Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli

Kohli in 2023
Personal information
Born	(1988-11-05) 5 November 1988 Delhi, India
Nickname	Cheeku King Kohli Chase Master
Height	5 ft 9 in (175 cm)
Batting	Right-handed
Bowling	Right-arm medium
Role	Top-order batter
Relations	Anushka Sharma ​ (m. 2017)​
Website	VK Foundation
International information
National side	India (2008–present)
Test debut (cap 269)	20 June 2011 v West Indies
Last Test	30 December 2024 v Australia
ODI debut (cap 175)	18 August 2008 v Sri Lanka
Last ODI	23 February 2025 v Pakistan
ODI shirt no.	18
T20I debut (cap 31)	12 June 2010 v Zimbabwe
Last T20I	29 June 2024 v South Africa
T20I shirt no.	18
Domestic team information
Years	Team
2006–present	Delhi
2008–present	Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Career statistics
Competition Test ODI T20I FC Matches 123 299 125 156 Runs scored 9,230 14,085 4,188 11485 Batting average 46.85 58.20 48.69 48.05 100s/50s 30/31 51/73 1/38 37/39 Top score 254* 183 122* 254* Balls bowled 175 662 152 643 Wickets 0 5 4 3 Bowling average – 136.00 51.00 112.66 5 wickets in innings – 0 0 0 10 wickets in match – 0 0 0 Best bowling – 1/13 1/13 1/19 Catches/stumpings 120/– 158/– 54/– 152/–
Medal record Men's cricket Representing India ODI World Cup 2011 India / Bangladesh / Sri Lanka 2023 India T20 World Cup 2024 West Indies / United States 2014 Bangladesh World Test Championship 2021 England 2023 England Champions Trophy 2013 England / Wales 2017 England / Wales Asia Cup 2010 Sri Lanka 2016 Bangladesh 2023 Pakistan / Sri Lanka U19 World Cup 2008 Malaysia
Source: Cric Info
Signature

Virat Kohli (born 5 November 1988) is an Indian international cricketer who plays Test and ODI cricket for the national team and is a former captain in all formats. He is a right-handed batsman and an occasional right arm medium pace bowler. He is called the king and the chase master for his playing style, skill and records. Kohli is the highest run-scorer in the Indian Premier League, third in T20I, third in ODI, and third in international cricket. Regarded as one of the greatest batsmen of all time, he holds the record for the most ODI centuries and has the second most centuries in international cricket.

Kohli was a member of the Indian team that won the 2008 Under-19 Cricket World Cup, 2011 Cricket World Cup, 2013 Champions Trophy and 2024 T20 World Cup and also captained India to win the ICC Test mace three consecutive times in 2017, 2018, and 2019. He represents Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Indian Premier League and Delhi in domestic cricket. In 2013, Kohli was ranked number one in the ODI batsmen ICC rankings. In 2015, he also achieved the same for T20I rankings. In 2018, he was ranked the top Test batsman, making him the only Indian cricketer to hold the number one spot in all three formats. He is the first player to score 20,000 runs in a decade. In 2020, the ICC named him the male cricketer of the decade.

Kohli has garnered 10 ICC Awards making him the most awarded player in International Cricket history. He won the ICC ODI Player of the Year award four times in 2012, 2017, 2018, and 2023. He also won the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy, given to the ICC Cricketer of the Year, on two occasions, in 2017 and 2018 respectively. In 2018, he touched his peak and became the first player to win all the three major awards Garfield Sobers trophy, ICC ODI and Test Player of the Year awards in the same year. He was awarded with Spirit of Cricket Award in 2019. Also he was awarded with ICC Cricketer of the Decade and ICC ODI Cricketer of the decade in 2020. Also, he was named the Wisden Leading Cricketer in the World for three consecutive years, from 2016 to 2018. Kohli has the most Player of the Series awards and second most Player of the Match awards to his name in all three formats combined. He was honored with the Arjuna Award in 2013, the Padma Shri in 2017, and India's highest sporting honor, the Khel Ratna Award, in 2018. In 2018, Time magazine included him on its list of the 100 most influential people in the world.

After winning the 2024 T20 World Cup and the Player of the Match in the Final, Kohli announced his retirement from T20Is.

Early life

Kohli was born on 5 November 1988 in Delhi into a Punjabi Hindu family. His mother Saroj Kohli is as a housewife while his father Prem Nath Kohli worked as a criminal lawyer. He has an elder brother Vikas and an elder sister Bhawna. His formative years were spent in Uttam Nagar. His early education was at Vishal Bharti Public School. As per his family, Kohli exhibited an early affinity for cricket as a 3-year-old. He would pick up a bat and request his father bowl to him.

In 1998, the West Delhi Cricket Academy was created. In May, his father arranged for him to meet Rajkumar Sharma. Upon the suggestion of their neighbours, Kohli's father considered enrolling his son in a professional cricket academy, as they believed his ability merited more than gully cricket. He was unable to secure a place in the U-14 Delhi team, due to extraneous factors. His father reportedly received offers to relocate his son to influential clubs, which would ensure his selection, but he declined the proposals.

Kohli found his way into the U-15 team. He received training at the academy and participated in matches at the Sumeet Dogra Academy located at Vasundhara Enclave. In pursuit of furthering his cricketing career, he transferred to Saviour Convent School during his ninth-grade education.

On 18 December 2006, his father died due to a cerebral attack. As per his mother, Kohli's demeanour shifted noticeably after his father's death. He took on cricket with newfound seriousness, prioritizing playing time and dedicating himself fully to the sport. Kohli's family resided in Meera Bagh, Paschim Vihar until the year 2015, after which they relocated to Gurgaon.

Youth career

Delhi team

Kohli's junior cricket career kicked off in October 2002 at the Luhnu Cricket Ground against Himachal Pradesh. His first half-century in domestic cricket happened at Ferozeshah Kotla, where he scored 70 runs against Haryana. By the end of the season, he had amassed a total of 172 runs, emerging as the highest run-scorer for his side with an average of 34.40. During the 2003–04 season, Kohli was appointed the captain of the U-15 team. He scored 54 runs in Delhi's victory over Himachal Pradesh. In the next fixture against Jammu and Kashmir, Kohli scored his maiden century with a score of 119. By the end of the season, he had a total of 390 runs at an average of 78, which included two centuries. Towards the end of 2004, Kohli earned selection for the 2004–05 Vijay Merchant Trophy with the Delhi U-17 team. In the four matches that he played, Kohli had a total of 470 runs, with his highest score being 251* runs.

The team's coach, Ajit Chaudhary, lauded his performance and was particularly impressed with his temperament on the field. He commenced the 2005–06 season with a score of 227 against Punjab. Following their victory over Uttar Pradesh in the quarter-finals, Delhi was scheduled to play against Baroda in the semi-finals. The team had high expectations from Kohli, who had promised his coach to finish the job. True to his word, Kohli went on to score 228 runs, leading Delhi to victory. The team later secured the tournament with a five-wicket win over Mumbai, where he contributed with a half-century in the first innings. He ended as the highest run-scorer with a total of 757 runs from 7 matches, averaging 84.11.

On 18 February 2006, Kohli made his debut in List A cricket, playing against Services in the Ranji One-Day Trophy, but he did not get the opportunity to bat during the match. In 2006, Kohli got a spot in the state senior team. Subsequently, he made his first-class debut on 23 November 2006, during the opening match of the Ranji Trophy season against Tamil Nadu. However, his debut innings was a brief one, as he was dismissed after scoring ten runs. In the subsequent match against former champions, Karnataka, Delhi found themselves trailing with a score of 130/5, with Kohli remaining unbeaten on 40 at the end of the day's play. That night, Kohli's father passed away. Despite the heart-wrenching news, Kohli returned to the match and continued to bat and scored 90 runs before he was dismissed. Chetan Chauhan, the coach, was impressed by his determination and unwavering attitude in the face of adversity. Venkatesh Prasad lauded his crucial knock, which was executed in the midst of an emotional upheaval. After his dismissal, Kohli attended his father's funeral. His innings proved to be crucial for Delhi as they were able to avoid the follow-on. The team's captain, Mithun Manhas, praised Kohli for his performance, acknowledging its pivotal role in the team's success.

