VIRAT KOHLI – THE GOAT – Written by Shahzain Umair Dawood 5B
1. Early Life and Background
Full Name: Virat Prem Kohli
Date of Birth: November 5, 1988
Place of Birth: Delhi, India
Nationality: Indian
Father: Prem Kohli (Lawyer)
Mother: Saroj Kohli
Siblings: One brother (Vikas Kohli) and one sister (Bhavna Kohli)
Virat Kohli was born into a middle-class family in Delhi. His early love for cricket was nurtured by his father, who was his first coach and mentor. Kohli played for the West Delhi Cricket Academy and quickly made a name for himself in the local cricketing circuit.
2. Early Cricketing Career
Virat made his first appearance in professional cricket in 2006 when he played for Delhi in the Ranji Trophy. His performance in domestic cricket caught the attention of selectors, and he was soon picked for the Indian U-19 team. He led the Indian U-19 team to victory in the 2008 ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup, which put him on the radar of the national selectors.
3. International Debut
ODI Debut: August 21, 2008, against Sri Lanka
T20I Debut: September 12, 2008, against England
Test Debut: June 20, 2011, against West Indies
Virat’s ODI debut was marked by a bold display of confidence. Though he didn’t score big, he quickly became a regular in the squad due to his consistency. His Test debut came in 2011, and despite initial challenges, he gradually established himself as a mainstay in the Indian team across all formats.
4. Batting Style & Skills
Batting Type: Right-handed batsman
Bowling Style: Right-arm medium (rarely used)
Role: Top-order batsman (Opener or Number 3)
Signature Shots: Drive, Flick, Pull Shot, Cut Shot
Temperament: Aggressive, yet calm in high-pressure situations
Virat is known for his aggressive yet calculated approach to batting. He is famous for his ability to chase difficult targets, particularly in One Day Internationals (ODIs). His hunger for runs and consistency make him one of the most reliable batsmen in the world.
5. Records and Achievements
Virat Kohli has broken numerous records in international cricket. Below are some of his significant accomplishments:
ODI Records:
Fastest to 8,000, 9,000, 10,000, 11,000, and 12,000 runs in ODIs.
Most hundreds as a captain in ODIs (5 centuries).
Most consecutive innings in ODIs where he scored 50+ (11 innings).
Highest batting average among batsmen who have played more than 100 ODIs.
Test Records:
First Indian to score a double century in consecutive Test series.
Fastest to 25 Test centuries (in terms of matches).
Highest run-scorer for India in Test cricket in recent years.
T20I Records:
Virat Kohli is widely regarded as one of the best T20I batsmen in the world.
Holds the record for the most runs in T20Is in a calendar year.
6. Captaincy
Virat Kohli took over as captain of the Indian national cricket team in all formats (ODI, T20I, and Test) from MS Dhoni. Under his leadership, India became a dominant force in world cricket, achieving several notable victories:
India topped the ICC Test rankings under his captaincy.
Led India to an unforgettable Test series victory in Australia in 2018-2019.
Though he stepped down as T20I and ODI captain in 2021, his tenure was marked by aggressive leadership and team spirit.
7. Personal Life and Marriage
Virat Kohli married Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma on December 11, 2017, in a private ceremony in Italy. The couple is one of the most high-profile and adored celebrity duos in India. They have one child, a daughter named Vamika, born in January 2021.
8. Fitness and Work Ethic
Virat is a well-known fitness enthusiast. His rigorous fitness regime and discipline have become a blueprint for many young cricketers. Kohli’s commitment to physical conditioning and fitness has earned him a reputation as one of the fittest cricketers in the world.
9. Charity Work and Social Initiatives
Virat Kohli Foundation: Kohli established his charity foundation with the aim of supporting underprivileged children and promoting sports.
Cause of Education: His foundation helps provide better opportunities for children in terms of education and healthcare
10. Endorsements and Brand Value
Virat is one of the highest-paid athletes globally. He has endorsement deals with top brands like Puma, Audi, MRF, and Manyavar. His marketability and global appeal make him an influential figure off the field as well.
11. Virat Kohli’s IPL Career
Team: Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)
Debut: 2008 (Inaugural IPL season)
Captaincy: Led RCB from 2013 to 2021
Total Runs (as of 2025): Over 6,500 runs
Centuries: 6 IPL centuries (most by any Indian player)
Best Season: 2016 — Scored 973 runs in 16 matches, including 4 centuries, setting the record for most centuries in a single season.
Notable Records:
Fastest to 5,000 IPL runs
Most runs in a single IPL season (973 in 2016)
42+ half-centuries
Key Achievements:
Led RCB to the IPL final in 2016, though they finished as runners-up.
One of the most consistent and reliable batsmen in IPL history.
Impact: Despite not winning the IPL title, Kohli has been the face of RCB, with his aggressive batting, leadership, and consistency making him one of the most popular and influential players in IPL history.
This gives a balanced overview of his career while highlighting his key achievements and impact on the IPL.
Controversies and Criticism
On-field Aggression: Virat’s aggressive on-field behavior has drawn criticism from certain quarters, but his commitment to the game and fierce competitive spirit have made him a champion in the eyes of many.
Media Scrutiny: Being one of the most followed cricketers, his personal life, on-field performances, and decisions have often been under heavy media scrutiny.
12. Virat Kohli’s Impact on Indian Cricket
Virat Kohli is often credited with transforming the Indian cricket team’s approach to fitness, preparation, and attitude. His ability to chase down big totals, his aggressive mindset, and his approach to leadership have set new standards for the generation of cricketers that followed him.
13. Future and Legacy
As of 2025, Virat Kohli remains one of the top players in world cricket. Although he has stepped down from his leadership roles, his batting prowess and ability to adapt to new challenges will ensure his place in cricket history for years to come.
14. Fun Facts about Virat Kohli
He was a talented footballer in his youth and played in school-level competitions.
He is very particular about his diet and is a strict non-vegetarian.
Virat is an avid collector of watches and is known for his fashion sense.
He is a big fan of MS Dhoni and has frequently spoken about how much he has learned from him.
Virat Kohli’s journey from a young Delhi cricketer to one of the best batsmen in the world is a testament to his talent, dedication, and passion for the game. His story continues to inspire millions of aspiring cricketers worldwide
Thank you!!!!!
Shahzain Umair Dawood 5B