Kohli in 2024
Virat Kohli, born on November 5, 1988, is an Indian cricketer who plays Test and ODI cricket for the Indian national team. A former captain in all formats, he retired from T20Is after India’s victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup. Kohli is a right-handed batsman and sometimes bowls as an unorthodox right-arm quick. He holds the record for the most runs in IPL history and ranks high in runs scored across other formats: second in T20Is, third in ODIs, and fourth in international cricket overall. Widely regarded as one of the greatest batsmen ever, he holds the record for the most centuries in ODIs and is second for the most international centuries across formats.
Kohli was part of several victorious Indian teams, including the 2008 Under-19 Cricket World Cup, the 2011 Cricket World Cup, the 2013 Champions Trophy, and the 2024 T20 World Cup. As a captain, he led India to win the ICC Test mace three years in a row: 2017, 2018, and 2019. In domestic cricket, he plays for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL and represents Delhi in Indian domestic matches.
In 2013, Kohli became the top-ranked ODI batsman in the ICC rankings. He later achieved the number one spot in T20I rankings in 2015 and in Tests in 2018, making him the only Indian player to top all three formats. He was also the first cricketer to score 20,000 international runs in a single decade. The ICC named him the Cricketer of the Decade in 2020.
Kohli has received 10 ICC awards, the most by any player. He won the ICC ODI Player of the Year four times (2012, 2017, 2018, and 2023) and the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for the ICC Cricketer of the Year twice (2017 and 2018). In 2018, he became the first cricketer to win both ICC ODI and Test Player of the Year awards in the same year. Kohli was also named the Wisden Leading Cricketer in the World for three years in a row (2016-2018). He has won the second most Player of the Match awards and the most Player of the Series awards across all formats.
In recognition of his achievements, Kohli received the Arjuna Award in 2013, the Padma Shri in 2017, and the Khel Ratna Award, India’s highest sports honor, in 2018. Time magazine included him in its list of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2018.
After India’s win in the 2024 T20 World Cup, where he was named Player of the Match in the final, Kohli announced his retirement from T20Is.
Early life
Virat Kohli was born on November 5, 1988, in Delhi, into a Punjabi Hindu family. His father, Prem Nath Kohli, was a lawyer, and his mother, Saroj Kohli, was a homemaker. He has an older brother named Vikas and an older sister named Bhawna. Virat grew up in Uttam Nagar and went to Vishal Bharti Public School for his early education. Even as a three-year-old, he showed a love for cricket, often picking up a bat and asking his father to bowl to him.
In 1998, the West Delhi Cricket Academy (WDCA) was established. That year, on May 30, Virat’s father took him to meet Rajkumar Sharma, a cricket coach. Their neighbors had suggested Virat join a professional cricket academy because they believed he was very talented and needed better opportunities than just playing street cricket. Though he was skilled, Virat initially didn’t make it to the Delhi under-14 team, possibly due to non-sports-related factors. His father refused offers to move him to clubs with political influence for easier selection. Eventually, Virat earned a spot on the Delhi under-15 team. He trained at WDCA and also played at the Sumeet Dogra Academy in Vasundhara Enclave. During ninth grade, he switched schools to Saviour Convent to better support his cricket career.
On December 18, 2006, Virat’s father passed away from a brain stroke. His mother noted that after this loss, Virat became more focused and serious about cricket, dedicating himself completely to the sport. The family lived in Meera Bagh, Paschim Vihar, until 2015 when they moved to Gurgaon.
Career
Player profile
Comparisons to Sachin Tendulkar
Virat Kohli’s batting style and approach to cricket have often been compared to Sachin Tendulkar, who he sees as the ultimate cricket legend. Many have called Kohli Tendulkar’s “successor,” believing he could break some of Tendulkar’s records in the future. Kohli has admitted that he tried to copy Tendulkar’s batting style, imitating his shots and aiming to hit sixes just like him. Kohli’s aggressive and energetic way of playing has earned praise from cricket legends like Vivian Richards, who said Kohli’s style reminds him of his own. Former Australian cricketer Dean Jones even called Kohli the “new king of world cricket.” Indian commentator Aakash Chopra noted that while Tendulkar had a wider range of shots, Kohli’s batting skills have still drawn admiration from former West Indies great Brian Lara, who ranks him among the world’s best batsmen, alongside England captain Joe Root.
In a conversation with Bollywood actor Salman Khan, Tendulkar said Kohli has the potential to surpass his record of 100 international centuries. Tendulkar praised Kohli’s batting talent and his consistent ability to score runs. When Tendulkar retired from international cricket in 2013, it marked the end of a great era for Indian cricket. Kohli, who had played alongside Tendulkar in the team, was ready to step into the spotlight.
