Virat Kohli is more than just a cricketer. Virat Kohli is a movement. Virat Kohli is a mindset. Virat Kohli is a standard.
In the history of modern cricket, very few names have had the same significance, the same emotional quotient, and the same weightage as Virat Kohli.
From the small streets of Delhi to the biggest stadiums around the world, the Kohli story is a lesson in ambition, discipline, and mental toughness. In an era of quick fame and fleeting formats, Kohli constructed his legend on something that is a rarity in itself: performing under pressure.
Whether it was chasing down impossible ODI totals, fighting for five days in Test matches overseas, or being the hope of an IPL side for almost two decades, Kohli made even the toughest tasks in cricket look like child’s play.
Virat Kohli Personal Profile
| Full Name | Virat Kohli |
|---|---|
| Nicknames | King Kohli, Chase Master |
| Date of Birth | 5 November 1988 |
| Age | 37 years (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Delhi, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Height | 175 cm (5 ft 9 in) |
| Batting Style | Right-handed |
| Bowling Style | Right-arm medium |
| Primary Role | Top-order batter |
Age and Birthday
Born on 5 November 1988, Virat Kohli is now 37 years old in 2025. Each year, his birthday is a world celebration in itself – trending on Google, Instagram, and X in minutes.
What makes Virat Kohli different from most sportsmen in their late 30s is that he is still relevant. Even after his retirement from Test cricket, his fitness levels, agility, and competitive spirit are still benchmarks for the younger generation.
Early Life and Family Background
Virat Kohli was born and brought up in Delhi in a middle-class Punjabi family. His father, Prem Kohli, noticed his son’s passion for cricket at a young age and got him enrolled in the West Delhi Cricket Academy.
One of the most important events in Virat Kohli’s life occurred in 2006, when he lost his father. The next day, instead of staying away, an 18-year-old Virat Kohli walked out to bat in a Ranji Trophy match for Delhi. This innings may not have grabbed the headlines, but it gave Virat Kohli the steel he would go on to show in his career.
After that day, cricket was no longer a dream. It became a responsibility.
Rise Through Junior Cricket
Virat Kohli announced his arrival to the country as:
- Captain of India’s Under-19 team (2008)
- Winner of the ICC Under-19 World Cup
Unlike most child prodigies, Kohli impressed not only with his talent but also with his attitude. He expected nothing but the best, performed well under pressure, and led from the front. The selectors felt that he possessed a rare quality – talent along with temperament.
By the end of 2008, he had made it to the Indian senior team.
International Career Overview
Virat Kohli’s ODI debut took place in August 2008 against Sri Lanka. The initial years were a learning experience, but once he adjusted, his ascent was meteoric.
- Formats Played
- Test Cricket
- One Day Internationals (ODIs)
- T20 Internationals (T20Is)
Kohli transformed himself from an aggressive stroke player to a complete batsman, who could anchor an innings, accelerate when he wanted to, and chase down targets with the precision of a machine.
The Chase Master Era
His reputation as the best chaser in the history of ODIs was earned match by match.
- 133* vs Sri Lanka (2012 CB Series)
- Uncountable number of run chases against Australia, South Africa, and Pakistan
- Breaking records at a pace that no one had achieved before
In ODIs, Kohli was not just scoring runs; he was dominating matches. Targets seemed smaller. Pressure was irrelevant.
Virat Kohli as Captain
Kohli’s captaincy brought a new era to Indian cricket.
Captaincy Tenure
- Test Captain: 2014-2022
- ODI & T20I Captain: 2017-2021
Captaincy Highlights
- First-ever Test series victory in Australia
- Dominant home Test performances
- Five-year stint as the number one Test side in the world
- 40 Test victories in 68 matches as captain
Kohli wanted world-class fitness, was always supportive of his fast bowlers, and never hesitated to prioritise wickets over batting depth. Kohli’s India was no longer content to compete abroad; they wanted to win.
Virat Kohli in Test Cricket
Kohli’s Test career peaked between 2016 and 2018, when he scored:
- 3596 runs in 35 Tests
- Average: 66.59
- 14 centuries
The 2018 tour of England was a defining moment — proof that he could dominate the toughest conditions.
