When you think of modern cricket legends, one name that invariably comes to mind is Virat Kohli. With his extraordinary talent, passion for the game, and unmatched dedication, “Virat Kohli Biography – Explore the Life of a Cricket Legend.” Kohli has not only conquered the cricketing world but has also earned a special place in the hearts of cricket enthusiasts globally. In this comprehensive biography, we will take you through the remarkable life and career of Virat Kohli, from his early days to his ascent as a cricketing icon.
Virat Kohli Biography:
| Full Name | Virat Kohli |
| Date of Birth | Nov 5, 1988 |
| Place of Birth | Delhi |
| Height | 5’ 9’’ |
| Education | 12th |
| Father | Prem Kohli |
| Mother | Saroj Kohli |
| Occupation | Cricketer |
| Role | Batsman |
| Batting style | Right-handed |
| Bowling style | Right arm medium pace |
| Major Teams | India, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Delhi, India Red, India U19, Board Presidents XI, North Zone |
| International Debut | ODI- 18 August 2008 against Sri Lanka at Dambulla |
| T20 – 12 June 2010 against Zimbabwe at Harare | |
| Test- 20 June 2011 against West Indies at Kingston |
Early Life and Family
Virat Kohli was born on November 5, 1988, in Delhi, India. He grew up in a middle-class Punjabi family that had an immense love for cricket. His father, Prem Kohli, worked as a lawyer, and his mother, Saroj Kohli, was a homemaker. Kohli also has two siblings, an older brother, Vikas, and an older sister, Bhavna. His family’s unwavering support and encouragement played a pivotal role in shaping his cricketing career.
Virat’s Journey into Cricket
Virat Kohli’s cricket journey started when he joined the West Delhi Cricket Academy in 1998, where he learned under Rajkumar Sharma’s guidance.
In October 2002, he made his debut for the Delhi Under-15 team in the Polly Umrigar Trophy, and in the next tournament, he led the team. Later, in the 2003-04 Vijay Merchant Trophy, playing for the Delhi Under-17 team, he emerged as the top run-scorer.
At just 18 years old, Kohli made his first-class debut for Delhi against Tamil Nadu, scoring 10 runs. In July 2006, he played for the Under-19 team during India’s England tour, which India won. The next year, he made his T20 debut and became the top run-scorer in the Inter-State T20 Championship.
The year 2008 was life-changing for him: he captained the Under-19 Cricket World Cup-winning team, RCB bought him for $30,000 in the IPL, and he made his international debut.
In 2010, Kohli had a chance to play in all matches of the tri-nation ODI tournament in Bangladesh when Tendulkar rested. His excellent performance earned praise from Captain MS Dhoni.
Kohli’s achievements include being part of the 2011 World Cup-winning team, becoming the first Indian to score a century on World Cup debut, and setting records like becoming the fastest batsman to score 1,000 runs in T20Is and the fastest to cross 7,000 runs in ODIs.
In 2017, he made history with six double centuries as a captain in a Test series against Sri Lanka. He also scored 2,818 international runs in that year, the highest by an Indian.
In August 2018, he reached no. 1 in the ICC Test rankings and, in October 2018, became the first Indian, first captain, and tenth overall to hit three successive centuries in ODIs.
Captaincy and Leadership
In 2013, Kohli was appointed as the captain of the Indian cricket team for the limited-overs format. Under his leadership, the team achieved remarkable success, including victories in overseas Test series, making him one of India’s most successful cricket captains.
Record-Breaking Batsman
Kohli’s batting prowess is second to none. He holds numerous records, including the fastest century in ODIs by an Indian, the most centuries in successful ODI run-chases, and being the fastest to 8,000, 9,000, 10,000, and 11,000 runs in ODIs.
Virat Kohli Biography: Personal Life
Anushka Sharma – The Love Story
In December 2017, Virat Kohli tied the knot with Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma in a lavish ceremony in Italy. Their love story is a testament to the power of love transcending boundaries between different fields.
Fitness Freak
Kohli’s dedication extends beyond the cricket field. He is known for his rigorous fitness regimen and has set new standards for fitness in cricket. His commitment to fitness has not only improved his game but has also inspired many aspiring cricketers.
Virat Kohli Biography: Achievements and Awards
- Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for ICC Cricketer of the Year: Multiple times.
- Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award: India’s highest sporting honour.
- ICC Test Cricketer of the Year: Multiple times.
