🌟 Lifepedia

1. Introduction: Who is Virat Kohli?

Virat Kohli is one of the greatest cricketers the world has ever seen — a modern-day legend who changed the face of Indian cricket with his aggressive attitude, unmatched consistency, and sharp focus on fitness. With over a decade of excellence in international cricket, Kohli has become more than just a cricketer — he's a symbol of modern India's spirit: passionate, driven, and never ready to give up. From his fiery innings to emotional speeches, Kohli's journey is a perfect example of how raw talent, discipline, and self-belief can create greatness.

2. Early Life and Childhood

Virat Kohli was born on November 5, 1988, in Delhi, India, into a Punjabi Hindu family. His father Prem Kohli was a criminal lawyer, and his mother Saroj Kohli was a homemaker. He had two siblings — elder brother Vikas and sister Bhawna. Even as a toddler, Virat showed unusual interest in cricket. At the age of just 3, he picked up a bat and started swinging it with a natural style. Recognizing his passion, his family supported him wholeheartedly.

He was enrolled in the West Delhi Cricket Academy at the age of 9, where he trained under coach Rajkumar Sharma. Virat’s dedication stood out from the beginning — he would be the first to reach the ground and the last to leave, often staying back after practice. His childhood wasn’t luxurious, but it was full of love, ambition, and the determination to rise through the ranks.

3. Education and Cricket Together

Kohli studied at Vishal Bharti Public School, where his teachers remember him as a bright student who was always focused on cricket. Later, he shifted to Saviour Convent School to get a better balance between academics and sports. Unlike many students who stop focusing on studies due to sports or vice versa, Virat tried to maintain both. However, cricket was always his first love.

4. Early Cricket Journey and Tragedy

Virat began playing for Delhi in the Under-15 and Under-17 levels, where he quickly gained attention for his high scores and stylish shots. His performances made it clear that he was a star in the making. However, one of the most emotional and defining moments of his life came in 2006, when he was just 18 years old. While playing a Ranji Trophy match for Delhi, his father passed away due to a brain stroke.

Even in the face of such deep personal loss, Virat decided to continue playing the match the next day, scoring 90 runs for his team. He didn’t inform his teammates until after the match. This moment revealed his mental strength and fierce commitment to the game. It was from that day, he says, that cricket became not just a game for him — it became a responsibility, a way to honor his father’s dream.

5. Becoming a Star – U-19 World Cup Glory

In 2008, Virat Kohli was selected as the captain of India’s U-19 team for the ICC Under-19 World Cup held in Malaysia. Under his leadership, India won the tournament, and Virat led from the front both with the bat and his strong captaincy. His aggressive on-field attitude, fitness, and commitment caught everyone’s attention — including Indian selectors.

World Cup victory became his ticket to the Indian national team. Soon after, he was included in the senior squad for India’s tour of Sri Lanka in August 2008.

6. International Debut and Rise in Team India

Virat made his One Day International (ODI) debut on August 18, 2008, against Sri Lanka. Though his performance was modest in the beginning, he showed glimpses of his talent. Over the next two years, he steadily grew into one of India’s most reliable batsmen. His first ODI century came in 2009 against Sri Lanka, and from then on, he never looked back.

7. Test Debut and Mastering All Formats

Kohli made his Test debut in June 2011 against the West Indies. Initially criticized for his technique, he quickly adapted and started performing across all formats. In the 2014 tour of Australia, he silenced critics by scoring four Test centuries in the series — an extraordinary achievement for any batsman. His passion, aggression, and hunger for runs started reminding fans of a young Sachin Tendulkar.

8. Captaincy Era – Leading India to New Heights

After MS Dhoni stepped down as Test captain in 2014, Kohli took charge of the Indian Test team. By 2017, he was the captain in all three formats. Under his leadership:



• India became the No. 1 Test team in the world
• The team won its first-ever Test series in Australia in 2018-19
• Indian cricket adopted a fitness-first culture
• He backed fast bowlers, helping India build a deadly pace attack



Kohli’s captaincy style was aggressive, passionate, and fearless. He demanded excellence from himself and others.

9. Records and Achievements

• Most centuries in ODIs after Sachin Tendulkar (over 50 centuries)
• Fastest to 8k, 9k, 10k, 11k, 12k and 13k ODI runs
• Over 8,500 runs in Test cricket with 29+ centuries
• Most runs in T20 internationals
• Holds the record for most runs in a single IPL season (973 runs in 2016)
• ICC Player of the Year multiple times

10. Personal Life – The Power Couple

In 2017, Virat married Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma in a private ceremony in Italy. Their wedding was one of the most talked-about events in Indian media. Together, they are known as "Virushka", and are among the most popular celebrity couples in India.

In January 2021, they welcomed their daughter Vamika Kohli. The couple keeps their family life private and have asked media not to publish their daughter’s photos.

11. Fitness Revolution

Kohli changed the fitness culture of Indian cricket. Around 2015, he adopted a strict workout routine, clean diet, and gave up junk food completely. He became vegan, avoids sugar and processed food, and trains daily. This transformation not only improved his game but also inspired his teammates to focus on fitness. Today, Indian players are among the fittest in the world — largely because of Kohli’s example.

12. Mental Health and Break from Cricket

In 2022, after going through a phase of poor form, Virat took a break from cricket. He opened up about his mental health struggles, saying he felt "completely empty" at times. This honesty earned him respect from fans and mental health experts alike. He returned to form later with some brilliant performances, showing that even legends go through tough times — but come back stronger.

13. Off-Field Life – Business and Brands

Virat is also a successful businessman:



• Owns WROGN fashion brand
• Co-owns Chisel gyms
• Endorses MRF, Puma, Audi, etc.
• ₹1000+ crore net worth
• Top 10 most-followed athletes worldwide

14. Awards and Honors

• Padma Shri (2017)
• Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna (2018)
• Arjuna Award (2013)
• Multiple ICC Awards
• Wisden Leading Cricketer in the World multiple times

15. Legacy and Impact

Virat Kohli’s impact on cricket goes beyond runs and records. He changed India’s attitude — from defensive to dominating. He inspired millions of young cricketers to stay fit, fearless, and focused. He has become a role model, not only for his skills but for his discipline, intensity, and honesty.

Even though he is no longer captain, he continues to play a key role in Indian cricket. His hunger for runs, his expressive celebrations, and his never-say-die attitude keep him in the hearts of fans..

16. Conclusion

Virat Kohli’s life is a lesson in resilience, transformation, and excellence. From a young boy in Delhi to becoming one of the greatest cricketers in history, he has built a legacy that will inspire generations. He has faced pressure, criticism, personal loss, and mental health challenges — yet every time, he has bounced back stronger.

He is not just the “King Kohli” of cricket — he’s a king of hearts too.