Complete Life History of Virat Kohli
Early Life and Background
Virat Kohli was born on November 5, 1988, in Delhi, India, to Prem Kohli, a criminal lawyer, and Saroj Kohli, a homemaker. He has an elder brother, Vikas, and an elder sister, Bhavna. From a young age, Virat showed an immense passion for cricket. His journey began at the age of nine when he joined the West Delhi Cricket Academy in 1998. His coaches, Rajkumar Sharma and Suresh Batra, played a significant role in shaping his cricketing foundation.
Tragedy struck his family in December 2006 when his father passed away due to a stroke. Virat was just 18 years old at the time and playing in a Ranji Trophy match. Remarkably, he returned to bat the next day to save Delhi from defeat, showcasing his commitment and mental toughness.
Domestic Career
Virat first gained attention in domestic cricket when he played for Delhi in the Ranji Trophy. His performance at the Under-15 and Under-17 levels was exceptional. In 2008, he captained the Indian team that won the Under-19 Cricket World Cup in Malaysia. His leadership and consistency with the bat during the tournament made him a standout player.
International Debut and Rise
Kohli made his ODI debut for India on August 18, 2008, against Sri Lanka. Initially, he played as a backup opener but gradually cemented his place in the team. His first ODI century came in December 2009 against Sri Lanka, marking the beginning of his prolific run in international cricket.
In June 2011, Kohli made his Test debut against the West Indies. Although his initial outings in Test cricket were modest, he soon found his footing. The tour of Australia in 2011-12 was a turning point, where he scored his maiden Test century in Adelaide.
Career Highlights
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ODI Success:
Kohli established himself as one of the best ODI batsmen with numerous match-winning performances. His aggressive approach, ability to chase targets, and knack for scoring centuries earned him the title "Chase Master." - He holds the record for being the fastest to 8,000, 9,000, 10,000, and 12,000 ODI runs.
- Kohli has scored over 70 international centuries, including 46 in ODIs (as of December 2023).
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Test Cricket:
Kohli's contributions in Test cricket are equally significant. Under his captaincy, India reached new heights in red-ball cricket, including a historic Test series victory in Australia in 2018-19. -
T20 Cricket and IPL:
Kohli has been a cornerstone of India's T20 setup and has also shone in the Indian Premier League (IPL).- He plays for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and is their all-time leading run-scorer.
- In 2016, he scored a record-breaking 973 runs, including four centuries, in a single IPL season.
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Captaincy:
Kohli took over as India's Test captain in 2014 and later became the captain in all formats.- Under his leadership, India achieved the No. 1 Test ranking and reached the final of the World Test Championship (2021).
- He stepped down as India's T20I captain in 2021 and relinquished ODI and Test captaincy by 2022.
Personal Life
Virat Kohli married Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma on December 11, 2017, in a private ceremony in Italy. The couple welcomed their daughter, Vamika Kohli, on January 11, 2021.
Kohli is known for his fitness regime and has transformed the Indian cricket team's fitness standards. He follows a strict diet and exercise routine, which has contributed to his longevity and consistency.
Philanthropy and Business Ventures
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Charity Work:
Kohli runs the Virat Kohli Foundation (VKF), which supports underprivileged children and promotes sports in India. -
Business Interests:
He has ventured into multiple businesses, including fitness chains (Chisel), fashion brands (Wrogn), and co-ownership of teams in various leagues.
Legacy and Achievements
Virat Kohli is widely regarded as one of the greatest cricketers of all time. His dedication, aggression, and consistency have inspired millions. Some of his notable achievements include:
- Winning the ICC ODI Player of the Year award multiple times.
- Being named the ICC Cricketer of the Decade (2010-2020).
- Leading India to numerous bilateral series victories and achieving personal milestones.
Impact Beyond Cricket
Kohli's influence extends beyond the cricketing world. He is an icon of modern India, symbolizing ambition, resilience, and excellence. His journey from a passionate teenager to an international cricket legend reflects his hard work, discipline, and unyielding spirit.
Virat continues to play and inspire a new generation of cricketers, ensuring his legacy will endure for years to come.
