Virat Kohli, the Indian Cricketing legend was born on November 5, 1988, to Prem Kohli and Saroj Kohli. Kohli has etched his name in cricketing history as one of the finest batsmen of all time. Known for his aggressive batting style, exceptional run-chasing abilities, and unyielding passion for the game, Kohli has redefined the art of modern-day cricket.
Early Life and Career:
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Born in Delhi, India, Virat Kohli’s love for cricket blossomed at a young age. According to his family, Virat Kohli displayed affinity towards cricket when he was just 3. He started playing cricket from his school days and quickly rose through the ranks with his remarkable performances. His talent and dedication caught the attention of Delhi’s cricket authorities, leading him to represent Delhi in various age-group tournaments. Virat Kohli’s cricket career kicked off in 2002, Poly Umrigar match, at Luhnu cricket ground, Himachal Pradesh. Junior Kohli scored 15 runs in his debut match. Kohli was selected for India under-19 cricket squad in 2006, in which he showed remarkable adeptness in facing both pace as well as spin bowling. Further, Kohli went on to assume the captaincy of the under-19 team in 2008 and won the under-19 cricket world cup held in Malaysia in the same year.
Rapid Rise in International Cricket:
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Kohli’s meteoric rise to international cricket began in August 2008 when he made his One Day International (ODI) debut against Sri Lanka. His debut was a sign of things to come as he displayed immense composure and flair in his batting, impressing cricket pundits and fans alike. Kohli made his Test debut in 2011. Kohli quickly reached the number one spot in the ICC rankings for the ODI cricket. In January 2010, Kohli was given the opportunity in tri-nation ODI tournament in Bangladesh. During the series, Kohli became just the third Indian player to score two ODI centuries before the age of 22. He was widely hailed for his performances, and ultimately emerged as the leading run-scorer of the series, with 275 runs from five innings at an impressive average of 91.66.
Kohli’s initial rise came in 2010, when he was appointed as the vice-captain of the Indian Cricket team for the tri-series in Zimbabwe. Kohli was India’s leading run scorer in the five-match ODI series of the South African tour in January 2011, with 193 runs including two fifties, both in Indian defeats. During the series, he jumped to number two spot on the ICC Rankings for Men’s ODI batters, and was named in India’s 15-man squad for the World Cup.
Captaincy and Leadership:
Virat Kohli’s leadership qualities were evident from an early stage, and in 2017, he took over the reins of the Indian cricket team’s captaincy in all three formats—Tests, ODIs, and T20Is. Under his captaincy, India won 5-0 series against Sri Lanka, this was the second series that India won under Kohli. Kohli became the fourth captain to score a century in his test captaincy debut. Kohli achieved numerous notable victories, and Kohli’s aggressive and passionate demeanour on the field inspired his teammates to perform at their best. Virat Kohli resigned from captaincy in all the forms of cricket during 2021-22.
Batting Maestro:
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Often referred to as the “Run Machine,” Kohli’s batting records are a testament to his brilliance. He boasts a plethora of records, including being the fastest player to score 8,000, 9,000, 10,000, 11,000, and 12,000 runs in ODI cricket. Additionally, he holds the record for the fastest century in ODIs and has numerous centuries to his name across all formats.
Virat Kohli’s playing style is characterized by his ability to adapt to different formats and situations. He is known for his aggressive stroke play, impeccable technique, and incredible fitness levels, which have earned him accolades from cricket pundits worldwide.
Virat Kohli’s batting prowess can be gauged from the way the West Indies cricketing legend Vivian Richards describes Kohli’s batting, “I love watching Virat Kohli bat. He looks to me like an individual of my own heart. I love his aggression, and he has serious passion that I used to have. He reminds me of myself.”
Indian Premier League (IPL):
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Virat Kohli debuted in IPL in the year 2008. He plays from the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) team as a right-handed batsman and also as a keeper. He has scored a lot of runs in IPL too. Virat Kohli assumed captaincy of RCB in the year 2013 and quit in 2021. Kohli’s IPL auction price is around 15 crore Indian Rupees.
Awards and Achievements:
Kohli’s outstanding performances have earned him numerous awards and accolades throughout his career. He has been honoured with the prestigious Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for ICC Cricketer of the Year multiple times. Besides, he has also been named the ICC ODI Cricketer of the Year on several occasions.
Sports Awards & Trophies
- Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy, ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Decade, in the years 2011–2020
- ICC ODI Player of the Year in 2012
- ICC Test Player of the Year in 2018
- ICC ODI Team of the Year in 2012, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018 & 2019, all as a captain.
- ICC Test Team of the Year in 2017, 2018 & 2019, as a captain.
- ICC Spirit of Cricket in 2019.
- ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Decade in 2011–2020
- ICC Men’s Test Team of the Decade in 2011–2020, as a captain
- ICC Men’s ODI Team of the Decade in 2011–2020
- ICC Men’s T-20 Team of the Decade in 2011–2020
- CEAT International Cricketer of the Year in 2011–12, 2013–14 & 2018–19.
- Polly Umrigar Award for International Cricketer of the Year in 2011–2018, except in 2013.
- Barmy Army – International Player of Year in 2017 & 2018
- Wisden Leading Cricketer in the World in years 2016, 2017 & 2018
More Honours & Awards
- Delhi & District Cricket Association, DDCA, renamed a stand after Virat Kohli at Arun Jaitley stadium in Delhi.
- People’s Choice Awards India’s Favourite Sportsperson in 2012.
- CNN-News18 Indian of the Year in 2017.
Endorsements and Philanthropy:
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Apart from his cricketing prowess, Virat Kohli is a sought-after brand ambassador and has numerous endorsements to his name. His popularity extends beyond the cricket field, making him one of India’s most marketable sports personalities.
In addition to his sporting achievements, Kohli is actively involved in philanthropic activities. He has supported various charitable causes and has established the Virat Kohli Foundation to empower underprivileged children and athletes.
Personal Life:
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Virat Kohli dated noted Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma since 2013 and eventually tied the knot with her on 11th December 2017, in Florence, Italy. The couple is blessed with a daughter, Vamika, born in 2021.
Virat Kohli’s journey from a young cricketer with dreams to one of the greatest batsmen in the history of cricket is a testament to his unwavering dedication, skill, and passion for the sport. His aggressive approach and leadership have left an indelible mark on Indian cricket. With more years of cricket ahead, fans eagerly await further records and memorable moments from this cricketing legend.
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