1. Introduction
Virat Kohli is one of the most celebrated cricketers in the world, often hailed as a modern-day great. His aggressive style, passion for the game, and exceptional skill have made him a global icon. From being a young cricketer with immense potential to becoming the captain of the Indian national cricket team, Kohli’s journey is nothing short of remarkable.
Virat Kohli Biography
| Birth | 5 November 1988 |
| Age | 33 years |
| Nickname | Chiku |
| Parents | Saroj Kohli (Mother)Prem Kohli (Father) |
| Education | Vishal Bharti Public SchoolSaviour Convent |
| Height | 5 ft 9 inch |
| Profession | Cricketer |
| Batting style | Right-handed batter |
| Bowling style | Right-arm medium bowler |
| Wife | Anushka Sharma |
| Daughter | Vamika |
| Net Worth | Rs. 980 crore (approx) |
| @virat.kohli | |
| Awards | Arjuna AwardPadma ShriRajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award |
2. Early Life
- Date of Birth: November 5, 1988
- Place of Birth: Delhi, India
Kohli was born into a Punjabi family and grew up in Uttam Nagar, Delhi. His father, Prem Kohli, worked as a criminal lawyer, and his mother, Saroj Kohli, is a homemaker. Virat’s passion for cricket began at a young age, and he joined the West Delhi Cricket Academy at the age of 9. His early promise as a cricketer was evident when he captained the Indian U-19 team to victory in the 2008 ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup.
3. Cricket Career
Kohli made his debut for the Indian national team in 2008 against Sri Lanka, and since then, his career has seen an upward trajectory. He is known for his outstanding batting across all formats and his ability to chase down big totals with ease.
Milestones:
- ODI Debut: August 18, 2008, vs Sri Lanka
- Test Debut: June 20, 2011, vs West Indies
- T20I Debut: June 12, 2010, vs Zimbabwe
Kohli’s aggressive batting style, impeccable technique, and ability to adapt to different formats make him one of the most versatile cricketers of his era.
Captaincy:
- Kohli took over as the captain of the Indian Test team in 2014, following MS Dhoni’s retirement from Test cricket. In 2017, he became the captain of the Indian team across all formats. Under his leadership, India achieved numerous milestones, including their first Test series win in Australia (2018-19).
4. Key Achievements and Records
- Fastest to 8,000, 9,000, 10,000, and 11,000 ODI runs
- Most double centuries by an Indian in Test cricket
- First player to score 20,000 international runs in a decade
- Highest run-scorer in T20 Internationals
Kohli has consistently been at the top of ICC rankings for both ODI and Test cricket. His remarkable ability to perform under pressure, especially while chasing, has earned him the title of the “Chase Master.”
5. Awards and Honors
- Arjuna Award (2013)
- Padma Shri (2017)
- Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna (2018)
- ICC Cricketer of the Year (2017, 2018)
- Wisden Leading Cricketer in the World (2016, 2017, 2018, 2020)
6. Net Worth
Virat Kohli is one of the richest athletes globally. His primary sources of income include cricket, brand endorsements, and business ventures. Kohli has endorsed top brands like Puma, Audi, and MRF, and he co-owns fitness brands like One8.
- Estimated Net Worth (2024): $120 million
- Annual Earnings: Kohli earns around $30 million annually from his cricket salary, endorsements, and ventures.
7. Personal Life
In December 2017, Virat Kohli married Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma. The couple is one of the most influential celebrity pairs in India. They welcomed their daughter, Vamika, in January 2021.
8. Lesser-Known Facts
- Virat Kohli is a fitness enthusiast and is credited with transforming the fitness culture in Indian cricket.
- Kohli’s childhood nickname is “Chiku,” which was given by his Delhi State coach, and it stuck with him throughout his career.
- He is known for his philanthropic work and established the Virat Kohli Foundation to support underprivileged children.
Virat Kohli: Height, Age, Wife, Girlfriend, Children, Family
Height:
- 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm)
Age:
- Born: November 5, 1988
- Age (as of 2024): 35 years
Wife:
- Anushka Sharma
Virat Kohli is married to Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma. The two started dating in 2013 and were often seen together, leading to widespread media attention. They tied the knot in a private ceremony in Italy on December 11, 2017. Anushka is a well-known actress and producer in the Indian film industry, with several critically acclaimed movies to her name.
Girlfriend (Past):
- Before marrying Anushka Sharma, Kohli was rumored to have dated model-actress Izabelle Leite for a short period. However, these rumors were never confirmed by Kohli himself, and his relationship with Anushka has always been more public.
Children:
- Daughter: Vamika Kohli
Virat and Anushka welcomed their first child, a daughter named Vamika, on January 11, 2021. The couple has been very protective of their daughter’s privacy and has requested the media and their fans to avoid circulating Vamika’s pictures on social media or in public.
Family:
- Father: Prem Kohli
Virat’s father, Prem Kohli, was a criminal lawyer. He passed away in December 2006 due to a stroke when Virat was just 18 years old. Despite the tragedy, Kohli played a crucial cricket match for Delhi the next day, showing his dedication to the sport. - Mother: Saroj Kohli
His mother, Saroj Kohli, is a homemaker and has always been a strong pillar of support in his life. She played a significant role in nurturing Virat’s early passion for cricket. - Siblings:
Virat has two older siblings:- Brother: Vikash Kohli
- Sister: Bhavna Kohli
Both his brother and sister have stayed away from the limelight, though they have occasionally been seen supporting Virat during significant matches or events.
Extended Family and Close Bonds:
- Anushka’s Family:
Virat shares a close relationship with his in-laws. Anushka’s father, Colonel Ajay Kumar Sharma, is a retired army officer, and her mother, Ashima Sharma, is a homemaker. Virat and Anushka often spend time with both sides of their family.
Virat’s strong family support system and his relationship with Anushka Sharma are seen as essential elements in maintaining his balance between his high-pressure career and personal life.
Conclusion
Virat Kohli’s journey from a passionate young cricketer to a global icon is a testament to his hard work, determination, and love for the game. He continues to inspire millions around the world with his dedication, performance, and leadership both on and off the field.
