Virat Kohli Biography: Cricket Records, Stats, Achievements & Life
Virat Kohli, often hailed as one of the greatest cricketers of all time, began his journey in Delhi, India. His passion for cricket was evident from a young age, and at just nine years old, he joined the West Delhi Cricket Academy in 1998. Under the guidance of coach Rajkumar Sharma, Kohliโs skills flourished. His early performances in domestic tournaments, such as topping the run charts in the 2003-04 Vijay Merchant Trophy, showcased his immense potential. Kohliโs leadership abilities came to the forefront when he captained the India Under-19 team to victory in the 2008 ICC Under-19 World Cup in Malaysia. This milestone not only brought him into the limelight but also earned him a contract with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). His international debut soon followed, marking the beginning of a career defined by discipline, aggression, and an unrelenting drive to succeed.
Full Name
Virat Kohli
Nickname(s)
Known as “King Kohli” for his dominance on the field and “Cheeku,” a childhood nickname given by his coach Rajkumar Sharma due to his chubby cheeks, Kohli is a beloved figure in cricket.
Date of Birth
November 5, 1988, in Delhi, India.
Country Represented
India
Batting and Bowling Style
A right-handed batsman, Kohli is celebrated for his aggressive yet technically sound batting style. While he occasionally bowls right-arm medium-fast, his primary contribution is with the bat.
Debut
- ODI Debut: August 18, 2008, against Sri Lanka at Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium.
- Test Debut: June 20, 2011, against West Indies at Sabina Park, Jamaica.
- T20I Debut: June 12, 2010, against Zimbabwe at Harare Sports Club.
- IPL Debut: April 18, 2008, for Royal Challengers Bengaluru against Kolkata Knight Riders at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Major Achievements
Virat Kohliโs career is a testament to his consistency and excellence, with records that place him among cricketโs elite:
- Most ODI Centuries: Holds the record with 51 ODI centuries, surpassing Sachin Tendulkarโs 49.
- Fastest to 14,000 ODI Runs: Achieved in 287 innings, breaking Tendulkarโs record.
- Record-Breaking 2023 ODI World Cup: Scored 765 runs, the most in a single ODI World Cup, earning the Player of the Tournament award.
- First Asian Captain to Win Test Series in Australia: Led India to a historic 2-1 victory in 2018-19.
- Most Double Centuries by an Indian: Scored 7 double centuries in Test cricket.
- Highest IPL Run-Scorer: Amassed 8,661 runs with 8 centuries as of 2025, leading RCB to their first IPL title in 2025.
- ICC Honors: Won the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy (ICC Cricketer of the Year) in 2017 and 2018, and ICC ODI Cricketer of the Year in 2012, 2017, 2018, and 2023.
- National Awards: Honored with the Arjuna Award (2013), Padma Shri (2017), and Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award (2018).
Playing Career
Kohliโs international career began in 2008 with his ODI debut. His hunger for runs quickly made him a cornerstone of Indiaโs batting lineup. Known as the “Chase Master,” Kohliโs first ODI century against Sri Lanka in 2009 highlighted his ability to perform under pressure.
Memorable performances include:
- 133 off 86 balls against Sri Lanka in the 2012 CB Series.
- 82 against Pakistan* in the 2022 T20 World Cup.
- 76 in the 2024 T20 World Cup final, securing Indiaโs title.
Kohliโs leadership transformed India into a Test cricket powerhouse, with historic wins in Australia, England, and South Africa. Despite a lean patch from 2019 to 2022, he roared back with a record-breaking 2023 ODI World Cup and led India to the 2025 Champions Trophy title.
Key Statistics (as of July 2025)
Test Cricket
- Matches: 123
- Runs: 9,230
- Average: 47.28
- Centuries: 30 (7 double centuries)
- Highest Score: 254 vs South Africa (2019)
ODI Cricket
- Matches: 302
- Runs: 14,181
- Average: 57.88
- Centuries: 51
T20I Cricket
- Matches: 125
- Runs: 4,188
- Average: 48.69
IPL
- Matches: 267
- Runs: 8,661
- Average: 39.55
Leadership and Captaincy
Kohliโs captaincy redefined Indian cricket. With 40 Test wins, he is Indiaโs most successful Test captain. His aggressive leadership style and emphasis on fitness revolutionized the teamโs approach, leading to dominance in all formats.
Personal Life and Charitable Work
Off the field, Kohli is a global icon. His Virat Kohli Foundation, established in 2013, supports underprivileged children through education, sports training, and healthcare. Kohli is also a vocal advocate for mental health awareness and fitness.
Business Ventures
Kohliโs entrepreneurial ventures include:
- WROGN: A youth fashion brand.
- Chisel: A chain of fitness centers.
- Goa Aces: Co-ownership of an Indian Super League football team.
Post-Retirement
After retiring from T20Is in 2024 and Test cricket in 2025, Kohli continues to play ODIs and IPL. He has expressed interest in mentoring young cricketers and expanding his philanthropic efforts.
Fun Fact
Kohliโs nickname “Cheeku” was inspired by a character in the Champak comic book, reflecting his playful side despite his fierce on-field persona.
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