Virat Kohli: A Cricket Legend
Virat Kohli is a true legend in Indian cricket. Born in 1988 in Delhi, he has grown to become one of the greatest batsmen in the sport’s history. His journey, driven by determination and passion, inspires fans and aspiring cricketers worldwide.
Kohli debuted for India’s ODI team in 2008 against Sri Lanka. His leadership as captain across all formats brought India numerous victories, establishing him as one of the country’s most successful captains. Known as an ODI master, Kohli holds records for reaching several run milestones faster than any other player.
Off the field, Kohli’s dedication to fitness rivals that of global athletes like Cristiano Ronaldo, inspiring many fans and athletes. His interest in nutrition led him to open a restaurant in Mumbai, further emphasizing his commitment to health and wellness.

Category | Details |
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Full Name | Virat Kohli |
Born | November 5, 1988 |
Birth Place | Delhi, India |
Role | Batsman |
Batting Style | Right-hand bat |
Bowling Style | Right-arm medium (occasional) |
Height | 5 ft 9 in (175 cm) |
Career Information |
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Teams |
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Childhood and Formative Influences
Kohli’s father, Prem Nath Kohli, encouraged his son’s cricket aspirations, arranging a meeting in 1998 with Rajkumar Sharma, who became Kohli’s first coach and major influence during his formative years.
Joining the West Delhi Cricket Academy
Kohli trained at the West Delhi Cricket Academy, which was established in 1998. He also played matches at the Sumeet Dogra Academy in Vasundhara Enclave, further strengthening his cricket skills. Kohli’s dedication during these years laid the foundation for his future as a cricket prodigy.
Domestic and Youth Career Milestones
Virat Kohli’s cricket journey began in the domestic circuit, where his performances and leadership in the U-19 World Cup set the stage for his rise in international cricket.
Breakthrough Performances in Domestic Cricket
Kohli made his domestic debut for Delhi in February 2006. Though he didn’t bat in his first match, he later scored a critical 90 runs against Karnataka, helping Delhi draw the match. His consistent performances continued to impress officials.
In April 2007, Kohli made his T20 domestic debut for Delhi, scoring 35 runs against Himachal Pradesh, marking the start of a promising career.
Leading India to U-19 World Cup Glory
- In 2008, Kohli captained India to victory at the ICC Under-19 World Cup in Malaysia.
- His performance earned him an IPL contract with Royal Challengers Bangalore for $30,000.
- Kohli’s leadership and batting in the U-19 World Cup showcased his potential and set the stage for his international success.
Virat Kohli: The Batting Phenomenon
Virat Kohli is a top-tier Indian cricketer known for blending technical skill with aggression, making him a formidable batsman in cricket.
Kohli bats at number three in ODIs, using an open-chested stance with a firm grip. His swift footwork enables fluid movement on the pitch, while his cover drive and flick shot against short balls have become signature elements of his game.
Batting Statistic | Value |
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Fastest to reach 8,000 ODI runs | 175 innings |
Fastest to reach 9,000 ODI runs | 194 innings |
Fastest to reach 10,000 ODI runs | 205 innings |
Fastest to reach 11,000 ODI runs | 222 innings |
ODI Centuries | 70+ |
Test Average | Over 50 |
Captaincy and Leadership Triumphs
Virat Kohli’s captaincy has been exceptional, starting in 2013 when he first led the Indian team after MS Dhoni’s injury. He also captained India in an ODI series against Zimbabwe and the 2014 Asia Cup.
Following Dhoni’s retirement, Kohli took over as India’s Test captain. His effective leadership style drove the team to remarkable victories across formats.
Test Captaincy and the Pursuit of Excellence
Kohli’s leadership in Test cricket saw him score his first double century against the West Indies in 2016, followed by another double century against New Zealand, leading to series wins.
Leading India to Global Tournament Victories
Under Kohli’s leadership, India achieved numerous milestones in global tournaments. Kohli led India to the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy final and secured three consecutive ICC Test maces for the team.
Kohli also captained India to victory in the 2011 Cricket World Cup, 2013 Champions Trophy, and the 2024 T20 World Cup, establishing him as a celebrated captain.
Captaincy Achievements | Details |
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Test Captaincy | Kohli captained India in 68 Test matches, recording 40 wins, 17 losses, and 11 draws. |
Overseas Test Series Wins | India became the first Asian team to win a Test series in Australia under Kohli’s captaincy. |
ICC Tournament Victories | Kohli captained India to the 2011 Cricket World Cup, 2013 Champions Trophy, and the 2024 T20 World Cup. |
Virat Kohli: A Cricket Icon
Virat Kohli is a true legend in Indian cricket. Born in 1988 in Delhi, he has become one of the greatest batsmen of all time. His journey shows the power of determination and passion, inspiring millions worldwide.
Personal Life and Off-Field Endeavors
Virat Kohli shines both on and off the field. Married to Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma, Kohli believes in a balanced life as a key to his success.
Kohli is known for his dedication to fitness, following a strict regime involving nutrition, strength training, and recovery. His commitment to health has helped him maintain peak performance and has inspired many fans and aspiring cricketers.
The VK Foundation is another testament to Kohli’s dedication to giving back, focusing on education, healthcare, and environmental conservation for underprivileged communities.
Key Aspects of Virat Kohli’s Personal Life and Off-Field Endeavors |
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Records and Accolades: A Glittering Legacy
Virat Kohli’s cricket career is a testament to skill, hard work, and relentless determination. His records and accolades showcase his status as one of the greatest batsmen in the history of cricket.
Kohli has scored over 24,000 runs in international cricket and received prestigious awards like the Arjuna Award, Padma Shri, and Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award. His leadership led India to historic victories, including a Test series win against Australia in 2020.
As captain, Kohli has won 40 Test matches—the most for any Indian skipper. His consistency in scoring over 2,000 runs in a year multiple times is unparalleled.
Batting Statistic | Value |
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Fastest to reach 8,000 ODI runs | 175 innings |
Fastest to reach 9,000 ODI runs | 194 innings |
Fastest to reach 10,000 ODI runs | 205 innings |
Fastest to reach 11,000 ODI runs | 222 innings |
ODI Centuries | 70+ |
Test Average | Over 50 |
Kohli’s prowess in breaking records and consistency on the field exemplify his place as a cricketing legend. He adapts to any match scenario with finesse, earning admiration from fans globally.
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This article was authored with insights from Patrick Justin McAfee, a sports analyst with extensive experience in cricket analysis, and reviewed by Pat McAfee, renowned sports writer at thebetindia.com. For more expert cricket insights, visit his Wikipedia page.