Kohli's foray into T20 cricket first happened in April 2007, during the Inter-State T20 Championship, where he emerged as the top run-getter for his team with a tally of 179 runs at an average of 35.80. In Sep 2008, Kohli played in Nissar Trophy against SNGPL. He emerged as the leading scorer for Delhi in both innings, registering 52 runs in the first innings and a towering 197 in the second. The match ultimately ended in a draw, SNGPL being declared the victors due to their lead in first innings. In the 2009–10 Ranji Trophy season, Kohli returned to domestic cricket. During a match against Maharastra, he opened the batting and scored 67 runs, helping Delhi to secure the bonus point required for victory. Kohli's performance reinvigorated the competitive spirit of the domestic cricket circuit. Ashish Nehra observed his growth over time and shared his thoughts:

I did not see him waste his time. If not on the field, he would be busy in the gym. I saw him first as a chubby-cheeked bubbly young kid who grew into a perfect athlete. His junior cricket lessons have obviously helped him. I did not know him well, but had heard a lot about his exploits in junior cricket.

India U19 team

In July 2006, Kohli was selected in the India Under-19 squad on its tour of England. He averaged 105 in the three-match ODI series against England Under-19s, while also averaging 49 in the 3-match Test series. Following India U-19 success in both the ODI and Test series, the team's coach Lalchand Rajput noted Kohli's adeptness in facing both pace and spin bowling and expressed his admiration for his technical prowess. In September, the U-19 team toured Pakistan. In the first Test match, Kohli scored 63 and 28 as India won by 271 runs against Pakistan Under-19s. In the 2nd match, he contributed 83 runs to India's victory by 240 runs and an innings. He concluded the tour with 80 runs in the final ODI game at Lahore. In early 2007, Kohli was a part of the India U-19 team that toured New Zealand, where he scored 113 in the first Test match. The series ended in a draw. In the following month, the team travelled to Malaysia for a tri-series against England Under-19s and Sri Lanka Under-19s, where Kohli did not get many opportunities to bat. In July–August, India U-19 embarked on a tour for a tri-series against Sri Lanka Under-19s and Bangladesh Under-19s, where he did not score a half-century in any of the matches. He made a comeback with scores of 144 and an unbeaten 94 in the following Test series.

Kohli came into the limelight in 2008 when he led the team to victory in the U-19 World Cup. He led the Indian squad and won the 2008 U-19 World Cup held in Malaysia. He amassed 235 runs at an average of 47, ranking as the tournament's third-highest scorer and one of three cricketers to compile a century. His century, a knock of 100 runs off 74 balls, versus the West Indies Under-19s in a group stage encounter, was lauded by ESPNcricinfo, as "the innings of the tournament." This innings paved the way for India's 50-run triumph and fetched Kohli the man of the match award. Additionally, Kohli's all-round performance in the semi-final against New Zealand Under-19s, where he captured 2 wickets and contributed 43 runs in the run-chase, was core to India's victory. In the championship match, Kohli managed a score of 19 against South Africa Under-19s and his contribution lead to the eventual 12-run win (via D/L method).

In June 2008, Kohli and his U-19 teammates Pradeep Sangwan and Tanmay Srivastava were awarded the Border–Gavaskar scholarship. This scholarship, aimed at honing the skills of the chosen cricketers, provided an opportunity to train for six weeks at Cricket Australia's Centre of Excellence in Brisbane. In a bid to identify potential talent for the senior team, Kohli was selected to represent India Emerging Players in the Emerging Players Tournament 2008. His finest performance in the tournament was against New Zealand Emerging Players, where he played a knock of 120 runs, leading India to a seven-wicket victory. With an aggregate of 204 runs, Kohli's performances did not go unnoticed by the selectors who were observing his progress. He began his international cricket journey by joining the senior team in Colombo, having played 28 Under-19 ODIs and 12 Under-19 Tests.

International career

Main article: Career of Virat Kohli

2008–2009: Debut and maiden stint

In August 2008, Kohli was included in the ODl squad for the tour of Sri Lanka and the Champions Trophy in Pakistan. Prior to the Sri Lankan tour, Kohli had limited experience, with only eight List A matches under his belt. So, his selection was considered a "surprise call-up". During the Sri Lankan tour, as both first-choice openers Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag, were unable to play due to injury, Kohli was required to fill the role of makeshift opener throughout the series. On August 18, 2008, Kohli made his international debut at the age of 19 in the first ODI of the tour, where he was dismissed for 12 runs, caught dead in front by an incutter from Nuwan Kulasekara. However, in the fourth match of the series, Kohli scored his inaugural half century in the ODl format, with a total of fifty-four runs scored.

Following the postponement of the Champions Trophy to 2009, Kohli was picked as a replacement for the injured Shikhar Dhawan in the India A squad for the unofficial Tests against Australia A in September 2008. Despite limited opportunities, he managed to make an impact in the single innings that he participated in, scoring 49 runs. In October 2008, Kohli participated in a four-day tour match against Australia as part of the Indian Board President's XI team. The match featured a formidable Australian bowling line-up that consisted of Brett Lee, Stuart Clark, Mitchell Johnson, Peter Siddle and Jason Krejza. Despite this, Kohli displayed his batting prowess by scoring 105 runs in the first innings and an unbeaten 16 runs in the second innings, demonstrating his ability to perform against high-level international competition.

In November 2008, Kohli was selected for inclusion in the squad for the home ODI series against England. However, he was not given an opportunity to play in any of the matches. In December 2008, Kohli was awarded a Grade D contract by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) as part of the annual contract list for the Indian national team which entitled him to receive ₹1.5 million (equivalent to ₹4.2 million or US$48,000 in 2023). Despite being awarded a contract, in January, Kohli was dropped for the five-match ODl series against Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka.

In July–August 2009, Kohli was selected in the four-team Emerging Players Tournament, held in Australia. He was selected to open the innings for the Indian Emerging Players team in the tournament, and he went on to have a standout performance. Kohli finished as the tournament's leading run-scorer, with a total of 398 runs from seven matches, at an average of 66.33. He was particularly impressive in the final match, where he scored 104 runs off 102 balls against the South Africa Emerging Players team in Brisbane. His strong performance helped lead his team to a 17-run victory and the tournament title. At the conclusion of the tournament, Kris Srikkanth, the chairman of the Indian national selection committee, expressed his admiration for Kohli's performance during the tournament. Kohli later stated that this tournament was a "turning point" in his career.

In August 2009, Kohli returned to the national team after recovering from a minor shoulder injury, replacing the injured Gautam Gambhir in the Indian squad for the tri-series in Sri Lanka. He was also utilized as a middle order batsman in the 2009 ICC Champions Trophy due to an injury sustained by Yuvraj Singh. In December of that year, he was included in the team for home ODI series against Sri Lanka and scored 27 and 54 in the first two ODIs before making way for Yuvraj, who regained fitness for the third ODI. However, due to the reoccurrence of a finger injury, Yuvraj was ruled out indefinitely, which led to Kohli's return to the team in the fourth ODI at Kolkata. In that match, Kohli scored his maiden ODI century–107 off 114 balls–while sharing a 224-run partnership for the third wicket with Gambhir. As a result of this performance, India won by seven wickets and sealed the series 3–1.

Franchise career

Individual record

Virat Kohli in Indian Premier League
Matches	Runs	Highest	100s	50s	Avg.	SR	Ref
252	8004	113*	8	55	38.67	131.97

Team record

Representing Royal Challengers Bangalore
Indian Premier League
Runner-up	2009
Runner-up	2011
Runner-up	2016
Champions League
Runner-up	2011

Beginnings with RCB (2007)

In 2007, the Board of Control for Cricket in India introduced the Indian Premier League, a franchise-based T20 league. Among the franchises, Royal Challengers Bangalore, owned by Vijay Mallya at the time, selected Kohli to join their team for a sum of $50,000 through a draft. This decision was influenced by Kohli's performance in the U-19 World Cup held in Malaysia.

