Virat: The Undisputed King of Cricket
Virat Kohli’s life story reads like a screenplay destined for the big screen — filled with passion, relentless ambition, moments of self-doubt, blinding success, soul-searching, and transformation. From the sun-drenched nets of Delhi to the world’s grandest stadiums, he carved a place in cricketing lore that few athletes achieve in a lifetime.
The Spark That Became a Flame
Born on 5 November 1988 in Delhi, Virat’s birthday is now a day of celebration for millions of fans worldwide — marking not only the birth of a child but of a cricketing legend. His age, 36 in 2025, belies the ferocity of his competitive fire and the breadth of his records.
From the outset, Virat wasn’t a boy with dreams — he was a boy with purpose. Under his father’s encouraging yet firm guidance and coach Rajkumar Sharma’s nurturing, he transformed raw talent into a blend of craftsmanship and tenacity. His early days at the West Delhi Cricket Academy were humble — but the hunger in his eyes was unmistakable.
Virat Kohli – Quick Information Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Virat Kohli |
| Popular As | King Kohli, Chase Master, King of Cricket |
| Date of Birth | 5 November 1988 |
| Virat Kohli Age | 36 years (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Delhi, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Profession | International Cricketer |
| Role | Top-order Batsman |
| Batting Style | Right-handed |
| Bowling Style | Right-arm medium |
| Height (Kohli height) | ~175 cm (5 feet 9 inches) |
| Domestic Team | Delhi (Indian domestic cricket) |
| IPL Team | Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) |
| India Debut (ODI) | 18 August 2008 vs Sri Lanka |
| Test Debut | June 2011 vs West Indies |
| T20I Debut | June 2010 vs Zimbabwe |
| Virat Kohli Retirement | Retired from Test cricket (2025) and T20Is (2024) |
| Major Nickname Reason | Known as Chase Master for record-breaking run chases |
| Total Centuries by Virat Kohli | 90+ international centuries |
| Virat Kohli Net Worth | ₹1,000+ crore (approx. $125M+) |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Wife | Anushka Sharma |
| Children | 2 (Daughter: Vamika, Son: Akaay) |
| Religion / Belief | Spiritually inclined (frequent visits to Vrindavan) |
| Current Residence | India & United Kingdom (UK) |
| Known For | Indian cricket dominance, fitness revolution, leadership |
The Rise: Young Gun to India Stalwart
In 2008, Virat led India’s under-19 side to glory at the ICC U-19 World Cup — a prelude to an extraordinary career. Soon after, he made his ODI debut and, in quick succession, his T20I and Test debuts — each arrival marking a seismic shift in Indian cricket.
What separated him from the rest wasn’t just runs — it was how he scored them. Whether pacing a chase or anchoring under pressure, he had an almost spiritual connection with the game — earning early whispers of being a great even before he became one.
International Career — A Symphony of Runs
Kohli is often called the “Chase Master” — a title that evokes awe, not hyperbole. It wasn’t luck; it was mastery. In pursuit of daunting targets, Kohli seemed to operate on instinct, cricketing IQ, and unshakable belief — helping India pull off chases that once seemed impossible. ESPN Cricinfo
Career Stats (As of 2025)
| Format | Matches | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | 100s | 50s | HS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 123 | 9,230 | 46.85 | 55.58 | 30 | 31 | 254* |
| ODI | 308 | 14,557 | 58.46 | 93.66 | 53 | 76 | 183 |
| T20I | 125 | 4,188 | 48.70 | 137.04 | 1 | 38 | 122* |
| IPL (RCB) | 267 | 8,661 | 39.55 | 132.86 | 8 | 63 | 113* |
| List A (overall) | 343 | 16,000+ | 57.34 | — | 57 | — | — |
| First-Class (domestic & Test) | 156 | 11,485 | 55.95 | — | 39 | 37 | 254* |
- A defining milestone: 16,000+ List A runs — a feat only a few in world cricket have achieved — with Kohli averaging above 57 in the 50-over game overall.
- In domestic Vijay Hazare Trophy appearances, Kohli’s returns for Delhi have included century-making knocks and leadership by example whenever he returned to the state circuit.
Triumphs & Trophy Rooms
Virat’s glittering journey includes pivotal roles in India’s greatest victories:
- 🏆 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup — a dream fulfilled early in his career.
- 🏆 2013 ICC Champions Trophy — he was a key contributor.
- 🏆 2024 ICC T20 World Cup — match-winning contributions helped India lift the trophy before Kohli retired from T20Is.
- 🏆 2025 ICC Champions Trophy — Kohli’s experience and runs were central to India’s title charge.