Kohli has since become the fastest cricketer to score 27,000 runs in international matches. He broke Tendulkar’s record, achieving this in just 594 innings compared to Tendulkar’s 623. Kohli reached this milestone during the second Test against Bangladesh at Green Park Stadium. With this achievement, he joins Ricky Ponting and Kumar Sangakkara as the only players to cross 27,000 international runs.
Playing style
Virat Kohli is known for his excellent skills and energetic style of play. In ODI cricket, he usually bats at number three. His batting stance is slightly open, and he grips the bottom of the bat firmly. Kohli stands out for his quick footwork, wide range of shots, and ability to build innings under pressure. He prefers playing grounded shots over going for big hits and is skilled at using his wrists to play shots, especially in the mid-wicket and cover areas.
Kohli’s Famous Flick Shot
At the 2015 Cricket World Cup, Kohli was seen playing his well-known flick shot, a stroke he often uses against balls aimed at the leg stump. He considers the cover drive his signature shot and rarely uses the sweep shot. His batting focuses on ground strokes, often scoring runs between deep square leg and mid-on. With his precise bat movement and flexible wrists, Kohli creates angles that unsettle bowlers and fielders. He is also a dependable fielder.
Strengths and Weaknesses
While Kohli is one of the best batsmen in the world, he has a weakness against balls pitched wide of the off-stump, especially in Tests and ODIs. Bowlers often use this tactic to trouble him. Cricket experts like VVS Laxman, Sanjay Manjrekar, and Richard Hadlee have pointed out his struggles with out-swinging deliveries.
Kohli playing his famous flick shot at the 2015 Cricket World Cup
Success in Run-Chases
Kohli is especially famous for his performances in limited-overs cricket. In ODIs, his average is 65.5 runs when chasing and 51.7 runs when batting first. Out of his 50 ODI centuries, 27 have come while chasing, a record for the most centuries in second innings. Kohli enjoys the pressure of run-chases and thrives on the challenge, using it to showcase his ability to rotate strike and hit boundaries. His teammates praise his confidence, hard work, focus, and dedication, which have been key to his success.
Aggression
Virat Kohli Aggression
Kohli has enjoyed an aggressive form of play that trickles down into his on-field sway. Captaincy that is described as incisive, where he makes decisions and leads from the front. In the early phases of his career, Virat Kohli was facing a lot of media scrutiny that turned into criticism. Often portrayed as brash and arrogant, his impact was polarizing. Though some have lauded his aggressiveness and self-believe, others have condemned Kohli for crossing the limits of fair play and for not being able to get a grip on things that occasionally ends in an outburst. However, Kohli himself was demanded that there would not be easy any moment of wrath or high-stakes when he can even back down from this effort. The cricketer has time and again reiterated that his aggression serves as an inspiration and helps him with his focus and motivation on the field. Writing for The New York Times, Huw Richards characterized Kohli as not just self-assured, but also “assertive” in a way that some former Indian cricketers had leaned toward excessive politeness and reticence, and that Kohli encapsulates his fight-ready persona in and out of the cricket stadium.
Public image and in media
In 2008, Virat Kohli caught the attention of sports agent Bunty Sajdeh from Cornerstone Sport and Entertainment after his impressive performance in the ICC Under-19 World Cup. Sajdeh admired Kohli’s leadership and attitude and saw great potential in him. After a recommendation from cricketer Yuvraj Singh, Kohli signed with Cornerstone. Over the years, Kohli’s brand endorsements grew rapidly. By 2013, his endorsements were valued at over ₹1 billion (US$12 million). By 2023, his brand value soared to ₹1,000 crore (US$120 million). His bat sponsorship deal with MRF is one of the biggest financial agreements in cricket history.
In 2017, Kohli signed a long-term deal with Puma for ₹1.1 billion (US$13 million) over eight years, making him the first Indian athlete to secure a ₹100 crore (equivalent to ₹140 crore or US$17 million in 2023) deal. As of January 2023, Kohli remains the most marketable cricketer, earning an estimated ₹165 crore (US$21 million) annually. On Instagram, he is the most-followed Asian with over 266 million followers, reportedly charging ₹8.9 crore (US$1.1 million) for each sponsored post.
Virat Kohli with Audi Q7
Kohli has also earned recognition as one of the world’s most famous athletes. In 2014, American Appraisal valued his brand at $56.4 million, placing him fourth among India’s top celebrity brands. By 2016, Duff & Phelps increased his brand value to $92 million, making him second only to Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan. In 2017, Forbes ranked Kohli as the seventh most valuable athlete brand at $14.5 million. At that time, he endorsed 17 brands but announced he would only promote products he personally uses and trusts. In 2018, Time magazine included him in their list of the 100 most influential people.