Early seasons (2008–2009)

In the inaugural match of the IPL, Kohli played in a high-stakes encounter against the Kolkata Knight Riders, where he fell early to a dismissal, contributing a single run to the team's pursuit of a target of 223 runs. As the tournament progressed, Kohli found himself occupying a position in the middle order, but his impact in this role was relatively limited, prompting a strategic decision to reinstate him at the top order during the match against the Deccan Charges. It was in this role that he rediscovered his form and made contributions to his team's cause. However, in the last two games of the tournament, Kohli had to sacrifice his preferred position in order to accommodate Misbah-ul-Haq, taking on the responsibility of batting in the middle order once again. Concluding the season, Kohli's individual performance yielded a total of 165 runs, as Bangalore secured the seventh position on the points table.

Kohli during practice session, in 2009 IPL

In the subsequent season, Kohli encountered a series of low scores in the initial two matches before bouncing back with a half-century in the third match against Deccan Chargers, in team's defeat. Throughout the remainder of the season, Kohli displayed moderate performances or found limited opportunities to bat, owing to the dominance of top-order batsmen Jacques Kallis and Ross Taylor. This proved advantageous for the team, as they secured a spot in the playoffs. In the semi-final against Chennai Super Kings, Kohli made crucial contributions to the team's successful chase, propelling Bangalore to the final. In final against Deccan Charges, Kohli got stumped for 7 as Bangalore fell short by a margin of 8 runs, thus concluding the season as runners-up.

Rise, retention and realization (2010–2012)

In the 2010 season of the IPL, Kohli, assuming the role of vice-captain for the Bangalore, was positioned strategically in the middle order. He augmented Bangalore's batting depth and made notable contributions to the team's success. Notably, his contribution was observed during a victory over the Kings XI Punjab, where he played an instrumental role in concluding the match. His cameos in away fixtures against the Chennai Super Kings and Kings XI Punjab, forging valuable partnerships, particularly with Kevin Pietersen, were crucial. Kohli's standout performance came in futile encounter against the Deccan Chargers, where he scored 58 runs at a strike rate of 165. As the season progressed, Kohli's fielding prowess also came to the fore, augmenting his contribution to the team's cause. Upon securing a place in the playoffs, the Bangalore team confronted Mumbai Indians in the semi-final. Bangalore suffered a setback, succumbing to a defeat margin of 35 runs, as Kohli's contribution was limited to a tally of 7 runs in Bangalore's total, thereby ending Bangalore's campaign in the tournament. In the Champions League Twenty20 held in September, the Bangalore team found themselves in an encounter against the Mumbai Indians. In pursuit of a target of 165 runs, Kohli played a steady innings, contributing 47 runs. The match came down to the final ball, which resulted in Kohli's dismissal, leading to Bangalore falling short by a margin of 2 runs. As a consequence, their upcoming game against the Lions became a virtual knockout match. In this must-win encounter, Kohli scored 49* runs, guiding his team to victory and securing a place in the semi-finals. In the semi-final clash against the Chennai Super Kings, Bangalore faced a significant defeat of 52 runs(D/L method).

Prior to the 2011 season of the IPL, Kohli was the sole player retained by Bangalore, for an amount of US$1.8 million. In the opening match against the Kochi Tuskers Kerala, Kohli started his campaign with a score of 23 runs. He registered his first half-century of the season against the Deccan Chargers, in pursuit of what was then the second-highest run chase, however Bangalore fell short by 33 runs. After lacklustre start for Bangalore, winning two out of their first six matches, Kohli scored 56 runs in the next match against the Delhi Daredevils, and was awarded the player of the match for the first time in the tournament. In the subsequent match, he continued his form against the Pune Warriors, where he claimed his second player of the match award. It was during this match that Kohli became the leading run-scorer of the season, donning the Orange cap for the short time, and he also surpassed the milestone of 1000 runs in the IPL. During the mid-tournament, with regular captain Daniel Vettori sustaining an injury, Kohli had the opportunity to captain his side for the first time in an IPL match. Team's coach, Ray Jennings praised Kohli for his efforts, acknowledged his potential to become the future captain not only of the franchise but also of the Indian national team. The team ended their league stage campaign on a high note, defeating the Chennai Super Kings and securing the top position on the points table. In the first qualifier, Kohli scored 70 off 44 balls. Setting a target of 175 runs, Bangalore failed to defend, resulting in knockout match against the Mumbai Indians. In the knockout match, Bangalore triumphed over Mumbai, securing their place in the IPL final for the second time. In the final, chasing a target of 205 runs, Kohli contributed 35 runs to the team's total. However, Bangalore once again fell short in their pursuit of the title. During the season, Kohli amassed 557 runs, including four half-centuries, and earning the distinction of being the second-highest run-scorer of the season, trailing West-Indian teammate Chris Gayle. In the Champions League, Bangalore encountered a defeat in their first match against the Warriors. In the following match, Kohli got dismissed for a duck, leading to another loss for Bangalore. To secure a spot in the semi-finals, they needed to win their remaining two matches. In their last group-stage match against the Southern Redbacks, Kohli showcased his aggressive batting by scoring 70 runs off just 36 balls, propelling Bangalore into the semi-finals. In the semi-final clash against the New South Wales Blues, Kohli once again played match-winning innings, scoring an unbeaten 84 runs. However, in the final showdown against the Mumbai Indians, Bangalore suffered a defeat by a margin of 31 runs.

Kohli batting against Pune Warriors India

In the 2012 season of the IPL, Kohli registered single-digit scores in the first two matches before bouncing back in the third match against the Chennai Super Kings, scoring 57 runs. He struggled to maintain consistency in subsequent matches, reaching a total of 165 runs by the ninth game. Kohli did manage to contribute 45 runs in the following match against the Kings XI Punjab to his team's cause. As the season progressed, ineffectiveness of Bangalore's captain, Daniel Vettori, as a player led to a strategic alteration. Vettori made the decision to step down as captain and handed the leadership role to Kohli for the remaining matches of the season. His breakthrough performance in the season came during the match against the Delhi Daredevils where he scored 73* and formed a record-breaking partnership of 203 runs with his teammate Gayle. In their final match of the season, Bangalore faced the Deccan Chargers with the necessity of must-win to qualify for the playoffs. Kohli contributed 42 runs to the team's chase before being dismissed in the 16th over. His dismissal triggered a collapse in Bangalore's batting order, resulting in their eventual defeat and elimination from the tournament during the group stage. During the season, Kohli accumulated a total of 364 runs, garnered over the course of 16 matches. He returned from the League with a sense of disillusionment with his own performance and was dissatisfied with the state of his game. He recognized the need for improvement and adaptation to the evolving dynamics of cricket.

Leadership role (2013–2014)

Following Vettori's retirement, Kohli assumed the role of full-time captain for the Bangalore team starting from the 2013 season of the IPL. Prior to the commencement of this season, he was highest run-scorer for Bangalore with a tally of 1,639 runs. Kohli embarked on the tournament with a consistent start, but suffered a loss against the Sunrisers Hyderabad in an away game. In their subsequent home match, once again against Hyderabad, Kohli scored unbeaten 93 while chasing, marking his highest individual score in Twenty20 cricket at that time. Continuing his form, Kohli went on to score back-to-back fifties in the matches against the Chennai Super Kings and the Delhi Daredevils, the latter of which was decided through a super over. After a defeat against the Mumbai Indians, Kohli found himself embroiled in a disagreement with the crowd due to their aggressive demeanour towards the visiting team at the Wankhede Stadium. As the mid-season approached, Kohli encountered a dip in his performance, managing 45 runs in four innings. He bounced back during the away game against Delhi, where he came close to achieving a century, scoring 99 before being run out on the final delivery. With a strong start to the season that saw Bangalore occupying the top position in the table, the team's performance waned in the latter half of the tournament. Kohli openly addressed the issue, attributing their decline to a lack of execution by the bowling unit. In a bid to keep their playoff hopes alive, Bangalore confronted a must-win scenario in their final match against Chennai. Opening the innings, Kohli scored an unbeaten 56 in a rain-affected match, ultimately leading his team to victory. However, Bangalore's hopes were shattered when the Hyderabad secured a win over the Kolkata Knight Riders, dashing their chances of advancing to the playoffs. As a result, Bangalore's season came to an end during the group stage.