- ICC ODI Cricketer of the Year: Multiple times.
- ICC Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for Cricketer of the Year: Multiple times.
- Padma Shri: India’s fourth-highest civilian award.
- Padma Bhushan: India’s third-highest civilian award.
- Wisden Leading Cricketer in the World: Multiple times.
- Sir Vivian Richards Trophy: For ICC Cricketer of the Year.
- ICC World Test Championship Captain of the Year: Awarded in 2021.
- BCCI Polly Umrigar Award for International Cricketer of the Year: Multiple times.
- BCCI Polly Umrigar Award for Outstanding Performance in International Cricket: Multiple times.
- BCCI Polly Umrigar Award for Best International Cricketer (2011-12).
- CEAT International Cricketer of the Year: Multiple times.
- Most Valuable Player (IPL): Multiple times.
- Wisden India Almanack Cricketer of the Year: Multiple times.
- Leading Run-scorer in IPL: Achieved multiple times.
- ICC World Test Championship Final Man of the Match: Awarded in 2021.
- ICC World Test Championship Final Man of the Series: Awarded in 2021.
- Fastest to 8,000, 9,000, 10,000, and 11,000 ODI Runs: World records.
Virat Kohli Biography: Records
- Fastest Century in ODIs by an Indian: Kohli holds the record for the fastest century by an Indian in One Day Internationals (ODIs), achieved in just 52 balls.
- Highest ODI Batting Average: He boasts one of the highest batting averages in ODI cricket, consistently maintaining an average above 50.
- Most Centuries in ODIs: Virat Kohli has scored the most centuries (100s) in ODIs, a testament to his remarkable consistency and prolific run-scoring.
- Fastest to 8,000, 9,000, 10,000, and 11,000 ODI Runs: He is the fastest player to reach multiple milestones in terms of ODI run-scoring.
- First Cricketer to Score 20,000 International Runs in a Decade: Kohli achieved the unique distinction of scoring 20,000 international runs in a single decade, underlining his incredible consistency across formats.
- Most Centuries in Successful ODI Run Chases: He holds the record for the most centuries in ODIs when chasing down a target, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.
- Most Double Centuries by an Indian in Test Cricket: Kohli is the first Indian captain to score a double century in Test cricket away from home.
- Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for ICC Cricketer of the Year: He has won this prestigious award multiple times, highlighting his excellence on the global cricketing stage.
- Highest Run-scorer for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in IPL: Kohli is the all-time leading run-scorer for RCB in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
- Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award: He has been honored with India’s highest sporting award, the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna.
FAQs
Q: How did Virat Kohli start his cricketing journey?
A: Virat Kohli’s cricketing journey began at the West Delhi Cricket Academy, where he started training at the age of 9.
Q: What are some of Virat Kohli’s notable records?
A: Virat Kohli holds records for the fastest century in ODIs by an Indian, the most centuries in successful ODI run-chases, and being the fastest to various run milestones in ODIs.
Q: Who is Virat Kohli married to?
A: Virat Kohli is married to Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma. They tied the knot in December 2017.
Q: How has Virat Kohli influenced the fitness culture in cricket?
A: Virat Kohli’s dedication to fitness has set new standards in cricket. He is known for his rigorous fitness regimen, which has inspired many cricketers to prioritize fitness.
Q: What is Virat Kohli’s highest sporting honour?
A: Virat Kohli has been awarded the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, India’s highest sporting honour.
Conclusion
Virat Kohli’s cricket journey, marked by extraordinary talent and unwavering dedication, is truly remarkable. From West Delhi Cricket Academy to cricket legend, his path inspires us.
Born in Delhi to a cricket-loving family, Kohli’s early steps paved the way for greatness. His foray into cricket began in age-group tournaments, leading to his first-class debut and India’s Under-19 success.
In 2008, he captained the Under-19 World Cup winners, debuted in the IPL, and entered international cricket.
Kohli’s records include the fastest Indian ODI century, most centuries in successful chases, and fastest to 8,000, 9,000, 10,000, and 11,000 ODI runs.
Off the field, his love story with Anushka Sharma and fitness commitment are inspiring. Awards like Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna and ICC Cricketer of the Year adorn his career.
Virat Kohli’s legacy in cricket is iconic, a beacon for aspiring players. His passion, records, and accolades hold a special place in cricket history, continually shaping Indian cricket’s future.
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