Quick Info Table

Introduction

Virat Kohli is an Indian international cricketer widely regarded as one of the greatest batsmen of all time. Born in Delhi, this right-handed batting maestro has broken countless records across all formats of cricket. Known for his aggressive batting style, incredible consistency, and unmatched fitness levels, Kohli has revolutionized modern cricket. He holds the record for most centuries in ODI cricket and is the highest run-scorer in IPL history. His achievements include captaining India to numerous victories and being part of World Cup-winning teams in 2011, 2024, and 2025.

Early Life & Education

Childhood

Virat Kohli was born on November 5, 1988, in Delhi, India, into a middle-class Punjabi Hindu family. He grew up in the Uttam Nagar area of West Delhi. From the age of three, Kohli showed a keen interest in cricket. His father, Prem Kohli, would often bowl to him, and young Virat would spend hours practicing with his cricket bat.

At the age of nine, Kohli joined the West Delhi Cricket Academy, where his natural timing and focus caught the attention of coaches. His dedication to cricket was so intense that his family shifted him to Saviour Convent School, which had better facilities for his cricket training.

Schooling

Kohli attended Vishal Bharti Public School initially and later transferred to Saviour Convent School to focus more on his cricket career. Despite his passion for sports, he maintained a balance between academics and cricket during his school years.

Cricket Journey Begins

In 1998, Kohli began training at the West Delhi Cricket Academy under coach Rajkumar Sharma, who became instrumental in shaping his career. He played for the Delhi Under-15 team in October 2002 during the Polly Umrigar Trophy and later captained the team. His exceptional performances in youth cricket paved the way for his entry into professional cricket.

Family

Father – Prem Kohli

Virat’s father, Prem Kohli, was a criminal lawyer. He was Virat’s biggest supporter and encouraged his cricket dreams from the beginning. Tragically, Prem Kohli passed away from cardiac arrest on December 18, 2006, when Virat was just 18 years old. Despite the devastating loss, Virat showed incredible mental strength by continuing to play a Ranji Trophy match the next day, scoring 90 runs.

Mother – Saroj Kohli

Saroj Kohli is a homemaker who has been a pillar of support throughout Virat’s career. She continues to be actively involved in her son’s life and is often seen supporting him at matches.

Siblings

Virat has an older brother named Vikas and an older sister named Bhawna. Both siblings have been supportive of Virat’s cricket career throughout his journey.

Family Environment

Growing up in a supportive middle-class Punjabi family, Virat learned values of hard work, dedication, and resilience. His father’s untimely death became a turning point in his life, strengthening his resolve to succeed in cricket.

Career

Career Beginning

Virat Kohli made his first-class debut on November 23, 2006, playing for Delhi against Tamil Nadu in a Ranji Trophy match. He scored 10 runs in his only innings. His breakthrough came when he captained the Indian Under-19 team to victory in the 2008 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup in Malaysia, where he scored 235 runs in six matches.

This exceptional performance led to his selection for the Indian Premier League (IPL), where Royal Challengers Bangalore acquired him for $50,000 in 2008. He made his ODI debut for India in August 2008 against Sri Lanka and his Test debut in June 2011 against the West Indies.

Major Career Highlights

ODI Cricket:

• Holds the record for most ODI centuries (50), surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s 49
• Fastest to reach 8,000, 9,000, 10,000, 11,000, 12,000, 13,000, and 14,000 ODI runs
• Named ICC ODI Player of the Year three times (2012, 2017, 2018)
• Scored a record 765 runs in the 2023 World Cup, the most in a single edition

Test Cricket:

• Played 123 Tests, scoring 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85 with 30 centuries
• Seven double centuries in Test cricket, most by any Indian
• Led India to 40 Test wins as captain, making him India’s most successful Test captain

T20I Cricket:

• Scored 4,188 runs with an average of 48.69
• Named ICC T20I Player of the Year in 2014 and 2016
• Played crucial role in India’s 2024 T20 World Cup victory

IPL Records:

• Highest run-scorer in IPL history with 8,661 runs
• Most centuries (8) and fifties (63) in IPL
• Won Orange Cap twice (2016, 2024)
• Won IPL title with RCB in 2025 after 18 years

Breakthrough Moment

Kohli’s breakthrough moment came during the 2008 Under-19 World Cup victory. However, his emergence as a superstar occurred during the 2012 ODI series against Sri Lanka, where he scored multiple match-winning centuries. His ability to chase down totals earned him the reputation of being the best run-chaser in cricket history.

Current Status

In 2025, Virat Kohli retired from Test cricket on May 12 after a 14-year career. He had previously retired from T20 Internationals after winning the 2024 T20 World Cup. He continues to play ODI cricket and represents Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL, where he helped the franchise win their first-ever IPL title in 2025.

