Virat Kohli – Full Biography: Life, Career & Legacy
Virat Kohli (born November 5, 1988 in Delhi) is widely regarded as one of cricket’s greatest modern-day batsmen. Known for his fierce competitiveness, records across formats, and leadership, Kohli has left an indelible mark on international and IPL cricket.
Image Credit: latestly
🏏 Early Life & Rise Through Ranks
Kohli grew up in Uttam Nagar, Delhi. His father, Prem Nath Kohli, passed away in 2006. He joined West Delhi Cricket Academy and dominated youth selection circuits. He captained India to the ICC Under‑19 World Cup victory in 2008, earning an IPL contract from RCB and making his ODI debut the same year.
🌍 International Career Highlights
- ODI debut: August 2008 vs Sri Lanka — quickly became a mainstay.
- Key achievements: 2011 ODI WC, 2013 Champions Trophy, 2024 T20 WC, 2025 Champions Trophy.
- Test career: 123 matches, 9,230 runs at 46.85 avg; retired May 2025.
- Rankings: First Indian to hold No. 1 ranking in all formats; multiple ICC Player of the Year awards.
🔥 IPL & Domestic Cricket
Named the face of Royal Challengers Bengaluru since 2008, Kohli has scored 8,661 runs at 39.55 average in 267 matches, including 8 centuries & 63 fifties. In IPL 2025, he amassed 657 runs at an average of 54.75.
🎯 ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Highlights
In the 2025 Champions Trophy, Kohli scored 218 runs in 5 matches, including an unbeaten 100* against Pakistan—becoming the fastest ever to 14,000 ODI runs. India went on to clinch the title.
📸 Iconic Images & Moments
Image Credit: Getty Images
⚡ Retirement & Future Speculation
Kohli bid farewell to Test cricket in May 2025. He leaves as India's fourth-highest Test scorer and its most successful Test captain (40 wins). Michael Clarke and Steve Smith praised his influence, and fans continue to speculate about a comeback if India falters in England 2025.
📱 Off-Field Life
Married to Bollywood’s Anushka Sharma (since 2017), Virat is a global influencer with over 270M Instagram followers. He has numerous business investments, brand endorsements, and social initiatives.
📚 Legacy & Impact
- First batsman to score 20,000 international runs in a decade.
- Most ODI centuries (51 as of Feb 2025); fastest to many batting milestones.
- Pioneered fitness, mental strength and fielding standards in Indian cricket. Praised by contemporaries and legends.
🔍 Final Takeaway
Virat Kohli’s journey—from a Delhi youth to an international superstar—exemplifies passion, perseverance, and excellence. Though he’s stepped away from Tests, his legacy lives on in records, influence, and inspiration. For more cricket insights and player biographies, stay tuned to Edtech Revolt.