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Virat Kohli Biography

Virat Kohli Biography

Full Name: Virat Prem Kohli
Date of Birth: November 5, 1988
Place of Birth: Delhi, India
Nickname: Chiku
Height: 5’9″ (175 cm)
Batting Style: Right-hand batsman
Bowling Style: Right-arm medium
Role: Batsman, Former Captain (India)


Early Life and Background

Virat Kohli was born in Delhi, India, to Prem Kohli, a lawyer, and Saroj Kohli, a housewife. He has an elder brother, Vikas, and an elder sister, Bhavna. Kohli grew up in Uttam Nagar, a middle-class neighborhood in Delhi. He was introduced to cricket at an early age, joining the West Delhi Cricket Academy (WDCA) at the age of nine. His talent was quickly recognized, and he began playing at the junior levels in various age-group tournaments.

Kohli’s passion for cricket was evident from a young age, with a strong drive to improve. He made his mark as a promising batsman during his school days and by representing Delhi in various competitions. Tragedy struck his family in 2006 when his father passed away, but Kohli showed remarkable maturity, choosing to continue playing a Ranji Trophy match for Delhi even on the day of his father’s demise.

Domestic and Under-19 Career

Virat Kohli first gained significant attention as a young cricketer when he captained India to victory in the 2008 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup in Malaysia. His aggressive leadership style and consistent batting performances caught the eye of selectors and cricket fans worldwide. Following this triumph, he was signed by the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), which marked the beginning of his long association with the team.

International Debut and Rise (2008-2012)

Kohli made his senior international debut for India in an ODI against Sri Lanka on August 18, 2008. His early years in the national team saw some ups and downs, but his talent was undeniable. By 2009, he became a regular feature in India’s limited-overs squad and played a crucial role in India’s successful campaigns, particularly in chasing down totals.

His breakthrough moment came in 2011 when he was part of the Indian team that won the ICC Cricket World Cup under the leadership of Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Kohli’s innings of 35 in the final against Sri Lanka helped steady India’s chase, setting the stage for a famous victory.

Becoming a Run Machine (2013-2016)

Kohli’s reputation as one of the best batsmen in the world began solidifying during this period. In 2012, he was ranked as one of the top ODI players by the ICC. His ability to anchor innings and chase down daunting targets became his hallmark. His aggressive mindset, fitness regime, and relentless pursuit of excellence made him stand out. In 2013, Kohli was made vice-captain of the Indian ODI team and later took over as captain in certain matches when Dhoni was unavailable.

One of Kohli’s most iconic moments came during India’s tour of Australia in 2014-15, where he scored four centuries in the Test series, even though India lost. His batting in alien conditions demonstrated his growth as a player capable of thriving in all formats.

Leadership and Captaincy (2017-2021)

In 2017, Kohli officially took over as India’s captain across all formats following Dhoni’s resignation from Test and limited-overs captaincy. Under his leadership, India achieved numerous milestones, including becoming the No. 1 ranked Test team for a prolonged period and winning several series abroad.

Kohli also led the team to the final of the ICC Champions Trophy in 2017 and the semi-finals of the 2019 ICC World Cup. Though India did not win these tournaments, Kohli’s leadership and batting were consistently praised.

As a batsman, Kohli set and broke numerous records. He became the fastest player to score 8,000, 9,000, 10,000, and 11,000 runs in ODI cricket. His ability to score centuries and finish matches made him a fan favorite globally. Kohli also scored his highest Test score of 254* against South Africa in 2019.

Personal Life

Virat Kohli married Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma in December 2017, in a private ceremony in Italy. The couple has been one of the most popular and celebrated power couples in India. They welcomed their first child, a daughter named Vamika, in January 2021.

Kohli is known for his disciplined lifestyle and is a fitness enthusiast, setting new standards for athleticism in Indian cricket. His transformation from a talented but somewhat hot-headed youngster to a mature, responsible leader has been widely documented and admired.

IPL Career

Kohli has been a prominent figure in the Indian Premier League (IPL) since its inception. He has played for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) throughout his IPL career, taking over the captaincy of the team in 2013. Though RCB has not won the IPL title, Kohli’s individual performances have been exceptional, including scoring over 6,000 runs in the tournament and holding the record for the most runs in a single season (973 runs in 2016).

Challenges and Step Down as Captain

Despite his success, Kohli’s tenure as captain had its challenges. India struggled in some ICC tournaments, and there were rumors of a rift between him and the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) regarding leadership decisions. In 2021, after India’s defeat in the World Test Championship final, Kohli decided to step down as India’s T20 captain, and later in the year, he relinquished the ODI and Test captaincy as well. His decision was seen as a way to focus more on his batting and alleviate some of the pressures of leadership.

Legacy

Virat Kohli is widely regarded as one of the greatest batsmen of all time, particularly in ODI cricket, where his consistency is unparalleled. With over 70 international centuries and numerous records to his name, his place among cricketing legends is secured. Kohli is known for his aggressive playing style, mental toughness, and an insatiable hunger for runs.

His influence goes beyond the field as well. Kohli has been a role model for the younger generation, with his emphasis on fitness, discipline, and dedication to the game. His legacy as a captain who transformed India into a dominant Test team and a batsman with an unmatched ability to chase targets will be remembered for generations.

Awards and Honors

  • Padma Shri (2017) – India’s fourth-highest civilian award.
  • Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award (2018) – India’s highest sporting honor.
  • Multiple ICC awards, including ICC ODI Player of the Year and ICC Cricketer of the Year.

Conclusion

Virat Kohli’s journey from a young boy in Delhi to becoming one of the most celebrated cricketers in the world is an inspiring story of talent, hard work, and determination. With numerous records to his name and a passion for the game that remains undiminished, Kohli’s contributions to cricket are far from over, and his influence will continue to shape the sport for years to come.

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