In the world of cricket, very few names have become as iconic and influential as Virat Kohli. With unmatched passion, elite-level fitness, and a hunger for records, Virat Kohli has evolved from a promising young cricketer into a global sports icon. His journey is not only about cricket—it’s a story of ambition, discipline, perseverance, and leadership.
This in-depth Virat Kohli biography explores everything about the man who changed Indian cricket—from his humble beginnings in Delhi to captaining the national team, breaking records, and becoming a brand ambassador for modern sportsmanship. Read on to discover why Virat Kohli is not just a cricketer, but a legend in the making.
Early Life and Family Background
Virat Kohli was born on November 5, 1988, in Delhi, India, to a Punjabi Hindu family. From an early age, he showed a deep interest in cricket and was known for his sharp focus and enthusiasm.
He joined the West Delhi Cricket Academy (WDCA) at the age of 9, where his talent quickly stood out. Despite financial challenges and personal hardships—especially the loss of his father in 2006—Kohli never lost sight of his dream.
Family Details
| Relation | Name |
|---|---|
| Father | Prem Kohli (Criminal Lawyer) |
| Mother | Saroj Kohli |
| Brother | Vikas Kohli |
| Sister | Bhawna Kohli Dhingra |
| Wife | Anushka Sharma (Actress) |
| Children | Vamika (Daughter), Akaay (Son) |
Education and Childhood
Kohli studied at Vishal Bharti Public School in Delhi and later moved to Saviour Convent Senior Secondary School. While academics were important, cricket was always his top priority. His early coaches recall him as a prodigy who was technically sound and mentally focused, even as a teenager.
Domestic Career and U-19 Success
Before making it to the Indian national team, Virat Kohli played for the Delhi state team in various age-group levels. He made his first-class debut in 2006 and quickly earned recognition for his temperament and consistency.
His career took a major leap in 2008, when he led the Indian U-19 team to victory in the ICC U-19 World Cup held in Malaysia. This success caught the attention of national selectors and IPL scouts.
International Debut and Early Years
ODI Debut: August 18, 2008 vs. Sri Lanka
Test Debut: June 20, 2011 vs. West Indies
T20I Debut: June 12, 2010 vs. Zimbabwe
Initially, Virat Kohli was part of the middle order, but with consistent performances, he became India’s most reliable No. 3 batsman. He played a crucial role in India’s 2011 World Cup victory and was also the highest run scorer in many series during the early 2010s.
Rise to Captaincy
After MS Dhoni stepped down from captaincy, Kohli took over:
- 2013 – ODI & T20 captain
- 2014 – Test captain
- 2017 – Full-time all-format captain
As a captain, Virat Kohli brought aggression, discipline, and energy to the team. He backed players, focused on fitness, and created a winning mindset. Under his leadership, India achieved historic series wins, including:
- Series win in Australia (2018–19)
- Dominance in Test cricket rankings
- Unbeaten record in home Tests for years
Virat Kohli’s Cricket Stats (as of 2025)
| Format | Matches | Runs | Average | 100s | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 113 | 8845 | 49.15 | 29 | 30 |
| ODI | 285 | 13450 | 58.17 | 48 | 65 |
| T20I | 115 | 4037 | 52.74 | 1 | 37 |
| IPL | 237 | 7263 | 37.25 | 7 | 50 |
Major Records and Achievements
- First player to score 50+ average across all formats for over a decade
- Fastest to 8000, 9000, 10,000, 11,000, and 12,000 ODI runs
- 2011 World Cup and 2013 Champions Trophy winner
- ICC Player of the Year (2017, 2018)
- Most centuries in run-chases (ODIs)
- Highest IPL run-scorer with 7263+ runs
Playing Style and Strengths
Virat Kohli is known for:
- Strong wrist work and cover drives
- Aggressive yet calculated run-chasing
- Quick footwork and sharp reflexes
- High consistency across formats
- Exceptional leadership and fielding skills
Personal Life and Marriage
Virat Kohli married Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma in December 2017 in Italy. The couple is widely followed by media and fans and is known for their social initiatives and eco-friendly lifestyle. They have two children: daughter Vamika and son Akaay.
Brand Endorsements and Business Ventures
Virat Kohli is one of the most marketable athletes globally. He endorses brands such as:
- Puma
- MRF
- Audi
- Tissot
- Manyavar
- Vivo
He also owns and invests in:
- One8 brand (shoes, clothing, perfumes, café, and gyms)
- Wrogn (fashion brand)
- FC Goa (ISL football team co-owner)
Net Worth of Virat Kohli in 2025
| Source | Estimated Earnings (USD) |
|---|---|
| Cricket Salary | $4 million/year |
| IPL Contract (RCB) | $2.4 million/year |
| Endorsements | $20–25 million/year |
| Businesses & Ventures | $15 million+ |
| Total Net Worth | $127 million (approx.) |
Fitness and Lifestyle
Virat Kohli follows a strict fitness regime, which includes:
- Daily gym workouts
- Cardio and weight training
- High-protein, plant-based diet
- No sugar or junk food
- Adequate sleep and recovery
He’s also credited with revolutionizing India’s fitness culture, making Yo-Yo tests mandatory for selection.
Social Media and Global Influence
With over 270 million followers on Instagram, Virat Kohli is one of the most followed athletes globally. He uses his platform to promote:
- Health and fitness
- Mental wellness
- Environmental awareness
- Brand partnerships and fan engagement
Virat Kohli in Popular Culture
- Featured in Forbes’ list of most valuable athletes
- Has a wax statue at Madame Tussauds
- Appears in video games, ads, documentaries
- Subject of numerous books and interviews
Interesting Facts About Virat Kohli
- Idolizes Sachin Tendulkar
- Played a Ranji match the day after his father died
- A trained classical singer in childhood
- Loves football and supports Real Madrid
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A. Virat Kohli is an Indian cricketer, former captain of the national team, and one of the best batsmen in modern cricket history.
A. His estimated net worth in 2025 is around $127 million, including income from cricket, IPL, endorsements, and business ventures.
A. As of 2025, Virat Kohli has scored over 70 international centuries, including 48 in ODIs and 29 in Tests.
A. Yes, Virat Kohli continues to play international cricket and is also a key player for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL.
A. Kohli endorses Puma, Audi, MRF, Tissot, and owns fashion and fitness brands like One8 and Wrogn.