averages.
Many young cricketers credit Kohli for inspiring them to focus on fitness.
Personal Life & Beyond Cricket
In December 2017, Virat married Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma, and the couple welcomed their daughter Vamika in 2021. Despite their celebrity status, they’ve kept their personal life private, occasionally sharing glimpses with fans while maintaining boundaries.
Off the field, Kohli runs the Virat Kohli Foundation, supporting underprivileged kids and promoting sports development. He’s also one of the most marketable athletes globally, endorsing major brands like Puma, MRF, Audi, and Vivo.
Personal Life & Beyond Cricket
Virat Kohli’s bond with the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) is legendary. He’s been with RCB since 2008 — the longest stint for any player with a single franchise.
- In 2016, Kohli scored 973 runs, the most by any player in an IPL season, a record that still stands.
- He has captained RCB for several seasons, turning the team into one of the most-followed franchises globally.
Latest News & Updates
Virat Kohli remains in the headlines — whether for breaking new batting records, making comebacks after lean patches, or taking strategic breaks for family and mental well-being. His performances in ICC tournaments, Asia Cups, and IPL seasons continue to be closely watched.
Fans eagerly follow updates about his fitness routines, social media posts, and his life as a father and husband.
Legacy & Impact
Kohli’s impact goes beyond numbers. He made chasing big scores seem normal, built a culture of fearless cricket, and raised India’s athletic standards. For millions of fans, he’s an example of resilience — a boy who faced personal loss early but turned pain into unmatched determination.
As he moves deeper into his 30s, cricket pundits debate how long he will continue dominating, but one thing is certain: Virat Kohli’s story is far from over. Each time he walks out to bat, stadiums erupt — because greatness still feels fresh when Kohli is at the crease.