Personal Life

Relationship & Marriage

Virat Kohli met Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma in 2013 during a commercial shoot for a shampoo brand. Their chemistry was instant, and they started dating soon after. After four years of dating, the couple married in a private ceremony in Tuscany, Italy, on December 11, 2017. Their wedding was an intimate affair attended only by close family and friends.

Children

Virat and Anushka are blessed with two children:

• Daughter – Vamika Kohli: Born on January 11, 2021, in Mumbai
• Son – Akaay Kohli: Born on February 15, 2024, in London

The couple is extremely protective of their children’s privacy and has requested media to not share pictures of their faces.

Personal Habits & Lifestyle

• Virat is known for his strict fitness regimen and disciplined lifestyle
• He follows a strict vegetarian diet and avoids junk food
• Passionate about automobiles and owns a luxurious car collection
• Enjoys spending quality time with family despite his busy schedule
• Practices yoga and meditation for mental wellness
• Known for his punctuality and professional attitude

Net Worth

Net Worth Breakdown

As of 2025, Virat Kohli’s estimated net worth is ₹1,050 crore (approximately $125 million), making him the second richest cricketer in the world after Sachin Tendulkar.

Annual Income: ₹270+ crore

Monthly Income: ₹22-25 crore

Main Income Sources:

1. BCCI Contract: ₹7 crore per year (Grade A+ player)
2. IPL Salary: ₹21 crore per year (Royal Challengers Bangalore)
3. Match Fees: Varies by format
   • Test: ₹15 lakh per match
   • ODI: ₹6 lakh per match
   • T20I: ₹3 lakh per match
4. Brand Endorsements: ₹200+ crore annually from 30+ brands
   • Major brands: Puma, MRF, Audi, Myntra, Vivo, Tissot, Himalaya
5. Business Ventures:
   • Wrogn (Fashion brand)
   • One8 (Lifestyle brand)
   • Chisel Gym (Fitness chain)
   • Blue Tribe Foods (Plant-based foods)
   • Digit Insurance (Investment)
   • Agilitas (Sports athleisure – 2025)
   • World Bowling League (Strategic investor – 2025)
6. Social Media: ₹8-10 crore per sponsored Instagram post

Physical Stats

Favorite Things

Social Media Accounts

• Instagram: @virat.kohli – 275 Million followers
• Twitter/X: @imVkohli – 65+ Million followers
• Facebook: Virat Kohli – 55+ Million followers
• YouTube: Not active on personal channel

Virat Kohli is the most followed Asian athlete on social media platforms.

Controversies (If Any)

1. Captaincy Resignation Drama (2021-2022)

In late 2021, Virat stepped down as T20I captain and was later removed as ODI captain by BCCI, which led to public confusion and media speculation about his relationship with the cricket board. The situation created controversy when there were conflicting statements between BCCI officials and Kohli.

2. DRS Incident Against Australia (2017)

During the Bengaluru Test against Australia, Kohli was involved in a controversy regarding the Decision Review System (DRS), where he suggested the visiting team was looking to their dressing room for assistance.

3. Middle Finger Gesture (2012)

Early in his career, Kohli showed his middle finger to the crowd during a match in Sydney, which created controversy. He later apologized for his behavior.

4. Spat with Gautam Gambhir (IPL)

Kohli has had multiple on-field altercations with fellow cricketer Gautam Gambhir during IPL matches, which attracted media attention.

Despite these controversies, Kohli has matured significantly over the years and is now known for his professional conduct both on and off the field.

Achievements

International Cricket

• 2008: Led India to Under-19 World Cup victory
• 2011: Part of Indian team that won ICC Cricket World Cup
• 2013: Part of Indian team that won ICC Champions Trophy
• 2017, 2018, 2019: Led India to ICC Test Championship Mace
• 2023: Player of the Tournament – ICC Cricket World Cup (765 runs – record)
• 2024: Won ICC T20 World Cup with India
• 2025: Won ICC Champions Trophy with India

Individual Awards

• ICC ODI Player of the Year: 2012, 2017, 2018
• ICC Test Player of the Year: 2018
• ICC Cricketer of the Year: 2017, 2018
• Wisden Leading Cricketer in the World: 2016, 2017, 2018
• Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy (ICC Male Cricketer of the Decade): 2020

National Honors

• Arjuna Award: 2013
• Padma Shri: 2017
• Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna: 2018

IPL Achievements

• Orange Cap: 2016, 2024
• IPL Champion: 2025 (with Royal Challengers Bangalore)
• Most runs in IPL history: 8,661 runs
• Most centuries in IPL: 8
• Most matches for single franchise: 267 (RCB)

