Virat Kohli is not just a name; he is a global icon whose name resonates in the world of cricket as one of the greatest players to have ever graced the sport. Born on November 5, 1988, in Delhi, India, Kohli’s journey from a young, determined cricketer to the captain of the Indian national team and one of the world’s most recognized athletes is nothing short of inspirational. His aggressive batting style, relentless work ethic, and ability to perform under pressure have earned him numerous accolades, including over 70 centuries in One-Day Internationals (ODIs), a record for the fastest 10,000 ODI runs, and being named the Player of the Tournament in the 2023 ICC ODI World Cup.

What sets Virat Kohli apart is not just his cricketing prowess but his influence off the field. He is a business magnate, a fitness enthusiast, and an advocate for philanthropy through his Virat Kohli Foundation, which works tirelessly towards supporting underprivileged children and healthcare initiatives. With a career spanning over a decade, Kohli’s passion for the game continues to fuel his journey, making him a symbol of excellence in modern-day cricket.

On brutserp.com.ng, we dive deeper into the life and career of this cricketing maestro, exploring his personal milestones, family life, philanthropic efforts, and his legacy both in and outside of the cricketing world.

Quick info

Attribute	Details
Full Name	Virat Kohli
Date of Birth	November 5, 1988
Place of Birth	Delhi, India
Nationality	Indian
Occupation	Cricketer, Former Captain of Indian Cricket Team
Batting Style	Right-handed batsman
Bowling Style	Right-arm medium
Domestic Team	Royal Challengers Bangalore (IPL)
International Career	2008 – Present
Retired From	T20I Cricket (2024)

 

Wikipedia, Date of Birth (Age), Early Life and Career Beginnings

Virat Kohli was born on November 5, 1988, in Delhi, India. He is 36 years old as at 2025. His cricket journey began at an early age when he joined the West Delhi Cricket Academy. Kohli’s rise through the ranks was rapid; he shone brightly in youth cricket, becoming the highest run-scorer in the 2003-04 Vijay Merchant Trophy. By 2006, he made his domestic debut for Delhi, followed by a breakthrough year in 2008, where he captained India to victory in the ICC Under-19 World Cup and made his international debut later that same year.

Domestic and IPL Career

Virat Kohli has been a key player for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) throughout his career, making a remarkable mark as both a batsman and a leader. After a modest start, Kohli’s performance improved, especially after his promotion to vice-captain in 2010. His 973 runs in the 2016 season of IPL, including four centuries, earned him the Orange Cap, marking one of the best seasons by an IPL batsman.

In 2013, Kohli took over as RCB’s captain, a role he held for several years, becoming the highest run-scorer in the IPL’s history. Despite his individual success, RCB has yet to win an IPL title, which remains a major frustration for both Kohli and his supporters.

Virat Kohli’s International Breakthrough and Rise to Prominence

Kohli’s career skyrocketed in international cricket after his ODI debut in 2008 against Sri Lanka. He made an immediate impact by scoring crucial runs, including a memorable 100 in the 2011 World Cup, where he helped India win the tournament after 28 years. Kohli also played pivotal roles in India’s victories in the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy and the 2018 T20I World Cup.

Kohli’s consistency as a chase master in ODIs, especially in high-pressure matches, set him apart as a modern-day great. He holds multiple records, including the most hundreds in ODIs and the highest number of runs in a single World Cup edition.

Virat Kohli’s Leadership and Captaincy

Kohli became the captain of India’s national cricket team across all formats following MS Dhoni’s retirement from Test cricket in 2014. Under his leadership, India achieved significant successes, including winning its first-ever Test series in Australia in 2018-2019. Kohli captained India in 68 Tests, winning 40, making him one of the most successful Indian captains. He also led India in several global tournaments, including the 2019 ODI World Cup, where he became the fastest to 20,000 international runs.

Despite his leadership successes, Kohli’s captaincy ended after the 2021 T20I World Cup, and he later resigned from ODI and Test captaincy in 2022.

