Virat Kohli is one of the most famous cricketers in the world. He is known for his amazing batting skills and for leading the Indian cricket team. Many people see him as one of the best players ever. He has broken many records and won many awards.
His journey from a young boy in Delhi to a global sports icon is truly inspiring. He is admired not just for his talent but also for his dedication and fitness.
Who Is Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli is an Indian international cricketer. He was the captain of the Indian national cricket team in all three formats of the game: Test, One Day International (ODI), and Twenty20 International (T20I). He is a right-handed batsman and is known for his aggressive style of play. He is widely considered one of the greatest batsmen of all time.
Kohli’s popularity goes beyond the cricket field. He is a huge celebrity in India and has a massive fan following worldwide. His performances on the field and his influence off it have made him a global icon. He is also known for his fitness and is an inspiration to many young athletes.
Basic Information
| Full Name | Virat Kohli |
| Popular Name | King Kohli, Cheeku |
| Date of Birth | November 5, 1988 |
| Age | 37 years old (as of June 21, 2026) |
| Birthplace | New Delhi, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Sport | Cricket |
| Playing Role | Top-order batsman |
| Height | 5 ft 9 in (175 cm) |
| Weight | Approximately 70 kg |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Net Worth | Estimated $120-131 million USD (as of 2026) |
Early Life and Education
Virat Kohli was born on November 5, 1988, in New Delhi, India. He grew up in Delhi and showed an early interest in cricket from a very young age. His father, Prem Nath Kohli, was a criminal lawyer, and his mother, Saroj Kohli, was a homemaker. He has an elder brother, Vikas, and an elder sister, Bhavna.
Kohli’s father played a significant role in his early cricketing journey, bowling to him when he was just three years old. He started his formal cricket training at the West Delhi Cricket Academy when he was nine. His childhood was spent in Uttam Nagar, Delhi.
Education wise, Virat Kohli studied at Vishal Bharti Public School and later Saviour Convent School in Delhi. However, as his cricket career took off, especially after leading India to victory in the 2008 U-19 World Cup, he focused entirely on cricket and did not pursue higher education. His highest educational qualification is Class 11 or 12.
Family Information
| Father | Prem Nath Kohli (deceased) |
| Mother | Saroj Kohli |
| Spouse | Anushka Sharma |
| Children | Vamika Kohli, Akaay Kohli |
| Siblings | Vikas Kohli (Brother), Bhavna Kohli (Sister) |
Education Details
| School | Vishal Bharti Public School, Saviour Convent School (Delhi) |
| College | Did not attend college |
| Qualification | Completed up to Class 11/12 |
Sports Career Journey
Virat Kohli’s cricket journey began at a very young age. He started playing cricket seriously after joining the West Delhi Cricket Academy. He represented the Delhi Under-15 team in 2002 and later the Delhi Under-17 team, where he was the highest run-scorer.
A major turning point was when he captained the Indian Under-19 team to victory in the 2008 U-19 Cricket World Cup held in Malaysia. This success brought him into the limelight and paved the way for his international debut.
He made his ODI debut for India against Sri Lanka on August 18, 2008. He then made his T20I debut in June 2010 and his Test debut in 2011 against the West Indies. Kohli quickly established himself as a key player for India, known for his aggressive batting and ability to perform under pressure.
He took over as captain across all formats, leading India to significant victories. His leadership and batting prowess made him a central figure in Indian cricket for many years.
Career Statistics
As of June 2026, Virat Kohli has retired from Test and T20I cricket but continues to play ODIs. His career statistics are remarkable across all formats.
