Virat Kohli. The name resonates with passion, aggression, and an insatiable hunger for runs. From a chubby teenager leading India to Under-19 World Cup glory to becoming one of the modern-day batting legends and a transformative captain, Kohli’s journey is a compelling narrative of talent nurtured by dedication and an unwavering self-belief. This article delves deep into the life and career of Virat Kohli, tracing his steps from his formative years to his current stature in the cricketing world as of April 2025, complete with statistical highlights across all formats.
Early Life and Childhood (1988 – 2006):
Born on November 5, 1988, in Delhi to a Punjabi Hindu family, Virat’s early life was typical of a middle-class upbringing. His father, Prem Nath Kohli, was a criminal lawyer, and his mother, Saroj Kohli, a homemaker. He has an elder brother, Vikas, and an elder sister, Bhawna. Young Virat’s fascination with cricket began early. His family recalls him picking up a bat at the tender age of three, wanting his father to bowl to him.
Recognizing his burgeoning interest and talent, his neighbors suggested professional coaching. In 1998, at the age of nine, Virat enrolled in the West Delhi Cricket Academy under the guidance of Rajkumar Sharma. Sharma played a pivotal role in shaping Kohli’s early cricketing career, instilling discipline and honing his natural talent. Kohli attended Vishal Bharti Public School during his formative years, balancing his education with rigorous cricket training.
A significant turning point in his young life came in December 2006 with the sudden demise of his father due to a cerebral attack. This loss deeply impacted Virat, making him more mature and focused on his ambitions. His mother has often spoken about how this event transformed him, fueling his determination to succeed.
Early Domestic Career (2002 – 2008):
Kohli’s progression through the age-group levels was steady. He represented Delhi in the Under-15 Polly Umrigar Trophy in 2002-03 and was the highest run-scorer for Delhi in the 2003-04 Vijay Merchant Trophy (Under-17). His performances earned him a place in the Delhi Under-19 team.
His List A debut for Delhi came in February 2006 against Services in the Ranji One-Day Trophy, although he didn’t get to bat. Later that year, in November 2006, he made his First-Class debut for Delhi against Tamil Nadu. A defining moment in his early career came in December 2006, a day after his father’s death, when he scored a crucial 90 against Karnataka in a Ranji Trophy match, showcasing remarkable resilience and commitment.
In 2008, Kohli captained the Indian team at the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup in Malaysia, leading them to a memorable victory. This triumph brought him into the national spotlight and paved the way for his international debut.
International Career (2008 – 2025):
- One Day International (ODI) Debut: Kohli made his ODI debut for India on August 18, 2008, against Sri Lanka in Dambulla. He opened the innings and scored 12 runs. While his initial appearances were modest, he soon demonstrated his potential. His maiden ODI century came in December 2009 against Sri Lanka in Kolkata, a match-winning knock of 107. This marked the beginning of his dominance in the limited-overs format.
- Twenty20 International (T20I) Debut: Kohli played his first T20I for India on June 12, 2010, against Zimbabwe in Harare. He scored 26 runs. He gradually established himself as a key player in the T20I side, known for his aggressive yet controlled batting style. His only T20I century came against Afghanistan in the 2022 Asia Cup, a significant milestone after a period without a hundred in international cricket.
- Test Debut: Kohli’s Test career commenced on June 20, 2011, against the West Indies in Kingston. He didn’t have a particularly memorable start, but his potential in the longer format was evident. His maiden Test century arrived in January 2012 against Australia in Adelaide, a fighting knock of 116 that showcased his temperament and skill against a formidable opposition.
Captaincy:
Kohli’s leadership qualities were evident from his Under-19 days. He was appointed the vice-captain of the ODI team in 2012 and took over the Test captaincy from MS Dhoni in 2014. In early 2017, he became the full-time captain across all formats.
As a captain, Kohli instilled a culture of aggression and fitness in the Indian team. Under his leadership, India achieved numerous milestones, including consecutive Test series wins and historic Test series victories in Australia (2018-19) and the West Indies. He holds the record for the most Test wins as an Indian captain (40 wins in 68 matches). While he stepped down from captaincy in all formats between 2021 and 2022, his influence on the team remains significant.
Playing Style and Key Attributes:
Kohli is renowned for his exceptional batting technique, characterized by a solid defensive foundation and an ability to seamlessly switch to aggressive strokeplay. He excels in chasing down targets in ODIs, earning him the moniker “Chase Master.” His fitness levels are exemplary, setting a new benchmark for Indian cricketers. He is known for his passionate demeanor on the field and his unwavering determination.
Key Statistics (as of April 17, 2025):
| Format | Matches | Innings | Runs | Highest Score | Average | Centuries | Fifties | Fours | Sixes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 123 | 210 | 9230 | 254* | 46.85 | 30 | 31 | 1027 | 30 |
| ODI | 302 | 290 | 14181 | 183 | 57.88 | 51 | 74 | 1325 | 152 |
| T20I | 125 | 117 | 4188 | 122* | 48.69 | 1 | 38 | 369 | 124 |
| IPL | 258 | 250 | 8252 | 113* | 39.11 | 8 | 58 | 725 | 282 |
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Notable Records and Achievements:
- Most ODI centuries (51).
- Most international runs in a decade (2010-2019).
- Fastest to reach numerous run milestones in ODIs.
- Most double centuries in Test cricket as an Indian captain (7).
- First Indian captain to win a Test series in Australia.
- Highest run-scorer in T20 Internationals.
- Highest run-scorer in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
- Only player to score 20,000 international runs in a decade.
- Recipient of numerous ICC awards, including the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for ICC Cricketer of the Year (twice) and ICC ODI Player of the Year (four times).
- Arjuna Award (2013), Padma Shri (2017), and Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award (2018).
Recent Form (Early 2025):
As of April 2025, Virat Kohli continues to be a vital cog in the Indian batting lineup. He recently participated in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, contributing significantly to India’s victory. His form in the ongoing IPL 2025 season for Royal Challengers Bangalore has also been impressive, showcasing his enduring class and hunger for runs. In the initial matches of the season, he has already registered multiple half-centuries, reaffirming his status as a premier batsman in the shortest format as well.
Legacy:
Virat Kohli’s impact on cricket extends beyond his statistical achievements. He has inspired a generation of cricketers with his work ethic, fitness standards, and unwavering passion for the game. 1 His aggressive brand of cricket and his desire to win have transformed the way India plays. He is undoubtedly one of the greatest batsmen of the modern era and his legacy as a transformative captain and a run-scoring phenomenon will endure for years to come. His journey from a talented youngster in Delhi to a global cricketing icon is a testament to his dedication, perseverance, and extraordinary talent.