Post-Captaincy and Current Form

Kohli experienced a dip in form after stepping down from captaincy, but his return to the top has been impressive. He scored a memorable century in the 2023 ODI World Cup and broke numerous records, including surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 49 ODI centuries. In the same World Cup, Kohli was named Player of the Tournament for his remarkable 765 runs, setting a new record for the most runs in a single edition of the event.

Personal Life: wife, children and family

Off the field, Virat Kohli is married to Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma, a partnership that has garnered significant media attention. Kohli is also known for his fitness regimen, setting a high standard for athletes worldwide. His passion for fitness and self-discipline has earned him admiration beyond cricket.

• Father: Prem Kohli (deceased in 2006)
• Mother: Saroj Kohli
• Spouse: Anushka Sharma (married in December 2017), a Bollywood actress and producer
• Daughter: Vamika Kohli, born in January 2021

Cricketing Records & Stats:

Kohli is one of the most prolific batsmen in cricket history, with several world records, including:

• • The most individual hundreds in One Day Internationals (ODIs).
  • The most runs scored in a single edition of an ODI World Cup (2023).
  • He holds the record for the most ODI hundreds, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s record.
  • He is the fastest to reach 10,000, 12,000, 13,000, and 14,000 runs in ODIs.
  • Kohli is the only cricketer to have scored four hundreds in a single World Cup (2016).

Awards and Recognition

Virat Kohli has been honored with several prestigious awards, including the Padma Shri in 2017, the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award in 2018, and the Arjuna Award in 2013. His incredible performances, particularly his match-winning knocks and consistency, have earned him recognition as one of the best in the world.

Net Worth

Kohli’s estimated net worth is around $115 million (as of 2025). His earnings come from a combination of his cricket salary, endorsement deals with top brands, business ventures, and investments. He is one of the highest-paid athletes in the world.

Instagram Handle

Instagram: @virat.kohli . He has over 250 million followers, making him one of the most-followed athletes on Instagram globally. His posts often include glimpses into his cricket career, personal life, endorsements, and philanthropic activities.

Virat Kohli’s Centuries

Virat Kohli is renowned for his exceptional ability to score centuries across all formats of international cricket, particularly in One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and Tests. Some key records include:

1. ODI Centuries:
   • Kohli holds the record for the most centuries in ODIs by any player, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 49 centuries. He achieved his 50th century during the 2023 ODI World Cup.
   • He has scored over 70 ODI centuries, with notable centuries in high-pressure matches, including his first century in ODIs in 2009 against Sri Lanka and several match-winning knocks in ICC tournaments like the 2011 World Cup, 2013 Champions Trophy, and 2016 World T20.
2. Test Centuries:
   • Kohli has scored 27 Test centuries (as of 2025), with many coming in challenging overseas conditions. His first double century came against the West Indies in 2016, and he has scored multiple double centuries against teams like New Zealand, England, and Bangladesh.
   • His ability to score consistently, including double centuries, has placed him among the best Test batsmen of all time.
3. T20I Centuries:
   • Kohli is not known for scoring many centuries in T20Is, but he has been incredibly consistent, maintaining a high batting average in this format. He scored his first T20I century against Afghanistan in the 2022 Asia Cup.

Kohli’s centuries are often characterized by his aggressive style of play, ability to chase down challenging totals, and consistency in various formats, cementing his legacy as one of cricket’s all-time greats.

Retirement:

1. T20I Retirement:
   • Virat Kohli announced his retirement from T20I cricket after India’s victory in the 2024 ICC T20I World Cup. This decision came shortly after he was named Player of the Match in the final, a testament to his outstanding contribution to the team.
   • Kohli had already stepped down as India’s T20I captain earlier, and his decision to retire was seen as a way to focus on his performances in longer formats, mainly ODIs and Tests.
2. Future of ODI and Test Career:
   • As of 2025, Kohli continues to play in ODIs and Tests, although he has not announced any immediate plans to retire from these formats.
   • He remains an integral part of the Indian cricket team and has continued to perform at the highest level, breaking records and helping his team win important series, including the 2023 ICC ODI World Cup, where he was named Player of the Tournament.
   • Kohli’s retirement from ODIs and Tests is not expected anytime soon, as he is still in peak form and is regarded as one of the best players in both formats.