Kohli playing against CSK during 2014 IPL

Prior to the seventh season of the IPL, Kohli was retained by Bangalore for ₹12.5 crore (US$1.4 million). His campaign commenced with an unbeaten score of 49 runs in a victorious encounter against the Delhi Daredevils. However, Kohli struggled to maintain his form and faced a dismissal without scoring in the second match. In a match against the Rajasthan Royals, Bangalore's batting lineup faltered, resulting in them being bowled out for 70, then third-lowest total in IPL history. Kohli contributed 21 runs to the team's total in that particular match. Bangalore heavily relied on the performances of Gayle and Kohli in their batting lineup, but neither of them had managed a significant innings thus far in the season. Kohli's struggles persisted as he recorded his third duck of the season in a match against the Kings XI Punjab. In an effort to address the batting woes, Kohli made the decision to alter his batting position and open the innings; however, this adjustment did not yield the desired outcome. With Bangalore losing six out of their nine games, Kohli had yet to reach the milestone of scoring a half-century. Meanwhile, the team was striving to secure victories in their remaining matches in order to qualify for the playoffs. In his twelfth game of the season against the Sunrisers Hyderabad, Kohli achieved his first fifty of the season. However, the subsequent defeat to the Kolkata Knight Riders, with Kohli contributing 38 runs before being dismissed by Sunil Narine for the second time, led to Bangalore's elimination from playoff contention for the third consecutive time. In their final match of the season against the Chennai Super Kings, Kohli showcased his best performance of the season, accumulating 73 runs. However, Bangalore suffered a defeat in that match. Despite the team's challenges, Kohli's popularity continued to soar, making him the most-searched player on the internet during the tournament.

Collective and individual success (2015–2016)

Kohli as the captain of the Royal Challengers Bangalore at the 2015 IPL Opening Ceremony

At the outset of the 2015 season of the IPL, Kohli expressed his optimism about playing with reduced pressure, attributing it to the strengthened middle order of the Bangalore team. Kohli strategically decided to open the batting alongside Gayle for the season. In the second match against the Sunrisers Hyderabad, he scored 41 runs, providing a moderate start to his campaign. Continuing his form, Kohli achieved his first half-century of the season, albeit in a match that ended in defeat against the Chennai Super Kings. In the subsequent match, Kohli again notched a fifty, leading Bangalore to victory and ending their three-match losing streak. During this match, he promoted AB de Villiers up the batting order, recognizing the importance of having the team's premier batsman face more deliveries. Bangalore, looking to overcome their previous struggles in the bowling department, successfully bowled out the Delhi Daredevils for 95 runs, while Kohli guided his team to a ten-wicket victory during the chase. However, in an away game against Chennai, Kohli fell short of reaching a half-century, scoring 48 runs before being run out by Dwayne Bravo due to a momentary lapse in judgment. Bangalore's loss in that match marked the end of their winning streak. His standout innings of the season came against the Mumbai Indians, where he played a knock of 82 runs, forming a then record partnership of 215 runs with de Villiers. In a rain-affected match against the Hyderabad, with a target of 83 runs to chase in six overs, Kohli scored quickfire 44 off 19 balls, earning him player of the match award. In the subsequent game, Kohli found himself entangled in an incident involving an anti-corruption code breach. Nonetheless, he managed to continue playing due to breach's absence of severity. Qualifying for the playoffs for the first time under his captaincy, Kohli held firm confidence in the turnaround his team had showcased during the later stages of the league. However, in the qualifier 2 against Chennai, Kohli's dismissal for 12 runs proved detrimental to Bangalore's chances, resulting in their defeat and the conclusion of their campaign for the season. Throughout the season, Kohli accumulated a total of 505 runs in 16 matches with an average of 45.90, then third-highest run tally achieved by him in a single season.

In the 2016 season of the IPL, Kohli's campaign began with 75 runs, contributing to a victory of 45 runs against the Sunrisers Hyderabad. He continued his run in the subsequent match, scoring 79 runs. Throughout the early matches, Kohli consistently achieved the milestone of scoring half-centuries in three out of the four matches he played, while sharing three century partnerships with de Villiers. In the encounter against the Gujarat Lions, he registered his first century in Twenty20 cricket. Although the match ended in defeat for his team, Kohli's knock earned him the player of the match. Despite Kohli's performances, Bangalore struggled in the league stage, securing only two victories out of their seven matches and finding themselves in the seventh position on the points table. To revive their chances of qualifying for the playoffs, Bangalore needed to win six out of their next seven matches. In the subsequent match, Kohli scored a century in a successful chase against Rising Pune Supergiant as Bangalore's virtual knockouts began. He continued to deliver match-winning performances, forming a record partnership of 229 runs with de Villiers against the Gujarat, followed by playing a knock of 75* against the Kolkata Knight Riders. In a rain-affected match against the Kings XI Punjab, Kohli achieved his fourth century of the season, surpassing the milestone of 4,000 runs in the league. His batting drew high praise from Harsha Bhogle, who lauded his technical proficiency and shot-making. Kohli's consistent performances propelled Bangalore to the playoffs, as he scored four consecutive fifty-plus scores in must-win matches and finished the league stage with tally of 919 runs. In the playoffs, Bangalore faced Gujarat in the first qualifier. Kohli was dismissed for a duck in that match, however his team emerged victorious, setting up a final against the Hyderabad. Kohli contributed 54 runs in Bangalore's pursuit of target of 209 in the final. Notwithstanding, Bangalore fell short by a margin of 8 runs, leaving him to acknowledge the Hyderabad team's performance and express his gratitude to the Bangalore crowd for their support. Kohli concluded the season with record 973 runs in 16 matches, at an average of 81.08, establishing himself as the highest run-scorer of the tournament and claiming Orange Cap with the title of Most Valuable Player. Team's coach, Vettori, praised Kohli for his contributions, stating:

Virat has been phenomenal. When you have got a guy at the top of the order who takes that much control and his performances are that great, it allows things to flow from there. Obviously a great captain does that — leads with his performance and he has been exceptional not only with his batting, but also fielding and leadership.

Fluctuating form and captaincy struggles (2017–2019)

Kohli celebrating his fifty against Mumbai Indians

In the lead-up to the tenth season of the IPL, Kohli grappled with a shoulder injury, which sidelined him for the initial three fixtures of the tournament. Upon his return in the fourth match against the Mumbai Indians, he scored 62 runs, albeit in a defeat for Bangalore. Following this performance, Kohli delivered moderately in the subsequent two matches. However, in the face-off against the Kolkata Knight Riders, Kohli faced a setback after being dismissed for a duck as Bangalore stumbled to league's lowest score of 49 runs. He promptly criticized the batting display as reckless. In the encounter against the Rising Pune Supergiant, Kohli contributed 55 runs to his team's total of 96 runs. Expressing disappointment, Kohli attributed the team's struggles to a lack of intent and a fearful batting approach. With Bangalore facing defeat in seven out of their ten matches, their hopes for playoffs were dashed, particularly after their loss to the Mumbai Indians, making them the first team to be eliminated from contention. Wrapping up the tournament, Bangalore secured a victory in their last match against Delhi Daredevils, with Kohli scoring his fourth fifty of the season and amassing a total of 308 runs in 10 innings. Kohli concluded that the season as a whole was the team's most underwhelming performance to date. Commemorating the ten-year anniversary of the league, ESPNcricinfo honoured Kohli by including him in the all-time IPL-XI.

"He is a consummate surgeon at the crease, intensely focused, working hard, playing the ball into gaps in the field and staying calm under pressure. He is always judging the right time to consolidate and the right time to seize a game by the scruff of the neck."