Test Retirement
In May 2025, Virat Kohli officially retired from Test cricket:
- Matches: 123
- Runs: 9230
- Average: 46.85
- Centuries: 29
Fans came dressed in whites to pay tribute to his red-ball career at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, a fitting way to bid adieu to a man who reignited the passion for five-day cricket in India.
Virat Kohli Centuries and Records
Century Breakdown
- International Centuries: 80+
- Tests: 29
- ODIs: 54
- T20Is: 1
- IPL Centuries: 8
Iconic Records
- Most ODI centuries in history
- Fastest to 8k, 9k, 10k, and 11k ODI runs
- Most runs while chasing in ODIs
- 50 ODI hundreds — achieved in the 2023 World Cup semi-final
Kohli’s centuries were rarely cosmetic. Most came when the match hung in balance.
Virat Kohli and World Cups
Kohli is a multiple-time world champion:
- U-19 World Cup Winner (2008) – Captain
- ODI World Cup Winner (2011)
- Champions Trophy Winner (2013, 2025)
- T20 World Cup Winner (2024)
His 76 in the 2024 T20 World Cup final ended India’s 11-year ICC trophy drought — after which he retired from T20 internationals.
Virat Kohli ODI Ranking
Virat Kohli has been ranked ICC No.1 ODI batsman on multiple occasions and is one of the most highly rated players in ICC history. His consistency over the last decade and a half makes him stand out from all other contemporaries.
Virat Kohli in IPL
Virat Kohli is the face of Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Historic IPL Facts
- Only player to play all IPL seasons for one team
- IPL’s highest run-scorer (8000+ runs)
- Most IPL centuries (8)
- Most runs in a season: 973 (2016)
- Orange Cap winner: 2016 & 2024
After years of near-misses, Kohli finally won the IPL title in 2025, calling it “five levels below Test cricket” — a quote that perfectly summed up his respect for the longest format.
Virat Kohli Runs in IPL 2025
In IPL 2025, Kohli:
- Finished among the top run-scorers
- Anchored RCB’s batting lineup
- Played a key role in the championship-winning campaign
It was the perfect ending to an 18-year IPL journey.
Virat Kohli Retirement Summary
- Test Cricket: Retired (May 2025)
- T20 Internationals: Retired (June 2024)
- ODIs: Active
Kohli stepped away from formats at his peak — on his terms.
Virat Kohli Net Worth
Virat Kohli is the richest active cricketer in the world.
Estimated Net Worth
- ₹1,050+ crore INR
Income Streams
- BCCI central contracts
- IPL earnings
- Global endorsements
- Fashion and fitness ventures
His brand value rivals elite global athletes across sports.
Virat Kohli Hairstyle and Style Influence
Kohli redefined how Indian athletes present themselves:
- Sharp fades
- Clean undercuts
- Iconic beard
His grooming choices shaped youth fashion trends for over a decade.
Virat Kohli Instagram and Social Media
- Handle: @virat.kohli
- Followers: 260M+
One of the most followed athletes on Earth, Kohli’s posts regularly dominate Google Discover and social feeds worldwide.
Virat Kohli Legacy
Virat Kohli changed cricket culture:
- Made fitness non-negotiable
- Normalized aggression and self-belief
- Raised India’s overseas ambitions
- Inspired a generation to demand more of themselves
He didn’t just play cricket.
He raised its standards.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Virat Kohli’s age in 2026?
He is 37 years old.
Has Virat Kohli retired from Test cricket?
Yes, he retired in May 2025.
How many centuries does Virat Kohli have?
Over 80 international centuries.
Is Virat Kohli the richest cricketer?
Yes, among active players.
How many IPL runs does Virat Kohli have?
Over 8000 runs, the most in IPL history.
Conclusion
Virat Kohli’s life is a template for excellence, and it is one that has been constructed through discipline, hunger, and the constant quest for improvement.
The records will be broken.
The influence will not.
Virat Kohli was more than a product of his generation. He defined it.
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