Records

• Most centuries in ODI cricket: 50
• Fastest to 8,000, 9,000, 10,000, 11,000, 12,000, 13,000, and 14,000 ODI runs
• Most runs in a single World Cup edition: 765 runs (2023)
• Highest run-scorer in T20 Internationals for India
• Highest run-scorer in IPL history
• Most hundreds in successful ODI chases: 27

Lesser Known Facts

1. Academic Sacrifice: Virat was equally talented in tennis but chose cricket because it was more accessible and had better facilities in India.
2. Father’s Last Words: His father’s last wish was to see Virat play for India. Tragically, he passed away just two years before Virat’s international debut.
3. Playing Through Grief: The day after his father’s death, Virat scored 90 runs in a Ranji Trophy match, showing incredible mental strength.
4. Fitness Transformation: Early in his career, Kohli was criticized for his fitness. He completely transformed his body and diet, becoming a fitness icon and inspiring an entire generation of cricketers.
5. Vegan Diet: Virat turned vegan in 2018 after suffering from cervical spine issues. He credits his plant-based diet for improved energy levels and faster recovery.
6. Number 18: Kohli chose jersey number 18 because he made his international debut in 2008, and the numbers 2+0+0+8 add up to 10, but he preferred 18.
7. Entrepreneurial Spirit: Beyond cricket, Kohli is a successful entrepreneur with investments in multiple businesses including fashion, fitness, food, and technology startups.
8. Charity Work: In 2013, Kohli established the Virat Kohli Foundation, which supports underprivileged children with healthcare, education, and sports development.
9. Celebrity Couple: Virat and Anushka, fondly called “Virushka” by fans, are one of the most influential celebrity couples in India, often trending on social media.
10. Car Enthusiast: Kohli owns over 20 luxury cars worth more than ₹30 crore, including Audi R8, Bentley Continental GT, Lamborghini Gallardo, and Range Rover Vogue.

FAQs

Q1: What is Virat Kohli’s age in 2025?
A: Virat Kohli is 37 years old as of 2025. He was born on November 5, 1988.

Q2: Who is Virat Kohli’s wife?
A: Virat Kohli is married to Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma. They got married on December 11, 2017, in Italy.

Q3: What is Virat Kohli’s net worth in 2025?
A: Virat Kohli’s net worth is estimated at ₹1,050 crore (approximately $125 million) as of 2025.

Q4: Why is Virat Kohli famous?
A: Virat Kohli is famous for being one of the greatest batsmen in cricket history. He holds the record for most ODI centuries (50) and is the highest run-scorer in IPL history.

Q5: How many children does Virat Kohli have?
A: Virat Kohli has two children – a daughter named Vamika (born January 11, 2021) and a son named Akaay (born February 15, 2024).

Q6: Has Virat Kohli retired from cricket?
A: Virat Kohli retired from Test cricket in May 2025 and from T20 Internationals in 2024. He continues to play ODI cricket and IPL.

Q7: Which IPL team does Virat Kohli play for?
A: Virat Kohli plays for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the IPL. He has been with RCB since 2008 and helped them win their first IPL title in 2025.

Q8: What is Virat Kohli’s highest ODI score?
A: Virat Kohli’s highest ODI score is 183 runs against Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2012.

Q9: What brands does Virat Kohli endorse?
A: Virat Kohli endorses over 30 brands including Puma, MRF, Audi, Myntra, Vivo, Tissot, Himalaya, and many more.

Q10: What is Virat Kohli’s Instagram username?
A: Virat Kohli’s Instagram username is @virat.kohli with over 275 million followers, making him the most followed Asian athlete on social media.

Conclusion

Virat Kohli’s journey from a young boy practicing cricket in the streets of Delhi to becoming one of the greatest batsmen in cricket history is truly inspirational. His dedication, discipline, and relentless pursuit of excellence have not only brought him personal success but have also revolutionized Indian cricket.

Known for his aggressive batting style, incredible fitness levels, and match-winning performances, Kohli has set numerous records that may stand the test of time. His leadership transformed Indian cricket’s approach to fitness and professionalism. Beyond cricket, he has successfully built a business empire and continues to inspire millions of fans worldwide.

With his retirement from Test cricket in 2025, Kohli closes one chapter while continuing his legacy in ODI cricket and the IPL. His impact on the sport extends far beyond statistics – he has changed the way cricket is played and perceived in the modern era. As he continues his journey, Virat Kohli remains an icon not just in cricket, but in the world of sports and beyond.

“Chase your dreams, because dreams do come true. Work hard and never give up.” – Virat Kohli

Last Updated: November 2025