 – Kohli's RCB team mate AB de Villiers

Prior to the commencement of the 2018 season, Bangalore retained Kohli for sum of ₹17 crore (US$2.0 million), making him the league's most expensive player at the time. His campaign began with 33 runs in a defeat against the Kolkata Knight Riders, where he expressed his discontentment with the number of dot balls he faced. In contrast to his individual performances, which included twin fifties in the third and fourth matches, temporarily securing him the Orange Cap, Bangalore found themselves consistently on the losing side. This predicament was primarily attributed to the team's heavy reliance on Kohli and his partner de Villiers in the batting lineup, coupled with their challenges in the bowling department, which Kohli critiqued as being "criminal". As the tournament progressed, Bangalore gradually discovered their winning rhythm, propelled by Kohli's contributions, including scores of 70 and 48* in must-win encounters against Delhi Daredevils and Kings XI Punjab, respectively. He eventually surpassed the milestone of 500 runs in the season, a feat he accomplished for a record fifth time. However, in the decisive encounter against the Rajasthan Royals, Kohli faltered, managing 4 runs before succumbing to dismissal. This setback ultimately led to Bangalore's elimination from the tournament. In the aftermath of their exit, Kohli publicly scrutinized the team's middle-order batsmen for their failure to deliver substantial contributions during crucial matches, reflecting on the missed opportunities that defined their campaign.

Kohli's start to the 2019 season proved underwhelming, as he managed 6 runs in the opener against the Chennai Super Kings. Consequently, he opted to move down the batting order in an attempt to provide more depth. However, his struggle with form persisted, reflecting in Bangalore's losses and prompting a quick reversal of the decision. In an encounter against the Rajasthan Royals, Kohli marked his 100th appearance as Bangalore's captain. Albeit, that match ended in defeat, extending the team's losing streak to four consecutive matches. Former cricketer Gautam Gambhir weighed in on Kohli's lengthy tenure as captain, suggesting luck may have played a part despite his underwhelming performance as leader. Kohli eventually found his rhythm in the fifth match, where he managed to score a half-century against the Kolkata Knight Riders. However, Bangalore's string of losses persisted, prompting him to acknowledge his team's lackluster performance thus far. After enduring record six consecutive defeats, Bangalore secured their first victory against the Kings XI Punjab, with Kohli contributing 67 runs in that match. Subsequently, he scored his fifth century in the league; however, his subsequent form saw a dip, as he struggled to make significant contributions with the bat in Bangalore's successive victories. These wins, were not enough as Bangalore fell short in their bid to advance further in the tournament, marking their third consecutive elimination under Kohli's captaincy. Reflecting on the season, he expressed satisfaction with the team's turnaround in the latter stages of the tournament, acknowledging the progress made despite their early challenges.

Performance plunge and captaincy departure (2020–2022)

Following the resumption of cricket post the COVID-19 lockdown, Kohli returned to the field with cautious optimism. However, positioned at number 3, his start to the 2020 season was lackluster, tallying a total of 18 runs across the first three matches. In the fourth match, Kohli found his rhythm, and scored 72 runs against the Rajasthan Royals. His momentum continued as he played his standout innings of the season against the Chennai Super Kings, scoring an unbeaten 90. Throughout the season, Kohli adhered to a strategy of accumulating runs primarily through singles and doubles, thereby minimizing the reliance on boundaries. Under his captaincy, Bangalore secured victories in five of their opening eight matches, with Kohli himself contributing moderately, amassing a total of 389 runs by the conclusion of eleven matches. However, during the latter part of the season, Kohli's form dipped, coinciding with Bangalore's consecutive losses in four matches following their promising start. Despite these setbacks, Bangalore managed to qualify for the playoffs due to their net run rate. Kohli concluded the league stage with a cumulative total of 460 runs, albeit with a slower strike rate of 122. Analysts at ESPNcricinfo attributed this performance in part to the distinctive conditions of the season, notably the relocation of matches to the UAE, where larger boundaries and an inexperienced middle order might have influenced Kohli's risk-averse approach. In the playoffs, Bangalore encountered the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the eliminator. Kohli, assuming the opening position alongside Devdutt Padikkal, encountered an early setback, scoring 7 runs before his dismissal. Bangalore succumbed in the knockout encounter, prompting Kohli to reflect on a palpable sense of nervousness among the players, which contributed to their defeat.

Kohli captaining during a match in IPL 2021

Ahead of the 2021 season opener, Kohli emphasized the strategic advantages of neutral venues for his team. In their inaugural match against the Mumbai Indians, Kohli commenced with a score of 33, which he replicated in the subsequent fixture. Notably, his first half-century of the season came against the Rajasthan Royals, where he scored an unbeaten 72, leading Bangalore to secure victory in four consecutive encounters. Upon the resumption of the league in September, Kohli became the first player to make 200 appearances for a singular franchise. Concurrently, Kohli announced his intention to relinquish the captaincy of Bangalore at the season's end, this decision was met with speculation, with Sandip of The Indian Express suggesting that it could potentially afford Kohli to play with more freedom. In subsequent fixtures, Kohli scored consecutive half-centuries against the Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai, his innings against the latter also marked the completion of 10,000 runs in T20 cricket. As the tournament progressed, Bangalore qualified for the playoffs, with two games to spare, attributed to performances by Glenn Maxwell and Harshal Patel in their respective domains. However, Kohli experienced a dip in form leading up to the playoffs, as Bangalore prepared to face Kolkata Knight Riders in the eliminator. In the knockout clash, where he notched up 39 runs, Bangalore was unable to secure victory, thus concluding Kohli's tenure as captain. In his post-match discourse, Kohli reaffirmed his commitment to delivering his utmost for Bangalore, while expressing gratitude for the loyalty and support extended by the franchise.

Prior to the onset of the 2022 season, Bangalore chose to retain Kohli for a sum of ₹15 crore (US$1.7 million). With Faf Du Plessis taking over the captaincy reins, Kohli commenced the season with a score of 41* against the Punjab Kings. However, positioned at number 3, Kohli's subsequent innings were marked by inconsistency, with sole significant contribution of 48 runs against the Mumbai Indians. Struggling to regain his form, Kohli endured two consecutive ducks in matches against the Lucknow Super Giants and Sunrisers Hyderabad. By the seventh match of the season, Kohli found himself registering single-digit scores in four out of seven matches, accumulating a total of 119 runs at an average of 17. Cricket analyst Jarrod Kimber, writing for ESPNcricinfo, remarked that Kohli's batting seemed enigmatic and uncertain. In an attempt to rectify his batting woes, Kohli was elevated to the opening position alongside du Plessis. It was in the tenth match that he managed to secure his maiden half-century of the season, albeit in 45 balls, marking it as his slowest in the T20 format. However, his struggles persisted, as he encountered another duck against Hyderabad, accumulating a total of 216 runs in twelve matches. Former Indian coach Ravi Shastri expressed his apprehension, suggesting that Kohli appeared "overcooked" and advocated for a break to rejuvenate himself. In concurrence with Shastri's assessment, Kohli asserted that he did not feel the need to prove himself to anyone and believed in his ability to bounce back. As the tournament progressed, Bangalore found themselves in a precarious position, requiring a victory in their final league match to remain in contention for the playoffs. Kohli rose to the occasion, scoring 73 runs against Gujarat Titans, and propelling Bangalore to victory. However, Kohli faltered in the subsequent eliminator and qualifier 2, spelling the culmination of Bangalore's campaign.

Milestones galore (2023–2024)

In the 2023 season, Kohli commenced his campaign with a score of 82* runs against the Mumbai Indians. He maintained his form in subsequent matches, registering fifties in three out of the first four matches. Kohli's batting approach during this period was marked by aggression in the powerplay overs, followed by a more cautious approach in the middle overs of the game. Reflecting on this tactical shift, Kohli noted that the middle overs are when teams typically introduce their premier bowlers, necessitating the assessment of the game's evolving dynamics. Moreover, in the absence of regular captain du Plessis, Kohli assumed the role of stand-in captain for several matches, while du Plessis contributed as an impact player. Eight matches into the season, Kohli had scored fifties in five of them. However, an altercation marred a match against the Lucknow Super Giants, where Kohli found himself in a confrontation with Gambhir, resulting in a fine for breaching the code of conduct. Throughout the season, Kohli relied on his placement and running between the wickets to maintain a scoring rate above a run a ball. As the season progressed, Bangalore needed victories in their final two games to clinch a spot in the playoffs. Kohli stepped up in a pivotal match against the Sunrisers Hyderabad, scoring a century, to secure a win for his team. In the subsequent fixture, he scored another century, surpassing Gayle for the most centuries in the league. However, Bangalore fell short in defending their total, leading to their elimination from the tournament. Kohli concluded the season with a tally of 639 runs at an average of 53.2 and a strike rate of 140.

