Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli: Biography of a Cricket Legend

Early Life and Background

Full Name: Virat Prem Kohli
Date of Birth: November 5, 1988
Place of Birth: Delhi, India
Nationality: Indian
Height: 5'9" (175 cm)
Nickname: Chiku

Virat Kohli was born into a middle-class family in Delhi, India, on November 5, 1988. His father, Prem Kohli, was a lawyer, and his mother, Saroj Kohli, is a housewife. Virat has an older brother, Vikas, and an older sister, Bhavna. From a young age, Kohli showed an interest in sports, particularly cricket, and began playing the game at the age of 3.

Kohli’s family recognized his talent early, and his parents supported his interest in cricket. They enrolled him in West Delhi Cricket Academy, where he began training in earnest. His early coaches, such as Rajkumar Sharma, were instrumental in shaping his cricketing career, teaching him the fundamentals of batting, fielding, and strategy.


Childhood and Early Cricketing Days

Virat's passion for cricket grew as he started playing in local tournaments. His breakthrough moment came when he was selected for the Delhi Under-15 team, marking the beginning of his professional cricket career. He displayed a natural flair for the game, combining aggression with a solid technique. Kohli’s ability to score runs in any condition quickly caught the eye of selectors.

In 2003, when he was just 15 years old, Kohli played in the Vinoo Mankad Trophy for the Delhi Under-15 team. He was the leading run-scorer in the tournament, and this success led to his selection in the Delhi Under-17 team in 2004. His performances continued to impress, and by 2006, he was selected for the India Under-19 cricket team for the Under-19 World Cup in Sri Lanka, where he was a standout performer.


Rise to International Cricket

Virat Kohli’s international career began in 2008 when he made his debut for India in a One Day International (ODI) against Sri Lanka. His first match was in Dambulla, and although his debut wasn’t spectacular, Kohli’s determination to make an impact on the international stage was clear.

Kohli’s big breakthrough came during India’s tour of West Indies in 2009. He was promoted to open the batting, and his aggressive approach was a refreshing change for the Indian team. His partnership with Sehwag provided a strong foundation for India’s batting lineup. His performance against Australia in 2009 was another defining moment, as he scored his first ODI century, showcasing his ability to chase down targets in challenging situations.

His rapid rise continued, and he quickly established himself as one of India’s most talented and consistent batsmen. Kohli’s performances in the 2011 World Cup were critical to India’s success, and his partnership with Sachin Tendulkar, Gautam Gambhir, and MS Dhoni helped India lift the prestigious trophy. His fiery, passionate attitude on the field earned him admiration from fans, and he became the face of the next generation of Indian cricket.


The Captaincy and Leadership

In 2013, Kohli was appointed as the vice-captain of the Indian team for limited-overs formats, a position that indicated his leadership potential. The turning point in his career came in 2014 when he became the captain of the Indian Test team following MS Dhoni's resignation from the role.

Under Kohli’s leadership, India’s Test cricket team saw remarkable success, especially in home conditions. Kohli’s aggressive captaincy was a departure from the more conservative leadership style of Dhoni. He encouraged his players to play an attacking brand of cricket, and his bold decisions became a trademark of his captaincy.

Kohli’s tenure as captain saw India’s rise to the top of the ICC Test rankings. India defeated major teams like Australia, England, and South Africa under his leadership. He was known for leading by example, scoring runs consistently, and taking calculated risks on the field.

In 2017, Kohli also became the captain of the Indian ODI and T20 teams. Under his leadership, India continued its dominance in limited-overs formats, winning multiple series and tournaments, including the ICC Champions Trophy in 2017.


