Virat Kohli Biography | Early Life & Career | Records, Achievements & Future Plans (2025 Update) | usman on cricket

Early Life and Background : Virat Kohli, one of the greatest cricketers in modern-day cricket, was born on November 5, 1988, in Delhi, India. His father, Prem Kohli, was a criminal lawyer, and his mother, Saroj Kohli, is a homemaker. From a very young age, Kohli showed an extraordinary passion for cricket.

Let’s dive into his legendary journey from a young talented Delhi boy to global cricket icon.

He joined the West Delhi Cricket Academy (WDCA) in 1998 under the guidance of Rajkumar Sharma, who played a major role in shaping his technique and discipline. Kohli represented Delhi Under-15 and Under-17 teams, consistently topping the charts with his aggressive batting style.

The turning point came when he captained India’s Under-19 team to victory in the 2008 ICC U-19 World Cup in Malaysia — a moment that announced his arrival on the world stage.

International Cricket Career

Debut and Early Years (2008–2011)

Virat Kohli made his ODI debut against Sri Lanka in August 2008. Although his start was modest, selectors saw his potential. Kohli’s big break came in 2009–10, when he scored his first ODI century against Sri Lanka, becoming a consistent member of India’s limited-overs squad.

In 2011, Kohli was part of the Indian team that won the ICC Cricket World Cup. He scored a crucial 35 runs in the final against Sri Lanka and became known for his calmness under pressure.

Rise to Stardom (2012–2016)

Between 2012 and 2016, Kohli transformed into one of the most reliable and feared batsmen in world cricket. He consistently scored centuries across all formats and chased down targets with unmatched confidence.

• In 2012, he made his Test hundred against Australia in Adelaide.
• In 2014, he was appointed Test captain, replacing MS Dhoni.
• In 2016, he scored over 2,500 international runs, one of the best years of his career.

Captaincy Era (2017–2022)

Kohli took over as India’s all-format captain in 2017. Under his leadership:

• India achieved their first-ever Test series win in Australia (2018–19).
• India dominated the ICC rankings, remaining the No. 1 Test team for several years.
• Kohli became known for his fitness culture and aggressive captaincy style.

However, India fell short in ICC tournaments, losing the 2017 Champions Trophy final, 2019 World Cup semi-final, and 2021 WTC final. Kohli stepped down from T20I captaincy after the 2021 T20 World Cup, and later from ODI and Test captaincy in 2022.

Kohli’s Redemption and Continued Brilliance (2023–2025)

Despite stepping away from leadership, Kohli continued to dominate with the bat. His 2023 ODI World Cup performance was historic — he scored 765 runs, breaking Sachin Tendulkar’s record for most runs in a single World Cup.

In 2024 and 2025, Kohli remained a vital part of India’s ODI lineup but retired from T20 Internationals after the 2024 T20 World Cup, where India lifted the trophy in style. Later, in 2025, he also announced retirement from Test cricket, marking the end of a glorious red-ball career.

Virat Kohli’s International Career Statistics (as of 2025)

(Stats updated till October 2025)

Major Records and Achievements

• Most ODI centuries (50) – surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s record.
• ICC Player of the Decade (2011–2020).
• Fastest to 8,000, 9,000, 10,000, 11,000, and 12,000 ODI runs.
• Most runs in a single World Cup – 765 (2023).
• First Indian captain to win a Test series in Australia (2018–19).
• Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award (2018).
• Padma Shri Award (2017).

Retirement from T20 and Test Cricket

Virat Kohli retired from T20 Internationals after the T20 World Cup 2024, which India won — a fitting end to his T20 career. He later retired from Test cricket in early 2025, saying he wanted to focus on his fitness, family, and ODI cricket.

Kohli said in his farewell Test statement:

“Test cricket made me who I am. But every player has to pass the torch one day. My journey continues with a new focus.”

Current Life and Focus on ODI Cricket

As of late 2025, Kohli remains active in ODI cricket and continues to play for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Off the field, he is deeply involved in fitness ventures, charity work through the Virat Kohli Foundation, and family life with wife Anushka Sharma and their children.

Despite retiring from Tests and T20Is, Kohli’s main goal is to help India win the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup in South Africa — likely his final World Cup as a player. His focus, discipline, and hunger remain unmatched even at 36.

Legacy

Virat Kohli’s impact on Indian cricket goes beyond statistics. He revolutionized fitness, built a culture of aggression and belief, and inspired millions across Asia. His name now stands alongside cricketing legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Ricky Ponting, AB de Villiers, Kumar Sangakara and many greats of the game.

FAQs About Virat Kohli

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