Kohli’s future in cricket, especially in ODIs and Tests, will likely depend on his personal goals, physical fitness, and desire to continue playing at the highest level. However, given his fitness regimen and love for the game, it is anticipated that he will continue to represent India for several more years.

Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Virat Kohli

1. When was Virat Kohli born?

• Virat Kohli was born on November 5, 1988, in Delhi, India.

2. What is Virat Kohli’s nickname?

• Kohli is often referred to by his nickname, “Chiku”, which was given to him by his Delhi team-mates.

3. What is Virat Kohli’s batting style?

• Virat Kohli is a right-handed batsman known for his aggressive and versatile style of play. He is particularly admired for his chasing ability and consistency across formats.

4. How many centuries has Virat Kohli scored in ODIs?

• Virat Kohli has scored over 70 centuries in One-Day Internationals (ODIs), making him the player with the most centuries in the format.

5. What is Virat Kohli’s record in Test cricket?

• Virat Kohli has scored 27 centuries in Test matches and is widely regarded as one of the best Test batsmen in the world, with several double centuries to his name.

6. What is Virat Kohli’s highest score in an ODI?

• Virat Kohli’s highest score in an ODI is 183 runs, which he scored against Pakistan in the 2012 Asia Cup.

7. What teams has Virat Kohli played for in the Indian Premier League (IPL)?

• Virat Kohli has played for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) throughout his IPL career, being the only player to play for a single franchise in IPL history.

8. Has Virat Kohli retired from any formats?

• Yes, Virat Kohli announced his retirement from T20I cricket after India won the 2024 ICC T20I World Cup. He was named Player of the Match in the final and decided to step down from T20I duties.

9. How many ICC Player of the Tournament awards has Virat Kohli won?

• Kohli has won the Player of the Tournament award three times at global events: in the 2014 and 2016 T20I World Cups and the 2023 ODI World Cup.

10. Is Virat Kohli married?

• Yes, Virat Kohli is married to popular Bollywood actress and producer Anushka Sharma. They got married in December 2017.

11. What is Virat Kohli’s net worth?

• Virat Kohli’s net worth is estimated to be around $115 million (as of 2025). His income comes from his cricket contracts, brand endorsements, business ventures, and social media presence.

12. Does Virat Kohli have any children?

• Yes, Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma have a daughter named Vamika Kohli, who was born in January 2021.

13. What is Virat Kohli’s Instagram handle?

• Virat Kohli’s Instagram handle is @virat.kohli. He is one of the most followed sports figures on the platform, sharing glimpses of his personal life, cricket journey, and endorsements.

14. What are some of Virat Kohli’s most famous achievements?

• Player of the Tournament in the 2023 ODI World Cup
• Most centuries in ODIs (over 70 centuries)
• First player to score 1,000 runs in a single edition of the ODI World Cup (2019)
• Led India to their first-ever Test series win in Australia in 2018–19
• Fastest to 10,000 runs in ODIs

15. What is Virat Kohli’s career milestone in international cricket?

• Virat Kohli has accumulated over 24,000 international runs across all formats (Tests, ODIs, and T20Is), with an impressive number of centuries and fifties to his name.

16. What are Virat Kohli’s philanthropic efforts?

• Virat Kohli is actively involved in various charitable activities through his foundation, Virat Kohli Foundation. The foundation supports underprivileged children, education, and healthcare initiatives, among other causes.

17. Has Virat Kohli been involved in any controversies?

• Virat Kohli has been involved in occasional controversies, often related to his aggressive on-field demeanor or comments, but he has also consistently shown commitment to the game and professionalism in his personal life.

18. What is Virat Kohli’s fitness regimen?

• Kohli is known for his strict fitness regime and has transformed the physical culture in Indian cricket. His training includes intense workouts, running, weightlifting, yoga, and a focus on maintaining high levels of physical and mental endurance.

Conclusion

Virat Kohli’s journey from a young cricketer in Delhi to one of the greatest batsmen in the history of cricket is a story of passion, dedication, and relentless hard work. His impact on the game, particularly in limited-overs formats, is unmatched, and his leadership has guided India through numerous successes. Despite facing challenges, Kohli continues to redefine modern cricket and inspire generations to come.