Virat Kohli is a name synonymous with modern day cricket excellence. Over the years, he has redefined batting standards, shattered records, and inspired millions. His extraordinary skill, relentless pursuit of greatness, and indomitable spirit have marked his journey from his early days as a promising young talent to becoming the face of Indian cricket.
Born on November 5, 1988, in Delhi, India, Virat Kohli’s interest in cricket began at a young age. He joined the West Delhi Cricket Academy at just nine, and his coaches quickly recognized his talent. Kohli's early promise was evident when he led the India U-19 team to victory in the 2008 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup. This success paved his way into the national team, where he made his debut in August 2008 against Sri Lanka in an ODI.
Milestones and records in international cricket
Since then, Kohli has set a multitude of records across all formats. Known for his aggressive style and hunger for runs, he has redefined consistency in cricket. Here are some of his major achievements:
Fastest to Major Milestones in ODIs: Kohli holds the record for being the fastest player to reach 8,000, 9,000, 10,000, and 11,000 runs in ODIs. He was the quickest to 12,000 ODI runs as well, a testament to his longevity and skill.
Prolific Century Maker: Kohli has scored more than 70 international centuries, placing him among the all-time greats. In ODIs, he is only second to Sachin Tendulkar in total centuries scored.
Mastery in Chasing: Often referred to as the “Chase Master,” Kohli is known for his remarkable ability to perform under pressure. His average and strike rate in run-chases are among the highest in the world, and he has led India to many famous victories while chasing difficult targets.
Dominance in T20Is: Kohli was the first player to reach 3,000 runs in T20 Internationals and has won multiple ICC awards, including the ICC Cricketer of the Decade in 2020 for his all-format performance. He consistently ranks among the top players in T20s, thanks to his adaptability and innovative shot-making.
Consistency in Test Cricket: Kohli’s Test career has been equally remarkable. With more than 8,000 runs and multiple double centuries, he has proved his prowess in the longest format. His ability to switch between formats seamlessly is rare, making him one of the most versatile players in cricket history.
Captaincy and leadership
Kohli took over as India's Test captain in 2014 and became the limited-overs captain in 2017. Under his leadership, India saw a new era of dominance, particularly in Test cricket. Kohli led India to its first Test series victory in Australia in 2018-19, a historic achievement for Indian cricket. His focus on fitness and aggression transformed the Indian team, making it one of the most formidable squads in international cricket.
Under his captaincy, India also held the No. 1 Test ranking for a record 42 months and reached the ICC World Test Championship Final in 2021. Despite Kohli's departure as captain in 2022, his influence on the Indian team's culture and performance persists.
Awards and Accolades
Virat Kohli's career has been graced with numerous awards, including:
ICC Cricketer of the Year (Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy) in 2017 and 2018.
ICC ODI Player of the Year in 2012, 2017, and 2018.
The Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award is India's highest sporting honour. In 2017, the Padma Shri was awarded, one of India's highest civilian awards.
He received the ICC Male Cricketer of the Decade award in 2020 in recognition of his consistency and dominance in the 2010s.
Beyond his cricketing achievements, Kohli is known for his philanthropic work and business ventures. He and his wife, actress Anushka Sharma, launched initiatives for children's welfare, animal rights, and healthcare. Kohli is also a successful entrepreneur, investing in fitness ventures, fashion lines, and sports academies.
Legacy and Impact on Indian Cricket
Virat Kohli’s contributions to cricket go beyond numbers and records. He has inspired a generation of young cricketers to prioritize fitness and adopt a professional attitude toward the game. His passion, intensity, and discipline have set new benchmarks for what it means to be an international athlete. Kohli’s journey from a young cricketer in Delhi to a global icon has transformed the landscape of Indian cricket, and his legacy will inspire players for generations to come.
In a career that is still evolving, Kohli remains a symbol of excellence, resilience, and commitment to his craft.
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