In the 2024 season, Kohli began slow, scoring only 21 runs against the Chennai Super Kings, in a loss too. The next match however, he scored 77 runs against the Punjab Kings, a crucial knock, and he won Man of the Match. Kohli continued this type of form throughout the tournament, scoring 2 fifties in the first 4 games. In a game against the Rajasthan Royals, Kohli scored 113*, which is his highest score in the IPL. However, he did it in 72 balls, which was 12 out of 20 overs. Bengaluru lost this match, and was on a 6 game losing streak, before Kohli scored another fifty that helped them win against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Kohli scored two more fifties in the next 3 matches, including an impressive 92 off just 47 and the runout of Shashank Singh. RCB won the next 2 games to qualify for the playoffs, and after being on a 6 game losing streak, turned around a came back with a 6 game winning streak.

On 12 May 2024, Kohli added another feather to his hat as he took the field against Delhi Capitals (DC) at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. He became the first player in the history of the Indian Premier League to play 250 matches for a single franchise.

In the eliminator game against the Rajasthan Royals, Kohli surpassed the 8000 run mark. He was now 1000 runs apart from the second highest score in the IPL, Shikhar Dhawan. Kohli won his second Orange Cap award, with 741 runs scored and an average of 61.75.

Player profile

Comparisons to Sachin Tendulkar

Kohli's batting style and approach to the game have frequently drawn comparisons to Sachin Tendulkar, whom he regarded as the epitome of excellence in the sport of cricket. Dubbed as Tendulkar's "successor", he is widely considered to have the potential to surpass his records in the future. Kohli has stated that he tried to mirror Tendulkar's style of batting, imitating his shots and attempting to hit sixes in a similar manner. Kohli's aggressive and dynamic style has earned him accolades from cricketing greats such as Vivian Richards, who has acknowledged Kohli's similarities to his own playing style. He has been lauded as the "new king of world cricket" by Dean Jones, a former Australian cricketer. While Indian commentator Aakash Chopra has noted that Tendulkar possessed a broader array of shots, Kohli's skills with the bat have earned him accolades from former West Indies great Brian Lara, who has ranked him among the best batsmen in the world alongside Joe Root, the England captain at the time.

In a discourse with Bollywood actor Salman Khan, Tendulkar proclaimed that Kohli possesses the potential to surpass his record of 100 international centuries. Tendulkar also acknowledged Kohli's batting aptitudes and the steadfastness with which he has accumulated runs. In 2013, Tendulkar retired from international cricket, marking the end of an era for Indian cricket. Kohli, who played alongside Tendulkar in the team.

Kohli became the fastest player to score 27,000 runs in international cricket. He surpassed Sachin Tendulkar's record, achieving the feat in 594 innings compared to Tendulkar's 623, during the second Test against Bangladesh at Green Park Stadium. Kohli now joins Ricky Ponting and Kumar Sangakkara as the only players to have crossed this milestone in international cricket.

Playing style

Kohli possesses technical abilities and a dynamic playing demeanour. His customarily batting position in ODl cricket is at number three, with a slightly open-chested stance, and a grip on the bottom handle of his bat. He has been noted for his agile footwork, expansive range of strokes, and his propensity for adeptly orchestrating innings whilst thriving in high-pressure situations. In his batting technique, Kohli tends to favour playing grounded shots rather than attempting big hits. He is appreciated for his ability to execute wrist shots and his consistent prowess in the mid-wicket and cover region.

Kohli playing his famous flick shot at the 2015 Cricket World Cup

Kohli has often expressed his admiration for the cover drive, which he considers to be his signature stroke. He uses the flick shot, particularly when facing deliveries aimed towards leg stump. Having a limited recourse to the sweep shot, Kohli's batting technique is characterized by an emphasis on ground shots that primarily yield runs in the regions between deep square leg and mid-on. Kohli scores runs between long-off and long-on with an aligned bat. His combination of bat-speed and supple wrist movements enable him to craft innovative angles that disrupt traditional field positioning. Kohli is also a proficient fielder.

However, Kohli has a vulnerability to deliveries that are wide of the off-stump. Bowlers often exploit this weakness by targeting him with such deliveries, especially in Test and ODl matches. Cricket experts such as VVS Laxman and former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar have acknowledged this weakness, and former New Zealand cricketer Richard Hadlee has also noted that Kohli is particularly susceptible to out-swinging deliveries.

Kohli has recognition as a limited-overs batsman. In ODIs, he boasts an average of 65.5 runs when batting second and 51.7 runs when batting first. He has amassed 28 of his 51 ODI hundreds in run-chases, and holds the record for the most hundreds scored when batting second. In reference to his success while batting second, Kohli has expressed a fondness for the challenge of chasing, relishing the opportunity to test himself and demonstrate his ability to efficiently manage strike rotation and execute boundary hits. His colleagues admire his self-assurance, dedication, concentration, and work ethic, which are the driving forces behind his success.

Aggression

Kohli's playing style is aggressive, a trait that extends to his leadership on the field. His captaincy is characterized as proactive, taking decisions and leading the team by example. Kohli has been the subject of much media scrutiny and criticism in the early stages of his career. He was often portrayed as a brash and arrogant individual, eliciting mixed reactions. While some have praised his assertiveness and confidence, others have criticized Kohli's behaviour for crossing the boundaries of fair play and for losing control, sometimes resulting in a loss of composure. Despite his efforts to curb his aggressive behaviour, Kohli has acknowledged that there are times when intense pressure or high-stakes situations may challenge his resolve. The cricketer has persistently maintained that his aggression acts as a source of inspiration and drives his focus and motivation on the field. Writing for The New York Times, Huw Richards noted Kohli's self-assuredness and "assertiveness" in contrast to some former Indian cricketers who he felt had exhibited an inclination towards excessive politeness and reticence, and that Kohli embodies his combative demeanour both on and off the cricket field.

Public and media image

Virat Kohli with Audi Q7

In 2008, Kohli was approached by sports agent Bunty Sajdeh of Cornerstone Sport and Entertainment after his performance in the ICC Under-19 World Cup. Sajdeh was impressed with Kohli's leadership skills and attitude and saw potential in the young cricketer. After being recommended by Yuvraj Singh, Kohli was signed to Cornerstone Sport and Entertainment. Over the years, Kohli's brand endorsement portfolio has experienced significant growth. In 2013, it was reported that his endorsements were valued at over ₹1 billion (US$12 million). In 2023, his brand value reached ₹1,000 crore (US$120 million). His bat deal with MRF is one of the most financially rewarding deals in cricket history. In 2017, Kohli entered into an endorsement agreement with Puma that spanned over eight years and was estimated to be worth around ₹1.1 billion (US$13 million). This deal made Kohli the first Indian athlete to sign a brand endorsement contract valued at ₹100 crore (equivalent to ₹140 crore or US$16 million in 2023) deal with a brand. As of January 2023, Kohli is widely regarded as the most marketable cricketer, with annual earnings estimated at ₹165 crore (equivalent to ₹175 crore or US$20 million in 2023). Kohli is the most followed Asian individual on the social media platform Instagram, with over 270 million followers on the platform. Reports indicate that he is able to command a fee of ₹8.9 crore (equivalent to ₹9.4 crore or US$1.1 million in 2023) for each sponsored post on the platform.

