

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.

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
Year | Event | Significance |
---|---|---|
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.
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