Tag: Virat Kohli

Early Life

Virat Kohli was born on 5 November 1988 in Delhi, into a Punjabi Hindu family. His father, Prem Nath Kohli, was a criminal lawyer, and his mother, Saroj Kohli, is a homemaker. Virat grew up alongside his older siblings—brother Vikas and sister Bhawna—in Uttam Nagar, West Delhi

At age 3, Virat displayed a precocious love for cricket. On his father’s encouragement, he joined the West Delhi Cricket Academy in 1998 under coach Rajkumar Sharma. Rejected initially from Delhi’s U-14 squad, he worked harder, became the U-15 captain, and scored heavily in tournaments like Polly Umrigar Trophy (172 runs @ 34.40).

Tragically, in December 2006, Virat’s father passed away from a stroke while Kohli was playing a Ranji Trophy match. Undeterred, he continued – scoring a formidable 90 runs the next day. That innings marked a turning point, demonstrating inner resilience and steely determination.

Family Background

The Kohli family remained close-knit. His mother Saroj continues to be a pillar of strength; his siblings provided steady support throughout his rise. His father’s belief in his potential and his family’s sacrifices laid the foundation for his relentless spirit.

Education

Virat attended Vishal Bharti Public School, later transferring to Saviour Convent School in Paschim Vihar for better training access. He completed up to 11th grade before his U‑19 career began, trading formal education to focus full-time on cricket.

Hobbies

Though internationally renowned, Kohli pursues interests like running, travelling, and reading history. He’s known to express himself passionately—be it railing at a Fed Cup tennis match or chanting in temple courtyards .

Fitness and Health

Kohli’s transformation into India’s fitness standard-bearer is legendary. Once self-confessedly out of shape post‑2011, he embraced strict training—daily gym, cardio, HIIT, and weightlifting—and a completely clean diet, avoiding junk food and popular indulgences like butter chicken for nearly a decade.

His wife, Anushka, remarked, “Every morning without fail, he is up early doing cardio or HIIT… Sleep is non-negotiable for him” . Teammates and critics alike acclaim him as a “global fitness icon” who pushed peers and rivals to redefine athletic standards.

Travelling

Virat is an avid traveler and explorer—whether it’s spiritual pilgrimages, family trips, or professional tours. A notable instance: his serene visit to Ujjain’s Mahakaleshwar Temple, signaling a spiritual turn in his life.

Marriage to Anushka Sharma

Virat married Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma in December 2017. Their marriage is seen as a bond of mutual support. Life with Anushka spurred deeper involvement in spirituality and a balanced off-field life .

Kids

The couple has two children: daughter Vamika and son Akaay. Virat often highlights parenthood’s joy as a grounding force amidst fame and on-field pressures.

Domestic Career

International Career

IPL Career

Kohli joined Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in 2008 and remains the only player to never switch franchises

• Made vice‑captain in 2010; captain from 2013 to 2021.

• Scored 973 runs in 2016 (4 centuries), clinching the Orange Cap in a single-season IPL record

• First to play 250 IPL matches for one franchise; top IPL run-scorer ever, surpassing 8,000 runs in 2024

• RCB finally won their maiden title in 2025, with Kohli instrumental in the finals run .

T20I and Test Retirement

Virat Kohli retired from T20 Internationals after helping India win the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup, where he played a key role in the final. A year later, on May 12, 2025, he announced his retirement from Test cricket after a home series against England. He ended his Test career with over 9,000 runs and 40 wins as captain. With these retirements, Kohli closed an unforgettable chapter in Indian cricket, known for his passion, consistency, and strong leadership.

Achievements

Test Records

• Most wins as captain of India: 40 wins out of 68 matches
• Four Test double-hundreds in four consecutive series

ODI Records

• Most ODI centuries: 50
• Most ODI centuries while chasing: 27
• Most ODI centuries in India: 22
• Fastest to reach:
  • 8,000 runs in 175 innings
  • 9,000 runs in 194 innings
  • 10,000 runs in 205 innings
  • 11,000 runs in 222 innings
  • 12,000 runs in 242 innings
  • 13,000 runs in 267 innings

T20I Records

• Highest career batting average in T20I: 51.75
• Joint Second Most Player of the Match awards: 16 times in 125 matches
• Most Player of the Series awards: 7 times in 46 series

IPL Records

• Most runs in the Indian Premier League: 8,004
• Most runs in a single edition of IPL: 973 runs (2016)
• Only player involved in three double-century-plus stands (twice with AB de Villiers and once with Chris Gayle)
• Most runs against Delhi Capitals: 1,030
• Most hundreds in the league: 8
• Most hundreds in a single season: 4