| Format | Matches | Runs | Centuries | Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 123 | 9,230 | 30 | 46.85 |
| ODIs | Not available (still active) | Over 13,000 | 50+ | Over 50 |
| T20Is | Not available (retired) | Not available (retired) | Not available (retired) | Not available (retired) |
Major Achievements
| Achievement | Year |
|---|---|
| ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup (Captain) | 2008 |
| ICC Cricket World Cup | 2011 |
| ICC Champions Trophy | 2013, 2025 |
| ICC T20 World Cup | 2024 |
| Player of the Tournament, ICC T20 World Cup | 2014, 2016 |
| Player of the Tournament, ICC ODI World Cup | 2023 |
| First Indian to achieve No. 1 ranking in all three formats (Test, ODI, T20I) | 2018 |
| Led India to historic Test series win in Australia | 2018-19 |
| Most ODI centuries | 50+ |
Awards and Honors
| Award | Year |
|---|---|
| Arjuna Award | 2013 |
| Padma Shri | 2017 |
| Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna (now Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award) | 2018 |
| ICC ODI Player of the Year | 2012, 2017, 2018, 2020, 2023 |
| ICC Cricketer of the Year (Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy) | 2017, 2018, 2020 |
| ICC Test Player of the Year | 2018 |
| Wisden Leading Cricketer in the World | 2017, 2018, 2019 |
| ICC Spirit of Cricket Award | 2019 |
| ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Decade | 2020 |
| ICC Male Cricketer of the Decade | 2020 |
Records and Milestones
Virat Kohli has set numerous records throughout his career. He is the fastest player to reach many milestones in ODIs, including 8,000, 9,000, 10,000, and 11,000 runs. He is one of the few players to average over 50 in all three formats of the game.
He holds the record for the most centuries in ODIs, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s record. Kohli is also the leading run-scorer in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He was the first player to score 20,000 runs in a decade.
As a captain, he led India to its first-ever Test series victory in Australia in 2018-19. He also became India’s most successful Test captain. After winning the 2024 T20 World Cup, he announced his retirement from T20Is. He later announced his retirement from Test cricket on May 12, 2025.
Net Worth and Income Sources
Virat Kohli is one of the highest-earning athletes in the world. His estimated net worth is between $120 million and $131 million USD as of 2026.
His income comes from various sources:
- Cricket Earnings: This includes his central contract with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and his salary from the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the IPL. His annual earnings from cricket contracts are estimated to be around $800,000 to $850,000 from BCCI and about $2.5 million from RCB.
- Endorsements and Sponsorships: Kohli is one of the most marketable athletes globally and endorses over 30 brands, including Puma, Audi, and MRF Tyres. He reportedly charges between ₹7.5 crore and ₹10 crore per endorsement deal. His lifetime earnings from endorsements are estimated to be over $200 million.
- Businesses and Investments: He has a significant business portfolio, including his lifestyle brand One8 and fashion label WROGN. He has also invested in various startups like Digit Insurance and Agilitas Sports. His One8 Commune restaurant chain is also a successful venture.
- Social Media: He is one of the most followed athletes on social media platforms like Instagram, which also contributes to his income.
Lifestyle
Virat Kohli is known for his disciplined lifestyle and focus on fitness. He follows a strict workout routine and diet. His commitment to fitness has made him an inspiration to many.
He lives a luxurious life with his family. He and his wife, actress Anushka Sharma, own several properties, including a sea-facing apartment in Mumbai and a bungalow in Gurugram. They also have a farmhouse in Alibaug and a residence in London.
Kohli enjoys traveling with his family and spending quality time with them. His hobbies include working out, singing, dancing, and following football. He is also a car enthusiast.
Interesting Facts
- Virat Kohli was born on November 5, 1988, in Delhi, India.
- His nickname is “King Kohli” and “Cheeku.”
- He is one of the few cricketers to average over 50 in all three international formats (Test, ODI, T20I).
- He was the captain of the Indian team that won the 2008 U-19 Cricket World Cup.
- Kohli is married to Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma.
- They have two children, a daughter named Vamika and a son named Akaay.
- He is a fitness enthusiast and often shares his workout routines.
- Kohli has invested in various businesses and launched his own lifestyle brand, One8.
- He is one of the most followed athletes on social media worldwide.
- He retired from Test cricket in May 2025 and T20 internationals in June 2024.
Social Media Profiles
| Platform | Status |
|---|---|
| Available | |
| Available | |
| X (Twitter) | Available |
| YouTube | Available |
Why Is Virat Kohli Famous
Virat Kohli is famous for several reasons. His exceptional batting talent and consistency have earned him the title of one of the greatest batsmen of all time. He holds numerous records and has achieved remarkable milestones in his career.
His leadership as the former captain of the Indian cricket team also contributed to his fame. He led India to many historic victories, including their first-ever Test series win in Australia.
Beyond his on-field achievements, Kohli is a global icon due to his popularity, brand endorsements, and business ventures. His disciplined lifestyle and fitness dedication also make him a role model for many.
Public Image and Fan Following
Virat Kohli enjoys immense popularity and a massive fan following, not just in India but across the globe. He is often referred to as “King Kohli” by his fans, reflecting his stature in the sport. His aggressive on-field persona, combined with his dedication and hard work, resonates well with his audience.