🏏 Virat Kohli – ODI World Cup Stats (2009–2023)
| ODI World Cup Edition | Matches | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | 100s | 50s | Highest Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 (SA) | 3 | 100 | 33.33 | 79.36 | 0 | 1 | 54 |
| 2011 (India) | 9 | 282 | 35.25 | 82.45 | 1 | 2 | 100* |
| 2015 (Aus./NZ) | 8 | 305 | 50.83 | 89.97 | 1 | 2 | 107 |
| 2019 (England) | 9 | 443 | 55.37 | 94.25 | 2 | 3 | 106 |
| 2023 (India) | 11 | 765 | 95.62 | 90.31 | 3 | 6 | 117 |
| Total ODI WCs | 40 | 1,895 | 59.22 | 88.89 | 7 | 14 | 117 |
🔥 Highlights
- Highest run-scorer in a single ODI World Cup (2023)
- Player of the Tournament – ICC ODI World Cup 2023
- Central role in India’s 2011 World Cup win
🏆 Virat Kohli – T20 World Cup Stats (2012–2024)
| T20 World Cup Edition | Matches | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | 50s | Highest Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 (SL) | 5 | 185 | 46.25 | 122.51 | 2 | 78* |
| 2014 (Bangladesh) | 6 | 319 | 106.33 | 129.67 | 4 | 77 |
| 2016 (India) | 5 | 273 | 136.50 | 146.77 | 3 | 89* |
| 2021 (UAE) | 5 | 68 | 17.00 | 119.29 | 0 | 41 |
| 2022 (Australia) | 6 | 296 | 98.66 | 136.40 | 4 | 82* |
| 2024 (West Indies/USA) | 8 | 165 | 33.00 | 132.00 | 1 | 76 |
| Total T20 WCs | 35 | 1,306 | 58.45 | 128+ | 14 | 89* |
🔥 Highlights
- Highest run-scorer in T20 World Cup history
- Player of the Tournament: 2014 & 2016
- Match-winning knock in 2024 final
- Announced T20I retirement after winning 2024 T20 World Cup
🏆 Virat Kohli – World Cup Records Summary
| Category | Record |
|---|---|
| Most runs in a single ODI World Cup | 765 (2023) |
| Most runs in T20 World Cups (overall) | 1,306 |
| Total World Cup Runs (ODI + T20) | 3,200+ |
| World Cup Titles Won | 2011 ODI WC, 2024 T20 WC |
| ICC WC Player of the Tournament | 2014, 2016 (T20) & 2023 (ODI) |
The IPL Era: Loyalty, Legacy, and Love from Fans
The Indian Premier League added another dimension to Kohli’s stardom. His unwavering loyalty to a single franchise throughout his career became rare in modern franchise cricket. Season after season, he carried the hopes of fans, producing unforgettable innings and embodying the spirit of commitment.
The IPL showcased Kohli’s expressive personality—passionate celebrations, emotional reactions, and an unbreakable bond with supporters. Over time, his association with the league turned him into a pan-Indian icon, admired across generations.
Beyond Cricket: Fitness, Fame, and Cultural Influence
Kohli revolutionized fitness culture in Indian cricket. His transformation into one of the world’s fittest athletes inspired countless youngsters to prioritize health and discipline. He changed perceptions of what it meant to be a modern Indian sportsperson—professional, stylish, and globally competitive.
Off the field, Kohli’s fashion sense, hairstyles, and lifestyle choices became trends. Yet, despite immense fame, he remained vocal about self-improvement and authenticity rather than superficial success.
Personal Life: Love, Family, and Balance
Marriage to Anushka Sharma brought emotional stability to Kohli’s life. Together, they built a relationship based on mutual respect, privacy, and shared values. Becoming a father further transformed him, shifting his priorities toward family and emotional well-being.
Kohli openly spoke about mental health, pressure, and vulnerability—topics athletes once avoided. His honesty made him relatable beyond the boundaries of sport.
Spiritual Shift: From Aggression to Inner Peace
Over the years, fans noticed a visible transformation in Kohli’s personality. The aggressive fire that once defined him evolved into calm confidence. Frequent visits to Vrindavan and other spiritual places reflected his growing inclination toward devotion and introspection.
This spiritual grounding did not weaken his competitiveness; instead, it brought clarity and balance. Kohli learned to detach personal worth from performance, a lesson that brought peace amidst relentless public scrutiny.
Retirement: A Quiet Goodbye to a Long, Fierce Journey
Kohli’s decision to step away from certain formats was deeply personal. His retirement from Test cricket marked the end of a defining chapter in Indian cricket history. He exited not due to decline, but with dignity—leaving behind a legacy of leadership, excellence, and passion.
His departure created a void that cannot be filled easily, not because of numbers, but because of presence and influence.
Legacy: More Than a Cricketer
Virat Kohli’s legacy extends far beyond records and accolades. He changed how Indian cricket is played, prepared, and perceived. He inspired a generation to believe in hard work, self-belief, and constant growth.
Today, Kohli stands as a symbol of modern Indian excellence—intense yet introspective, ambitious yet grounded. His journey from a Delhi boy with a dream to a global icon reminds us that true greatness lies not just in success, but in evolution.
FAQs
What is special about Kohli?
Virat Kohli’s specialties include his aggressive batting, exceptional consistency (averaging over 50 in all formats), incredible chasing ability (earning him the “Chase Master” title), relentless work ethic, and transforming Indian cricket’s fitness standards.
Who is No. 1 Chase Master?
The “world’s #1 chase master” in cricket is widely considered to be Virat Kohli.
Who is richer, Srk or Kohli?
Shah Rukh Khan is significantly richer than Virat Kohli, with a net worth estimated around $1.4 billion (₹12,000+ crore) as of late 2025, while Kohli’s net worth is estimated closer to $127 million (₹1,050 crore).
Why isn’t Virat Kohli at the Ambani wedding?
Anushka Sharma, and Virat Kohli, were notably absent from Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant’s lavish wedding celebrations. Their absence was due to a mix of reasons such as work commitments, travel plans, and personal priorities.
What is the brand of Virat Kohli?
Virat Kohli’s brand portfolio is extensive, built around his personal brand as a global sports icon, featuring his own ventures like One8 (lifestyle, apparel with Puma) and WROGN (youth fashion).
Which brands does Virat Kohli endorse?
Virat Kohli is the brand ambassador for several well-known companies, including Amaze India, Blue Star, Blue Tribe, Digit Insurance, Hero MotoCorp, MPL, Myntra, Puma, Royal Challengers, and Toothsi, along with many other brands.
What is the rank of Virat Kohli in ICC?
As of early January 2026, Virat Kohli’s ICC ranking is #2 for ODI Batting, closely trailing Rohit Sharma.