Virat Kohli's signed bat at Blades of Glory Cricket Museum, Pune

ESPN ranked Kohli among the world's most renowned athletes. In 2014, American Appraisal conducted an evaluation of Kohli's brand value and determined it to be $56.4 million, placing him fourth on the list of India's most valued celebrity brands. In October 2016 by Duff & Phelps, Kohli's brand worth had increased to $92 million, second only to that of Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan. In 2017, Kohli was recognized by Forbes as the seventh "Most Valuable Brand among Athletes", with a brand estimation of $14.5 million. By September of the same year, Kohli had endorsement agreements with 17 distinct brands, and he announced that he would only endorse products that he personally uses and believes in. The following year, he was featured on Time magazine's annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world. In 2019, Kohli was the only cricketer included in Forbes' list of "World's 100 Highest-Paid Athletes". He was ranked 100th on the list, with earnings estimated at $25 million, with $21 million being procured through endorsements, and the remainder from salary and tournament winnings. Furthermore, in March 2019, Kohli was named the brand ambassador of the mobile esports platform, Mobile Premier League. Kohli's earning potential continued to climb, and in 2020, he attained the 66th spot in Forbes compilation of the top 100 highest-paid athletes in the world for the year 2020, with estimated earnings exceeding $26 million. In April 2021, Vivo appointed Kohli as their brand ambassador ahead of the Indian Premier League.

In 2012, Kohli was recognized as one of the best-dressed men by the fashion magazine GQ, appearing on their annual list. Six years later, in 2018, a documentary highlighting Kohli's cricketing career was released on National Geographic channel. The following year, on the eve of the 2019 Cricket World Cup Madame Tussauds unveiled an waxwork of Kohli in London. In 2019, on the eleventh anniversary of his international debut, Kohli was honoured with a stand named after him at the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium in Delhi, making him the youngest cricketer to receive such a recognition. In November of the same year, an Indian animated superhero television series entitled Super V premiered, featuring a fictionalized portrayal of Kohli's teenage years and his discovery of superpowers.

Personal life

Kohli with wife Anushka Sharma in their Mumbai reception

Kohli's romantic association with Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma, which commenced in 2013, earned the duo the moniker of "Virushka". During an interview with Graham Bensinger, Kohli divulged that he had encountered Sharma for the first time, when they were both were engaged in a promotional shoot for Clear shampoo. Their union since then has attracted significant media interest. On 11 December 2017, the couple exchanged nuptials in a ceremony held in Florence, Italy. On 11 January 2021, the couple had their first child, a daughter, named Vamika. On 15 February 2024, the couple had a second child, a boy named Akaay.

In 2018, Kohli disclosed that he had made the decision to adopt a vegetarian diet in an effort to alleviate the symptoms of a cervical spine issue caused by elevated levels of uric acid. This condition was impacting his finger movements, and thus, affecting his performance as a batsman. He made a conscious effort to abstain from consuming meat, as part of his regimen for maintaining optimal health. He has since clarified that his dietary choices do not align with a vegan lifestyle and he continues to consume dairy products and eggs effectively making what is known in India as an eggetarian. His hard work and discipline have earned him the reputation of being one of the fittest cricketers in the world.

Kohli has acknowledged a belief in superstitions and owns various lucky charms and rituals that he feels serve to bring him good fortune on the cricket field. One such tradition involves the donning of black wristband. Additionally, he prefers a particular pair of gloves, which he has consistently worn. Furthermore, Kohli has been observed sporting a kara, a traditional bangle often worn for religious or spiritual purposes, on his right arm since 2012. In addition to the previously mentioned superstitions, Kohli has also established the ritual of consistently donning white shoes on the cricket field. Kohli has tattoos of the Hindu deity Lord Shiva, the sacred syllable "Om", the names of his parents, Prem and Saroj, a tribal emblem, a representation of a serene monastery, a samurai warrior, the astrological symbol of the scorpion, and his ODl and Test match cap numbers.

Investments

Kohli at the opening ceremony of the Pro Kabaddi League in June 2016

Kohli invested in Indian Super League club FC Goa, which he co-owned as of 2024. Beyond the realm of cricket, this venture served as a future business opportunity for him, as he sought to diversify his portfolio after retirement from the sport. In 2014, Kohli partnered with Anjana Reddy's Universal Sportsbiz to launch the fashion brand WROGN. The brand specialized in men's casual wear clothing and entered into collaborations with retail outlets such as Myntra and Shopper's Stop. Additionally, in late 2014, Kohli became a shareholder and brand ambassador for the London-based social networking venture Sport Convo. His involvement aimed to promote and raise awareness of the platform, which was focused on providing a space for sports fans to connect and engage with one another.

In 2015, Kohli invested a sum of ₹90 crore (US$10 million) towards the establishment of a chain of health clubs and fitness centers throughout India. Dubbed as "Chisel", the network of gyms was established through a joint venture between Kohli, Chisel India, and Cornerstone Sport and Entertainment, the organization responsible for managing Kohli's commercial pursuits. In Sep that year, Kohli expanded his portfolio of sports-related investments by becoming a co-owner of the International Premier Tennis League franchise, UAE Royals. He became a co-owner of the JSW-owned Bengaluru Yodhas franchise in the Pro Wrestling League.

In the year 2016, Kohli joined forces with Stepathlon Lifestyle to launch Stepathlon Kids. The initiative aimed to encourage young individuals to adopt healthy lifestyle habits and inculcate the love for physical activity.

In 2017, Kohli partnered with the German sportswear brand, Puma, to launch his athletic lifestyle brand, One8. This brand offers a range of sport-related apparel, footwear, and accessories. That same year, Kohli also established Nueva, a fine dining establishment located in New Delhi. The restaurant features a South American-inspired decor accentuated with Native American artwork, providing a distinctive culinary setting. Kohli also established One8 Commune, a chain of restaurant bars. This marked his inaugural foray into the food and beverage industry. The first outlet of this restaurant was launched in 2017.

In 2022, Kohli and his spouse made an investment of ₹2.5 crore (equivalent to ₹2.9 crore or US$340,000 in 2023) in Digit, an insurance-based startup. Additionally, they also extended their support to Blue Tribe, a startup that specializes in the production and distribution of plant-based meat products. Driven by his own inclination towards a plant-based diet, Kohli aims to raise awareness and encourage individuals to adopt more sustainable and environmentally conscious practices.

Philanthropy

Virat Kohli at charity dinner for Smile Foundation

In 2013, Kohli founded the "Virat Kohli Foundation" with a philanthropic objective to support underprivileged children. The foundation collaborates with a selected group of NGOs to increase awareness and gather support for various causes that are instrumental in advancing their mission of promoting the welfare and well-being of these children. In 2014, the foundation participated in a charity auction organized by eBay and Save the Children India, the proceeds of which were directed towards the education and healthcare of underprivileged children.

Kohli's foundation has organized several charity events to raise funds for its causes, including football matches featuring Indian cricketers and Bollywood actors. The first such event was a celebrity football match in collaboration with Abhishek Bachchan's charity foundation, which drew media attention and was raised funds. In this match, Kohli captained the All Hearts FC against the All Stars FC, led by Abhishek Bachchan. Another charity football match, dubbed the "Celebrity Clasico", was held in June 2016 in Mumbai, with Kohli again leading the All Hearts FC against the All Stars FC, captained by Ranbir Kapoor.

In 2016, the Virat Kohli Foundation entered into a partnership with Smile Foundation to promote the empowerment of underprivileged children and young people. To kickstart this initiative, Kohli organized a philanthropic dinner at Grand Hyatt, Mumbai, with cricket players such as MS Dhoni, Shikhar Dhawan, Yuvraj Singh, Ajinkya Rahane, and KL Rahul to support the cause of child and youth empowerment. To advance the goals of the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM), which aims at creating a cleaner India, Kohli and the Indian cricket team, in collaboration with Anurag Thakur, undertook a cleaning initiative at the Eden Gardens on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti of 2016.

Prior to a match against Sri Lanka in the 2017 Champions Trophy, Kohli hosted a benevolent gala event in London in support of the Justice and Care organization. The ball was arranged with the objective of increasing both funds and awareness for the humanitarian cause championed by Justice and Care. The organization endeavors to combat human trafficking and contemporary slavery. In 2017, Kohli established the Athlete Development Programme (ADP) as a platform for nurturing and supporting aspiring young athletes. This initiative provides guidance to young athletes in areas such as coaching, training, fitness, competition, and nutrition. The program has been used by young sports persons, including tennis player Swastika Ghosh and golfer Aadil Bedi.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020, Kohli and his wife Anushka Sharma pledged donations to the PM CARES Fund and the Maharashtra CM Relief Fund. Through his support of Awaaz, Kohli seeks to provide comprehensive medical services, shelter, and sustenance to stray animals.

