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Who is Virat Kohli? Biography, Career, and Achievements

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Virat Kohli’s Early Life, Family Background, and Cricket Journey

Virat Kohli is a legendary Indian cricketer renowned for his exceptional batting skills, leadership, and extraordinary consistency across all formats of the game. Known as one of modern cricket’s greatest batsmen, his journey from a young enthusiast in Delhi to captaining the Indian national team has inspired millions worldwide.


In this article, we explore his early life, stunning career milestones, and lasting legacy in the world of sports.


Virat Kohli image

Early Life of Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli was born on November 5, 1988, in Delhi, India. Raised in a middle-class Punjabi family, his early life revolved around education, values, and a love for sports passed down from his father, Prem Kohli.


From a very young age, Virat showed an exceptional interest in cricket. Encouraged by his family, he joined the West Delhi Cricket Academy at the age of nine, where his natural talent and fierce determination quickly set him apart from his peers.


Career and Achievements

Virat Kohli gained recognition through the following key contributions:


  • Became captain of the Indian Under-19 cricket team, leading them to victory in the 2008 ICC Under-19 World Cup
  • Set records as one of the fastest batsmen to reach 8,000, 10,000, and 12,000 runs in One Day Internationals (ODIs)
  • Captained India to their first-ever Test series win in Australia in 2018-19, and became India’s most successful Test captain with 40 wins in 68 matches
  • Named ICC ODI Cricketer of the Year three times (2012, 2017, 2018) and Test Player of the Year (2018)
  • Broke Sachin Tendulkar’s record with 50 ODI centuries, a world record as of 2023
  • Received major national honors including the Arjuna Award (2013), Padma Shri (2017), and Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna (2018)
  • Became the highest run-scorer in Indian Premier League (IPL) history and led Royal Challengers Bangalore to their first IPL title in 2025

Key Events in Virat Kohli’s Life

YearEventSignificance
1988 Birth Born in Delhi, India
2008 Under-19 World Cup win Gained national recognition as leader
2008 International ODI debut Started career with Indian team
2011 Part of World Cup–winning squad Contributed in final for India’s ODI World Cup win
2013 Appointed vice-captain of ODI team Took on major leadership role
2014 Named Test captain of India Became permanent Test team captain
2018-19 First Test series win in Australia as captain Historic achievement for Indian cricket
2023 50th ODI century Broke the world record for most ODI centuries
2025 Retired from Test cricket Left a lasting legacy in world cricket

Personal Life and Public Image

Virat Kohli is admired not only for his cricketing prowess, but also for his discipline, aggression on the field, and fitness. He married Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma in 2017, and together, they are one of India’s most recognized celebrity couples.


Their daughter was born in early 2021. Kohli is often seen as a role model for aspiring youth, advocating for healthy living and positive attitude both in sport and life. His style and charisma have made him a popular figure in media and endorsements.


Legacy of Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli continues to influence others through:


  • Inspiring millions with his dedication, confidence, and fitness revolution in Indian cricket
  • Setting global standards for consistency, chasing under pressure, and modern leadership
  • Being included in educational material as a prime example of sportsmanship, resilience, and youth icons

This biography highlighted the journey and influence of Virat Kohli. His contributions remain relevant as benchmarks of excellence in cricket and as inspiration for anyone aiming to achieve greatness through perseverance and hard work.


Learn more about historical and modern-day personalities on Vedantu’s platform.



FAQs on Who is Virat Kohli? Biography, Career, and Achievements

1. Why is Virat Kohli famous?

Virat Kohli's fame stems from his exceptional batting skills and record-breaking achievements in international cricket. He's renowned for his aggressive batting style, numerous centuries, and successful captaincy of the Indian national team. His influence extends beyond the cricket field, making him a global icon and role model.

2. What awards has Virat Kohli won?

Virat Kohli has received numerous awards throughout his career. Some notable ones include the ICC ODI Player of the Year, ICC Cricketer of the Year, and several Player of the Series awards in various international tournaments. He has also been recognized for his achievements in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

3. What is the family background of Virat Kohli?

Virat Kohli was born into a Punjabi family in Delhi, India. His father, Prem Kohli, worked in a lawyer's office while his mother, Saroj Kohli, was a homemaker. His family provided a supportive environment for his passion for cricket from a young age.

4. Did Virat Kohli have children?

Yes, Virat Kohli and his wife, Anushka Sharma, have one child, a daughter named Vamika.

5. What are Virat Kohli's records in cricket?

Virat Kohli holds numerous records in international cricket. He has scored many centuries (scores of 100 or more runs in a single innings) and is known for his high run aggregate across various formats. He also has significant achievements in terms of highest run chases and fastest centuries. Specific numbers are easily found through online cricket resources.

6. What is Virat Kohli's net worth?

Virat Kohli's net worth is substantial, placing him among the highest-earning athletes globally. His income comes from his cricket career, endorsements, and business ventures. Precise figures vary depending on the source and year, but he is considered one of the wealthiest cricketers in the world.

7. How many centuries does Virat Kohli have?

Virat Kohli has scored a significant number of centuries in his international career. The exact number changes as he continues to play. Check live cricket score websites and resources for the most up-to-date information on his century count.

8. What is Virat Kohli's batting style?

Virat Kohli is known for his aggressive and attacking batting style. He is a right-handed batsman who plays with a combination of power and precision. He's adept at playing both defensive and attacking shots, adapting to various situations on the field.

9. Who is Virat Kohli's wife?

Virat Kohli's wife is Anushka Sharma, a prominent Bollywood actress.

10. What is Virat Kohli's role in the Indian cricket team?

Virat Kohli has served as the captain of the Indian cricket team in various formats. He's also a key member of the batting lineup, contributing significantly to the team's success. His leadership and batting skills are crucial to India's performance.

11. Where was Virat Kohli born?

Virat Kohli was born in Delhi, India.

12. What is Virat Kohli's height?

While precise figures vary slightly across sources, Virat Kohli's height is approximately 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm).