Info box (Summary table)

Early Life and Education

Date and Place of Birth

Virat Kohli was born on November 5, 1988, in Delhi, India. His astrological sign is Scorpio, and he has shown fierce determination and ambition since childhood—traits that later shaped his career.

Family Background

Virat comes from a Punjabi Hindu family. His father, Prem Kohli, was a criminal lawyer, and his mother, Saroj Kohli, is a homemaker. He has an older brother, Vikas, and an older sister, Bhavna. His father played a major role in encouraging his cricket career until his untimely death in 2006.

Education History

Virat studied at Vishal Bharti Public School, where he developed a strong interest in cricket. Later, he moved to Saviour Convent School in Paschim Vihar. While academics were important, cricket always took center stage in his life.

Early Interests and Influences

Virat picked up a cricket bat at the age of 3. Inspired by Sachin Tendulkar and supported by his family, he joined the West Delhi Cricket Academy at age 9. Coach Rajkumar Sharma honed his early skills and shaped his competitive edge.

Career

Career Beginnings

Kohli made his mark by leading India to victory in the 2008 ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup. Shortly after, he debuted for the Indian national team in August 2008 against Sri Lanka in an ODI.

Major Milestones

• 2011: Became part of India's World Cup-winning team.
• 2013: Appointed vice-captain of the ODI team.
• 2014: Took over as Test captain after MS Dhoni's retirement.
• 2017: Became full-time captain across all formats.

Significant Achievements

• Fastest to 8,000, 9,000, 10,000, 11,000, and 12,000 ODI runs.
• First Indian to score three consecutive centuries in ODIs.
• Holds the record for most centuries in IPL history as of 2025.
• 2018: Named ICC Cricketer of the Year.

Collaborations and Partnerships

Virat has collaborated with brands like Puma, Audi, MRF, and Philips. He co-owns the fashion brand Wrogn and has invested in health and fitness startups like Chisel Gym. He’s also the co-owner of FC Goa, a football club in the Indian Super League.

Personal Life

Marital Status and Spouse

Virat Kohli married Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma in a private ceremony in Italy on December 11, 2017. The couple is one of India's most beloved celebrity duos.

Children

The couple welcomed their daughter, Vamika Kohli, on January 11, 2021. Virat and Anushka have chosen to keep her out of the public spotlight.

Hobbies and Interests

Besides cricket, Virat is a fitness enthusiast, gamer, and reader. He’s also passionate about fashion and owns a fashion label. His strict vegan diet and workout regimen are admired by fans.

Philanthropy and Activism

Kohli runs the Virat Kohli Foundation, which supports underprivileged children and young athletes. He has partnered with various NGOs to promote child welfare and education.

Awards and Honors

List of Awards with Years

• 2012: ICC ODI Cricketer of the Year
• 2017, 2018: ICC Cricketer of the Year
• 2013: Arjuna Award – For outstanding performance in cricket.
• 2017: Padma Shri – India’s fourth-highest civilian honor.
• 2018: Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna (now renamed Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna) – India’s highest sporting honor.
• 2023: ICC Player of the Month – For consistent and aggressive performances in international ODIs.
• 2024: RCB Icon of the Decade – Honored by Royal Challengers Bengaluru for his loyalty and contributions since the inception of the IPL.

Honorary Degrees

Although Virat Kohli hasn’t accepted any honorary academic degrees yet, Delhi University and Bangalore University reportedly offered honorary doctorates in sports excellence and youth leadership as of late 2024. Discussions are still ongoing, as Kohli has shown interest in supporting academic-sport partnerships rather than individual accolades.

Other Recognitions

• Virat Kohli played a pivotal role in RCB's 2025 IPL victory, leading with consistency, scoring crucial knocks in the playoffs, and finishing as the tournament's second-highest run-scorer.
• 2024 IPL Season: Virat Kohli played a crucial role in leading RCB to the IPL 2024 finals, registering the most runs in the season and winning the Orange Cap with over 800 runs.
• He also became the first player to cross 8000 runs in IPL history, cementing his place as the greatest IPL batsman of all time.
• Honored with the RCB Lifetime Loyalty Award for being the face of the franchise for over 15 years.
• Listed in the Forbes Top 100 Highest-Paid Athletes 2024.
• Featured on the cover of TIME India Special Edition 2024, titled "The Run Machine".
• Named "Global Sports Icon of the Year" by SportsPro Media in 2025.
• His social impact and discipline led to being appointed as the National Sports Brand Ambassador by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, India, in early 2025.

These recognitions not only celebrate his on-field dominance but also his unmatched charisma, off-field brand value, and social contributions. Virat Kohli’s ability to evolve as a sportsman and public figure continues to make him one of the most influential personalities in modern-day cricket.

Bibliography / Filmography / Discography

List of Works with Publication or Release Years

• Autobiography (upcoming): Rumors suggest he’s working on a memoir.
• Appeared in documentaries such as “The Test” and IPL docuseries.
• Frequent guest on cricket talk shows and sports networks.

References

1. ESPNcricinfo Profile – Virat Kohli
2. BCCI official website
3. Virat Kohli Foundation updates
4. Times of India, Hindustan Times Archives
5. ICC Player Records

Official Virat Kohli Social Media Profiles

• Instagram
• Twitter
• Facebook

Conclusion

Virat Kohli’s journey from a Delhi boy with big dreams to becoming one of cricket’s biggest icons is nothing short of extraordinary. With unmatched dedication, unshakeable confidence, and a relentless hunger for greatness, Kohli has etched his name in history. While his cricketing stats are legendary, it's his discipline, charisma, and impact on youth that make him truly unforgettable.

FAQs

Q1: When did Virat Kohli start playing for India?
Virat made his international debut in 2008 during an ODI against Sri Lanka.

Q2: How many centuries has Virat Kohli scored?
As of 2025, Virat has scored over 75 international centuries across formats.

Q3: What is Virat Kohli’s net worth?
His estimated net worth is over $125 million, including endorsements, IPL earnings, and brand ventures.

Q4: Is Virat Kohli retired from cricket?
No, he is still actively playing and contributing to Indian cricket as of 2025.

Q5: What makes Virat Kohli different from other cricketers?
His aggressive style, fitness regime, consistent performance, and mental toughness set him apart.