Performance record

Test match performance

An innings-by-innings breakdown of Kohli's Test batting career, showing runs scored (blue and red (not out) bars) and the black line is his career batting average.

ODI match performance

An innings-by-innings breakdown of Kohli's ODI batting career, showing runs scored (blue and red (not out) bars) and the black line is his career batting average.

T20I match performance

An innings-by-innings breakdown of Kohli's T20I batting career, showing runs scored (blue and red (not out) bars) and the black line is his career batting average.

Kohli is the only cricketer to have been named the Player of the Tournament in the T20 World Cup on two separate occasions, in 2014 and 2016. In terms of ODI centuries, he ranks first with 51. He surpassed Sachin Tendulkar's tally of 49 ODI tons and achieved this feat on 15 November 2023 in the semifinal of the 2023 Cricket World Cup, while also becoming the first player to score more than 700 runs in a single edition of the tournament. Furthermore, in international cricket, Kohli has amassed 82 centuries, second only to Sachin Tendulkar's 100 centuries. In 2018, Kohli set a record, becoming the first player to score 1,000 ODI runs in 11 innings in a calendar year. In 2022, he achieved another milestone by scoring 1,000 runs in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, becoming the second player to reach this feat after Mahela Jayawardene. During the match against Bangladesh, he became the top-scorer in the history of T20 World Cup.

International centuries

Main article: List of international cricket centuries by Virat Kohli

Kohli has made 82 centuries which include 7 double centuries in international cricket, 30 centuries including 7 double centuries in Test cricket, 51 centuries in ODIs surpassing the record of Sachin Tendulkar, and 1 century in T20Is.

List of records

Centuries against nations

Opponent	Test	ODI	T20I
Afghanistan	–	–	1
Australia	9	8	–
Bangladesh	2	5	–
England	5	3	–
New Zealand	3	6	–
Pakistan	–	4	–
South Africa	3	5	–
Sri Lanka	5	10	–
West Indies	3	9	–
Zimbabwe	–	1	–
Total	30	51	1

Test records

• Most wins as a captain of India, with 40 wins out of 68 matches.
• Most Test double-hundreds by an Indian Player (7).
• Most Test double-hundreds (3) in two consecutive years (2016 & 2017).
• His peak rating in ICC Men's Test player rankings is highest by an Indian with 937 points in 2018.

ODI records

• Most ODI centuries (51)
• Most ODI centuries while chasing (28)
• Most ODI centuries in India (22)
• Most runs in a single edition of ODI World Cup (765 runs in 2023).
• His peak rating in ICC Men's ODI player rankings is highest by an Indian with 911 points in 2018.
• Fastest to - 8,000 runs (175 innings), 9,000 runs (194 innings), 10,000 runs (205 innings), 11,000 runs (222 innings), 12,000 runs (242 innings), 13,000 runs (267 innings) and 14,000 runs (287 innings)

T20I records

• Highest career batting average in T20I – 48.69
• Most runs in a single edition of T20I World Cup (319 runs in 2014).
• Fastest to - 3,000 runs (81 innings), 3,500 runs (96 innings), and 4,000 runs (107 innings)
• Most Player of the Match awards (15 times) and Player of the Series awards (7 times)

IPL records

• Most runs in Indian Premier League (8,004)
• Most runs in a single edition of IPL (973 runs in 2016).
• Only player to be involved in three double-century plus stands, two times with AB de Villiers and once with Chris Gayle.
• Most runs against Delhi Capitals (1,030).
• Most hundreds in the league (8) and in a single season (4)

Awards and honours

National

Year	Award	Importance	Ref
2013	Arjuna Award	Second Highest Sporting Honor
2017	Padma Shri	Fourth Highest Civilian Award
2018	Khel Ratna Award	Highest Sporting Honor

International

• Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy (ICC Men's Cricketer of the Decade): 2011–2020
• Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy (ICC Cricketer of the Year): 2017, 2018
• ICC Men's ODI Cricketer of the Decade: 2011–2020
• ICC Men's ODI Cricketer of the Year: 2012, 2017, 2018, 2023
• ICC Men's Test Cricketer of the Year: 2018
• ICC Men's ODI Team of the Year: 2012, 2014, 2016 (captain), 2017 (captain), 2018 (captain), 2019 (captain), 2023
• ICC Men's Test Team of the Year: 2017 (captain), 2018 (captain), 2019 (captain)
• ICC Men's T20I Team of the Year: 2022
• ICC Spirit of Cricket: 2019
• ICC Men's Test Team of the Decade: 2011–2020 (captain)
• ICC Men's ODI Team of the Decade: 2011–2020
• ICC Men's T20I Team of the Decade: 2011–2020
• ICC Men's Cricket World Cup (Player of the Tournament): 2023
• ICC Men's T20I World Cup (Player of the Tournament): 2014, 2016
• Polly Umrigar Award for International Cricketer of the Year: 2011–12, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18
• Wisden Leading Cricketer in the World: 2016, 2017, 2018
• ICC Men's Player of the Month: October 2022
• CEAT International Cricketer of the Year: 2011–12, 2013–14, 2017– 18, 2018–19
• Indian Premier League Orange Cap for most runs: 2016, 2024
• Barmy Army – International Player of Year: 2017, 2018
• ESPNcricinfo – ODI Batting Performance of the Year: 2012

Others

• People's Choice Awards India for Favourite Sportsperson: 2012
• GQ Sportsman of the year: 2013
• CNN-News18 Indian of the Year: 2017
• People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India's Person of the Year: 2019
• Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) renamed a stand after Kohli at Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi.

Gallery

• 
  Kohli receiving the Arjuna Award from President Pranab Mukherjee in August 2013
• 
  Kohli receiving the Padma Shri award from President Pranab Mukherjee in March 2017
• 
  Kohli receiving the Khel Ratna Award from President Ram Nath Kovind in September 2018
• 
  Kohli meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi in 2017

See also

• Sports in India – Overview of sport and sport culture in India
• List of players who have scored 10,000 or more runs in One Day International cricket
• List of cricketers by number of international centuries scored
• List of cricketers who have scored centuries in both innings of a Test match
• List of cricketers with centuries in all international formats
• List of most-followed Instagram accounts

References

Bibliography

• Memon, Ayaz (2013). Virat Kohli: Reliable Rebel. Chennai: Jaico Publishing House. ISBN 978-81-84955-24-8.
• Lokapally, Vijay (2016). Driven : The Virat Kohli Story. New Delhi: Bloomsbury. p. 221. ISBN 978-93-85936-26-5. OCLC 962035183.
• Patel, Dhirubhai (2016). Virat Kohli: A Run Machine (published 13 November 2016). p. 54. ASIN B01MQIB89L.
• Abhirup, Bhattacharya (2017). Winning like Virat: Think & Succeed like Kohli. Rupa. p. 141. ISBN 978-81-29146-06-9.
• Patterson, Ryan (2017). Virat Kohli: 7 Life Changing Lessons. Createspace Independent Pub. p. 66. ISBN 978-1-976085-69-7. Self-belief and hard work will always earn you success.
• Nicholson, Fred (2019). Virat Kohli – The Best in the World. Independently Published. ISBN 978-1-07-631829-9.
• Srinivasa, Chakrapani (2019). Kohlinoor of India: Winner Virat Kohli. Independently Published (published 1 June 2019). p. 80. ISBN 978-1-07-121541-8.
• Kumar, Vivek; Pandey; Shambunath (2021). Virat Kohli Colour: Indian Cricketer. Notion Press (published 18 December 2021). p. 54. ISBN 979-88-85460-14-9.

External links

• Official website
• Virat Kohli at ESPNcricinfo
• Virat Kohli at IMDb