He has a significant presence on social media, where he interacts with his fans and shares glimpses of his life. His brand value is extremely high, making him one of the most sought-after celebrity endorsers. Despite occasional criticism, his public image remains strong, largely due to his consistent performances and his role as a sporting icon.
People Also Ask
Who is Virat Kohli?
Virat Kohli is a renowned Indian international cricketer, widely regarded as one of the greatest batsmen in the history of the game. He is a former captain of the Indian national cricket team in all formats.
How old is Virat Kohli?
Virat Kohli was born on November 5, 1988, making him 37 years old as of June 21, 2026.
What is the net worth of Virat Kohli?
Virat Kohli’s net worth is estimated to be between $120 million and $131 million USD as of 2026.
Is Virat Kohli married?
Yes, Virat Kohli is married to Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma.
What records does Virat Kohli hold?
Virat Kohli holds numerous records, including being the fastest to score 8,000 to 11,000 ODI runs, having the most ODI centuries (50+), and being the leading run-scorer in the IPL.
What team does Virat Kohli play for?
Virat Kohli plays for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and for Delhi in domestic cricket. He has retired from international Test and T20I cricket but continues to play ODIs.
What are the biggest achievements of Virat Kohli?
His biggest achievements include winning the 2011 ODI World Cup, captaining India to historic series wins, being the Player of the Tournament in multiple World Cups, and breaking numerous batting records.
FAQ Section
Q1: When did Virat Kohli retire from international cricket?
A1: Virat Kohli retired from T20 Internationals in June 2024 and from Test cricket in May 2025. He continues to play ODIs.
Q2: What is Virat Kohli’s highest score in Tests?
A2: Virat Kohli’s highest score in Test cricket is 254 not out.
Q3: What is Virat Kohli’s highest score in ODIs?
A3: Virat Kohli’s highest score in ODIs is 183 runs.
Q4: How many sixes has Virat Kohli hit in his career?
A4: Not available (This statistic is not readily available and would require extensive data compilation across all formats and matches).
Q5: Who is Virat Kohli’s coach?
A5: Virat Kohli’s childhood coach was Rajkumar Sharma.
Q6: What is Virat Kohli’s favorite food?
A6: Virat Kohli’s favorite food is Rajma Chawal (kidney beans curry with rice).
Q7: Did Virat Kohli always want to be a cricketer?
A7: Yes, Virat Kohli showed a passion for cricket from a very young age.
Q8: What is Virat Kohli’s fitness mantra?
A8: Virat Kohli’s fitness mantra revolves around discipline, regular workouts, and a healthy diet.
Q9: Does Virat Kohli have any business interests outside cricket?
A9: Yes, Virat Kohli has significant business interests, including his lifestyle brand One8 and investments in various startups.
Q10: What is the name of Virat Kohli’s daughter?
A10: Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma’s daughter is named Vamika.
Q11: What is the name of Virat Kohli’s son?
A11: Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma’s son is named Akaay.
Q12: Where does Virat Kohli live?
A12: Virat Kohli and his family own homes in Mumbai, Gurugram, and Alibaug, among other places. They also have a residence in London.
Q13: Has Virat Kohli won any awards for his sportsmanship?
A13: Yes, Virat Kohli received the ICC Spirit of Cricket Award in 2019.
Q14: How many centuries has Virat Kohli scored in Test cricket?
A14: Virat Kohli has scored 30 centuries in Test cricket.
Q15: How many centuries has Virat Kohli scored in ODIs?
A15: Virat Kohli has scored over 50 centuries in ODIs, holding the world record for the most ODI centuries.
Final Words
Virat Kohli’s career is a remarkable story of talent, hard work, and dedication. From his early days in Delhi to becoming a global cricketing superstar, he has inspired millions. His records, achievements, and leadership have cemented his place as one of the greatest cricketers of all time. Even after retiring from Test and T20I formats, his impact on the game continues to be felt.
Source Note
- Wikipedia
- Britannica
- ESPN Cricinfo
- ICC Official Website
- BCCI Official Website
- CricTracker
- Sportskeeda
- The Indian Express
- Famous Birthdays
- Outlook Luxe
- Dailyhunt
- Inshorts
- Topend Sports
- Unstop
- Housivity
- Archidust
- MoneyTree Realty
- AstroLinked
- Study International
- NoBroker