Kohli’s global presence grew further. In 2019, he was the only cricketer on Forbes’ list of the “World’s 100 Highest-Paid Athletes,” ranked 100th with $25 million in earnings, including $21 million from endorsements. That same year, Kohli became the brand ambassador for the Mobile Premier League, a mobile esports platform. By 2020, Forbes ranked him 66th on their highest-paid athletes list with over $26 million in earnings. In 2021, Vivo named Kohli their brand ambassador during the Indian Premier League.
Beyond cricket, Kohli has been recognized for his style and personality. In 2012, GQ magazine named him one of the best-dressed men. In 2018, National Geographic aired a documentary about his cricket career. In 2019, Madame Tussauds unveiled his wax statue in London, and a stand at the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium in Delhi was named after him, making him the youngest cricketer to receive such an honor. Later that year, a superhero cartoon called Super V was launched, inspired by Kohli’s teenage years and fictional superpowers.
Personal life
Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli's wedding 2017
Kohli’s romance with Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma, which began in 2013, earned them the nickname “Virushka.” In an interview with Graham Bensinger, Kohli shared that they first met during a Clear shampoo promotional shoot. Their relationship has attracted significant media attention. The couple married on December 11, 2017, in Florence, Italy. On January 11, 2021, they welcomed their first child, a daughter named Vamika, which means “little goddess” in Sanskrit. Their second child, a son named Akaay, was born on February 15, 2024.
In 2018, Kohli decided to adopt a vegetarian diet to address a cervical spine issue caused by high uric acid levels, which affected his finger movements and batting performance. He clarified that he is not vegan, as he still consumes dairy and eggs, making him an eggetarian in Indian terms. His dedication to health and fitness has earned him a reputation as one of the fittest cricketers in the world.
Kohli has acknowledged some superstitious beliefs and uses lucky charms and rituals for good fortune on the cricket field. He wears a black wristband and prefers a specific pair of gloves. Since 2012, he has also been seen wearing a kara, a traditional bangle with spiritual significance, on his right arm. He has a ritual of wearing white shoes on the field as well. Kohli’s tattoos include Lord Shiva, the sacred “Om,” his parents’ names (Prem and Saroj), a tribal symbol, a peaceful monastery, a samurai warrior, the scorpion zodiac sign, and his ODI and Test cap numbers.
Commercial investments
Kohli at the opening ceremony of the Pro Kabaddi League in June 2016
“Kohli invested in Indian Super League club FC Goa, which he co-owned as of 2024. Beyond the realm of cricket, this venture served as a future business opportunity for him, as he sought to diversify his portfolio after retirement from the sport. In November 2014, Kohli partnered with Anjana Reddy’s Universal Sportsbiz (USPL) to launch the youth fashion brand WROGN. The brand specialized in men’s casual wear clothing and entered into collaborations with retail outlets such as Myntra and Shopper’s Stop. Additionally, in late 2014, Kohli became a shareholder and brand ambassador for the London-based social networking venture “Sport Convo”. His involvement aimed to promote and raise awareness of the platform, which was focused on providing a space for sports fans to connect and engage with one another.In 2015, Kohli invested a sum of ₹90 crore (US$11 million) towards the establishment of a chain of health clubs and fitness centers throughout India. Dubbed as “Chisel”, the network of gyms was established through a joint venture between Kohli, Chisel India, and CSE (Cornerstone Sport and Entertainment), the organization responsible for managing Kohli’s commercial pursuits. In September of the same year, Kohli expanded his portfolio of sports-related investments by becoming a co-owner of the International Premier Tennis League franchise, UAE Royals.
In quick succession, he also became a co-owner of the JSW-owned Bengaluru Yodhas franchise in the Pro Wrestling League.In the year 2016, Kohli joined forces with Stepathlon Lifestyle to launch Stepathlon Kids. The initiative aimed to encourage young individuals to adopt healthy lifestyle habits and inculcate the love for physical activity. In 2017, Kohli entered into a partnership with the German sportswear brand, Puma, to launch his athletic lifestyle brand, One8. This brand offers a range of sport-related apparel, footwear, and accessories. That same year, Kohli also established Nueva, a fine dining establishment located in New Delhi. The restaurant features a South American-inspired decor accentuated with Native American artwork, providing a distinctive culinary setting. Kohli also established One8 Commune, a chain of restaurant-bars. This marked his inaugural foray into the food and beverage industry. The first outlet of this restaurant was launched in 2017.\n\nIn 2022, Kohli and his spouse made an investment of ₹2.5 crore (equivalent to ₹2.9 crore or US$350,000 in 2023) in Digit, an insurance-based startup. Additionally, they also extended their support to Blue Tribe, a startup that specializes in the production and distribution of plant-based meat products. Driven by his own inclination towards a plant-based diet, Kohli aims to raise awareness and encourage individuals to adopt more sustainable and environmentally conscious practices.”