Achievements and Records

Virat Kohli's career has been nothing short of spectacular, and he has accumulated numerous accolades and records along the way. Some of his major achievements include:

  • 16,000+ Runs in ODIs: Kohli became the fastest player to score 16,000 runs in ODIs, breaking records held by legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Ricky Ponting.
  • ICC Player of the Year Awards: He has won the ICC ODI Player of the Year and ICC Cricketer of the Year awards multiple times.
  • Chasing Excellence: Kohli is known for his exceptional chasing abilities. He has won numerous matches for India by successfully chasing down challenging targets.
  • 2011 ICC World Cup Victory: Kohli played a key role in India's historic World Cup victory in 2011, contributing both with the bat and in crucial moments.
  • T20 World Cup 2007: He made his international debut in the inaugural T20 World Cup, where India won the title.
  • Century Records: Kohli holds the record for the fastest century in ODIs by an Indian and is one of the fastest players to reach 8,000, 9,000, 10,000, and 11,000 ODI runs.
  • Captaincy Success: Under Kohli's captaincy, India became the No. 1 ranked team in Test cricket for a record time. He led India in multiple series wins, including victories over Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.


Struggles and Personal Life

Like any other athlete, Virat Kohli has faced challenges in his career. One of his biggest struggles came in 2014 during India's tour of England, where he had a disastrous series, failing to score significant runs. This led to widespread criticism, especially of his technique against swing bowling. However, Kohli took it upon himself to work harder, and by the next year, he had transformed his game, especially his technique against fast bowling.

His personal life also came under scrutiny, particularly due to his relationship with Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma. They made their relationship public in 2014, and after several years of dating, they married in December 2017 in a private ceremony in Italy. The couple has a daughter, Vamika, born in January 2021. Kohli has been outspoken about the challenges of balancing his personal life with the pressures of being an international cricketer.

In 2021, Kohli made the difficult decision to step down from the captaincy of the Indian T20 team, later resigning as the captain of the Indian ODI team as well. This decision came after a string of high-pressure matches and a realization of the mental and emotional toll leadership was taking on him. His decision to step down was met with respect from the cricket community, and it allowed him to focus on his batting and rejuvenate his career.



20 Facts You Didn't Know About Virat Kohli

  1. Kohli was initially rejected for a spot on Delhi's Under-15 team because of his small physique.
  2. He is known for his strict fitness regimen, and he transformed his body over the years through intense gym work and a focus on nutrition.
  3. Kohli’s favorite cricketer growing up was Sachin Tendulkar, and he has often cited him as his inspiration.
  4. He is an avid fan of football, especially FC Barcelona and is close friends with players like Gerard Piqué.
  5. Kohli is a passionate animal lover and has a pet dog named “Bruno”.
  6. He was a batting prodigy in school and would often skip school to play cricket matches.
  7. Virat is known for his superstitions, such as always walking onto the field with his right foot.
  8. He has a huge fan following on social media, with millions of followers on platforms like Instagram and Twitter.
  9. In 2008, Kohli scored his first ODI century against Sri Lanka.
  10. Kohli had a tough start to his career, often being dropped from the team due to inconsistent performances.
  11. Kohli’s father passed away when he was just 18 years old, and his passing had a profound impact on him.
  12. Kohli is known for his incredible fitness and often works out with his trainer, Rajeev Mangal.
  13. His iconic batting style is characterized by his ferocious drive and precision.
  14. Virat's mentorship under MS Dhoni played a significant role in shaping his leadership skills.
  15. Kohli’s first brand endorsement was with Reebok, and he has since signed numerous lucrative deals with companies like Puma and Audi.
  16. He has his own fashion line called Wrogn, which reflects his edgy and bold style.
  17. Kohli is passionate about charity work and has set up the Virat Kohli Foundation, which supports underprivileged children and athletes.
  18. He was the first cricketer to score 2,000 runs in a calendar year in T20 internationals.
  19. Kohli’s idol in cricket was Sachin Tendulkar, and he frequently talked about how he learned from him.
  20. He’s a self-proclaimed “coffee lover” and has his own brand of coffee named "True Blue".


Conclusion

Virat Kohli’s career is one marked by passion, excellence, and an unyielding desire to be the best. From a young cricketer in Delhi to becoming one of the world’s leading figures in international cricket, Kohli’s journey is one of hard work and dedication. He has been an inspiration to millions around the world, not just because of his cricketing prowess, but because of his commitment to constantly evolving, his leadership qualities, and his ability to overcome adversity.

With countless records, accolades, and achievements under his belt, Virat Kohli has cemented his place as one of the all-time greats in the world of cricket.