Virat Kohli is an Indian cricketer widely regarded as one of the best batsmen in the world. Born on November 5, 1988, in Delhi, he has captained the Indian national team and holds numerous records in international cricket.
Best known for his aggressive style and consistency, Kohli is a dominant figure in modern-day cricket. This biography explores his career, personal life, awards, and net worth, offering a closer look at the man behind the legend.
Quick Bio
| Full Name | Virat Kohli |
| Date of Birth | November 5, 1988 |
| Place of Birth | Delhi, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupation | Cricketer (Batsman) |
| Ethnicity | Asian, Indian |
| Age | 35 years (as of the time of writing) |
| Height/Weight | 5 ft 9 in (175 cm)/155 lbs (70 kg) |
| Eye/Hair Color | Brown/Black |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Anushka Sharma (m. 2017) |
| Net Worth | Estimated at $100 million (as of September 2024) |
Early Life and Background
Virat Kohli was born on November 5, 1988, in Delhi, India, to Prem Kohli and Saroj Kohli. He was the third child in the family, with an older brother named Vikash and an older sister named Bhavna. Kohli’s father was a criminal lawyer, and the family belonged to a middle-class background.
From a young age, Kohli showed a keen interest in cricket. He joined the West Delhi Cricket Academy at the age of nine and began honing his skills under the guidance of Raj Kumar Sharma, a well-known cricket coach in Delhi. Kohli’s dedication and talent were evident from an early age, and he quickly rose through the ranks of Delhi’s cricketing circles.
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Education
Kohli completed his schooling at Vishal Bharti Public School in Delhi. He was an avid sportsman in school and represented his institution in various cricket tournaments.
After completing his schooling, Kohli enrolled at the Raffles University in New Delhi, where he pursued a bachelor’s degree in commerce. However, his burgeoning cricket career soon took precedence, and he had to drop out of the university to focus on his cricketing aspirations.
Career
Virat Kohli’s professional cricket career began in 2006 when he was selected to play for the Delhi Ranji Trophy team. He quickly made a name for himself with his impressive batting performances, and in 2008, he was selected to play for the Indian Under-19 cricket team.
Kohli’s breakthrough moment came in 2008 when he led the Indian team to victory in the 2008 Under-19 Cricket World Cup. His performances in the tournament earned him a call-up to the senior Indian national team, and he made his international debut in a One-Day International (ODI) match against Sri Lanka in August 2008.
Over the years, Kohli has established himself as one of the best batsmen in the world. He has represented India in all three formats of the game (Test, ODI, and Twenty20 International) and has been a consistent performer for the national team. Some of his notable achievements include:
- Becoming the fastest batsman to reach 10,000 runs in ODI cricket, achieving the feat in just 205 innings.
- Becoming the first batsman to score four double-centuries in consecutive Test series.
- Holding the record for the most centuries in a single edition of the ICC Cricket World Cup (6 in 2019).
- Winning the prestigious ICC Cricketer of the Year award multiple times (2017, 2018, 2019).
- Leading the Indian national team as captain from 2014 to 2022, during which time the team reached new heights in Test, ODI, and T20I cricket.
Kohli’s performances on the field have earned him a large and devoted fan following, both in India and around the world. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest cricketers of the modern era, known for his aggressive batting style, excellent technique, and mental toughness.
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Personal Life
Virat Kohli’s personal life has also been the subject of significant media attention. In 2017, he married Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma, and together they have two children, a daughter named Vamika (born January 2021) and a son named Akaay (born February 2024).
The couple is often referred to as one of the most high-profile celebrity couples in India. Kohli is also known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly his work with the Virat Kohli Foundation, which focuses on supporting underprivileged children and promoting sports development in India.
Hobbies
Apart from cricket, Kohli is known to be an avid fitness enthusiast. He is a self-proclaimed gym-lover and has often spoken about the importance of maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle. He is also a fan of luxury cars and has a collection of high-end vehicles.
Age, Height, Weight
Virat Kohli is currently 34 years old, having been born on November 5, 1988. He stands at a height of 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) and weighs approximately 155 lbs (70 kg).
Investments
Virat Kohli has diversified his investments beyond just cricket. He has invested in various businesses, including a clothing line, a gym chain, and a production company. Kohli has also invested in the sports technology startup firm Chisel, which focuses on developing personalized fitness and nutrition solutions.
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Awards and Recognitions
Virat Kohli has been the recipient of numerous awards and accolades throughout his illustrious career. Some of his most notable achievements include:
- ICC Cricketer of the Year (2017, 2018, 2019)
- ICC ODI Player of the Year (2012, 2017, 2018)
- Padma Shri (India’s fourth-highest civilian award, 2017)
- Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award (India’s highest sporting honor, 2018)
- Wisden Leading Cricketer in the World (2016, 2017, 2018)
- BCCI International Cricketer of the Year (2011–12, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18)
Records
Throughout his career, Virat Kohli has set numerous records and achieved remarkable feats. Some of his most notable records include:
- Fastest to 8,000, 9,000, and 10,000 runs in ODI cricket
- Most runs in a single edition of the ICC Cricket World Cup (6 centuries in 2019)
- Most centuries in a calendar year in ODIs (11 in 2017)
- Highest individual score by an Indian captain in an ODI (183 against Pakistan in 2012)
- Most centuries in successful run-chases in ODIs (20)
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Net Worth
Virat Kohli is one of the highest-paid cricketers in the world, with an estimated net worth of around $100 million. His primary sources of income include his cricket earnings, endorsement deals, and investments.
Kohli’s cricket earnings come from his central contract with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), as well as his earnings from the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore, which he has captained since 2013.
In addition to his cricket earnings, Kohli has a vast portfolio of endorsement deals with leading brands such as Audi, Puma, Vivo, and Uber, among others. He is also the co-owner of the fashion label Wrogn and has investments in various startups and businesses.
Social Media Presence
Virat Kohli is highly active on social media and has a massive following across different platforms. As of September 2024, he has:
- Instagram: @virat.kohli (270 million followers)
- Twitter: @imVkohli (64.9 million followers)
- Facebook: Virat Kohli (51 million followers)
Kohli’s social media presence allows him to connect with his vast fan base and share updates about his personal and professional life. He often uses his platforms to promote various causes and initiatives that he is involved in, as well as to interact with his followers.