Pankajnath Tiwari : Virat Kohli, born on November 5, 1988, is an Indian cricketer and one of the most accomplished batsmen in modern cricket. He is known for his aggressive style of play and his consistency in scoring runs across all formats of the game.
Kohli made his international debut for the Indian cricket team in August 2008 during an ODI against Sri Lanka. He quickly established himself as a talented batsman and became a regular member of the Indian team. In 2011, he played a crucial role in India’s victory in the ICC Cricket World Cup, contributing with important runs throughout the tournament.
Since then, Kohli has achieved numerous records and milestones in his career. He became the fastest player to score 8,000, 9,000, 10,000, 11,000, and 12,000 runs in One Day Internationals (ODIs). In 2018, he surpassed Sachin Tendulkar’s record for the most centuries in ODI cricket in a calendar year.
Kohli also achieved success as the captain of the Indian cricket team. He took over the captaincy of the Test team in 2014 and the limited-overs team in 2017. Under his leadership, India reached the top ranking in Test cricket and became a dominant force in world cricket.
In 2021, Kohli announced that he would step down as the captain of the Indian T20I team after the T20 World Cup. However, he stated that he would continue to play as a player in all formats of the game.
Kohli’s Early Life: Virat Kohli was born in Delhi, India, and he showed a keen interest in cricket from a young age. He started playing cricket at the age of nine and quickly rose through the ranks in Delhi’s junior cricket circuit.
Under-19 World Cup: In 2008, Kohli led the Indian U-19 cricket team to victory in the ICC Under-19 World Cup held in Malaysia. He scored 235 runs in six matches and was the tournament’s top run-scorer.
Rapid Rise in International Cricket: Following his impressive performances in the U-19 World Cup, Kohli made his international debut for India later that year. He made an immediate impact, showcasing his talent and hunger for runs.
ODI Batting Records: Kohli holds several records in One Day Internationals. He is the fastest player to reach 8,000, 9,000, 10,000, 11,000, and 12,000 runs in ODI cricket. He also holds the record for the fastest century in ODIs by an Indian batsman, reaching the milestone in just 52 balls against Australia in 2013.
Test Cricket Success: While Kohli has had tremendous success in ODIs, he has also made a significant impact in Test cricket. He has scored centuries against all Test-playing nations and has led India to several Test series victories, both at home and overseas.
Indian Premier League (IPL) Career: Kohli has been an integral part of the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) franchise in the Indian Premier League since its inception in 2008. He has been the captain of the team since 2013 and has achieved numerous individual milestones in the tournament.
Awards and Recognitions: Kohli has received several accolades for his performances on the cricket field. He has been awarded the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for ICC Cricketer of the Year multiple times and has been named the ICC ODI Cricketer of the Year on multiple occasions as well.
Off-Field Ventures: Apart from cricket, Kohli has ventured into various business and philanthropic endeavors. He has his own clothing line called Wrogn and is associated with several brands as a brand ambassador. He is also actively involved in charitable work and supports various causes.
Batting Records: Kohli has broken numerous batting records throughout his career. He holds the record for the fastest player to score 8,000, 9,000, 10,000, 11,000, and 12,000 runs in ODIs, achieving these milestones in fewer innings than any other player. He is also the fastest to reach 20,000 international runs across all formats.
Centuries and Double Centuries: Kohli has an impressive record of scoring centuries in all formats of the game. He has the second-most centuries in ODIs, behind only Sachin Tendulkar. In Test cricket, he has scored seven double centuries, the most by an Indian batsman. He also holds the record for the most double centuries as captain in Tests.
ICC Rankings: Kohli has consistently been ranked among the top batsmen in the world. He has held the number one spot in the ICC ODI rankings for an extended period and has also been ranked as the number one Test batsman.
Captaincy Achievements: Under Kohli’s captaincy, the Indian cricket team has achieved notable success. India became the top-ranked Test team in the ICC rankings during his tenure. He has also led the team to series victories in major Test-playing nations like Australia, England, and South Africa.
Rivalries and Memorable Performances: Kohli has had some memorable performances in high-pressure situations and against fierce rivals. His aggressive batting style and ability to chase down targets have been particularly notable. He has often risen to the occasion against arch-rivals Pakistan and has played crucial innings in ICC tournaments.
Philanthropy and Social Initiatives: Kohli is actively involved in philanthropic work. He established the Virat Kohli Foundation, which focuses on providing education and healthcare to underprivileged children. He has also supported various social causes, including promoting sports for the youth and advocating for animal welfare.
Personal Life: Kohli got married to Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma in December 2017. They are considered one of the power couples in India, with a significant following on social media.
IPL Records: Virat Kohli has left a significant mark in the Indian Premier League (IPL) as well. He holds several records in the tournament, including the most runs in a single season. In 2016, he amassed 973 runs in just 16 matches, including four centuries. He also holds the record for the most runs in the history of the IPL.
Awards and Recognitions: Kohli has received numerous awards and recognitions for his exceptional performances. He has been honored with the prestigious Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award, India’s highest sporting honor, and has been named the ICC Cricketer of the Year multiple times.
Brand Endorsements: Virat Kohli is one of the most marketable athletes in the world. He has been associated with various brands and endorsements, including Puma, Audi, MRF, and many more. His popularity and success on the cricket field have made him a sought-after brand ambassador.
Fitness and Training: Kohli is known for his dedication to fitness and maintaining a high level of physical conditioning. He has transformed his fitness regimen and diet, which has contributed to his consistent performances on the cricket field. He has also inspired many young cricketers to prioritize fitness.
Captaincy Transition: In September 2021, Virat Kohli announced that he would step down as the captain of India’s T20 International team after the ICC T20 World Cup. He expressed his desire to continue contributing as a player in the team, and the decision was seen as a transition in leadership.
Records Against Australia: Kohli has a remarkable record against Australia, particularly in Australia. He has scored the most centuries by an overseas batsman in Australia, including four centuries during India’s historic Test series win in 2018-2019.
Social Media Presence: Virat Kohli has a significant presence on social media platforms and is one of the most followed Indian athletes. He often shares insights into his personal life, training routines, and charitable activities, connecting with fans worldwide.
Overall, Virat Kohli is widely regarded as one of the greatest batsmen in the history of cricket. His aggressive batting style, consistency, and ability to chase down targets have earned him immense respect and admiration from fans and experts around the world.
Virat Kohli’s journey as a cricketer and his impact on the game go beyond these points, but they provide a broader understanding of his accomplishments and contributions to Indian cricket.
