Who is Virat Kohli?
Virat Kohli, born on November 5, 1988, is an Indian cricketer widely recognized as one of the greatest batsmen of all time. He has played for the Indian national cricket team and served as its captain, and currently plays as a right-handed batsman for the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL and Delhi in Indian domestic cricket. Kohli has achieved numerous records, including the highest run scorer in T20 internationals and the Indian Premier League (IPL). In 2020, he was honored as the male cricketer of the decade by the International Cricket Council. Kohli has played a crucial role in India’s victories, including the 2011 World Cup and the 2013 Champions Trophy.
Hailing from New Delhi, Kohli began his cricket journey at the West Delhi Cricket Academy and represented the Delhi Under-15 team in his youth. He made his international debut in 2008 and quickly established himself as a key player in the One Day International (ODI) team. Kohli made his Test debut in 2011 and in the same year, he attained the top spot in the ICC rankings for ODI batsmen. In the 2014 T20 World Cup, he set a new record for the most runs scored in the tournament. Kohli’s achievements continued to soar, and in 2018, he became the number one Test batsman in the world, making him the sole Indian cricketer to hold the top rank in all three formats of the game. He also became the first player to score 20,000 international runs in a single decade in 2019. Kohli decided to step down as the captain of the Indian national team for T20Is after the T20 World Cup in 2021, and he later relinquished the captaincy of the Test team in early 2022.
Kohli has received numerous accolades for his exceptional performances on the cricket field. He was named the ICC ODI Player of the Year in 2012 and received the prestigious Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for the ICC Cricketer of the Year in 2017 and 2018. In the same year, he also won the ICC Test Player of the Year and ICC ODI Player of the Year awards, becoming the first player to achieve this feat in a single year. Additionally, Kohli was honored as the Wisden Leading Cricketer in the World for three consecutive years from 2016 to 2018. He has also been recognized at the national level, receiving the Arjuna Award in 2013, the Padma Shri in 2017, and the Khel Ratna award in 2018, which is India’s highest sporting honor.
Off the field, Kohli’s fame and influence have extended beyond cricket. In 2016, he was ranked as one of the world’s most famous athletes by ESPN and featured in Forbes’ list of the most valuable athlete brands. Time magazine included him in their 2018 list of the 100 most influential people in the world. In 2020, he was ranked 66th on Forbes’ list of the highest-paid athletes, with estimated earnings of over $26 million. Kohli is known for his commercial success as well, with estimated earnings of ₹165 crore (US$21 million) in 2023.
Age
Virat Kohli was born on November 5, 1988. In 2023, he would be 34 years old.
Net Worth
Virat Kohli has a net worth of approximately $112 million, which is equivalent to around Rs 927 crore. He was ranked as the 61st highest-paid athlete in the world in 2023. Kohli earned approximately Rs 279 crore, with a significant portion coming from commercial endorsements, amounting to Rs 256 crore. He is one of the only four players contracted under the BCCI’s A+ category, which earns him an annual remuneration of Rs 7 crore. Kohli’s lucrative endorsement deals and various business ventures contribute to his substantial net worth. Additionally, he owns luxurious properties, including a recently purchased villa in Alibaug worth Rs 19 crore, as well as lavish mansions in Mumbai and Gurgaon.
Salary
Virat Kohli’s salary has varied throughout his career. In the Indian Premier League (IPL), he has been associated with the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) franchise since the tournament’s inception. Here is an overview of his IPL salary over the years:
- In 2008, Kohli was signed by RCB from the Under-19 players’ draft for Rs 12 lakhs.
- From 2008 to 2010, his salary remained the same at Rs 12 lakhs per season.
- In 2011, his salary was increased to Rs 8.2 crore per season, and he continued to earn the same amount until 2014.
- In 2013, Kohli became RCB’s full-time captain.
- From 2015 to 2017, he received a salary of Rs 12.5 crore per season.
- In 2018, he was retained by RCB for Rs 18 crore.
- His salary remained unchanged at Rs 18 crore per season until 2021.
- In 2022, it was reported that RCB paid him Rs 15 crore.
- As of the ongoing 2023 season, Kohli is still earning Rs 15 crore per season.
In total, over the course of 16 seasons in the IPL, Virat Kohli has earned Rs 173 crore and 20 lakhs.
Biography
Virat Kohli, born on November 5, 1988, in Delhi, comes from a Punjabi Hindu family. His father, Prem Kohli, worked as a criminal lawyer, while his mother, Saroj Kohli, was a homemaker. He has an older brother named Vikas and an older sister named Bhawna. Kohli spent his formative years in Uttam Nagar and attended Vishal Bharti Public School for his early education. According to his family, Kohli displayed a natural affinity for cricket from a very young age. Even at the age of three, he would grab a cricket bat, showcase his talent, and request his father to bowl to him.
In 1998, the West Delhi Cricket Academy (WCDA) was established. On May 30 of the same year, Kohli’s father, recognizing his son’s passion for cricket, arranged for a meeting with Rajkumar Sharma, who initially saw him as just another enthusiastic young boy. However, within two weeks, Sharma was impressed by Kohli’s throwing accuracy and power. Kohli’s father considered enrolling him in a professional cricket academy based on the recommendations of their neighbors, who believed that his talent deserved more than just playing street cricket. Despite facing a setback of not being selected for the under-14 Delhi team due to external factors, Kohli’s father rejected offers to secure his son’s place through influential connections. He wanted Kohli to earn his recognition based on his own merit and overcome the prevailing nepotism and deception in the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA). Eventually, Kohli managed to join the under-15 Delhi team. He received training at the West Delhi Cricket Academy while also participating in matches at the Sumeet Dogra Academy in Vasundhara Enclave.
Sharma recalls Kohli’s early days at his academy, describing his remarkable talent and enthusiasm, which made it difficult for the coach to rein him in. Kohli was always ready to bat in any position, and Sharma sometimes had to physically coax him to end the training sessions as he was reluctant to leave. In his pursuit of a cricketing career, Kohli transferred to Saviour Convent School during the ninth grade. His passion for cricket led him to travel long distances with his father to ensure he never missed a match. Over time, he diligently honed his skills and diversified his range of shots, earning respect from local bowlers.
Tragedy struck on December 18, 2006, when Kohli’s father passed away due to a cerebral attack. During his childhood, his father played a crucial role in supporting his cricket training, driving him to practice every day. Kohli has spoken about missing his father’s presence at times. Following his father’s demise, Kohli underwent a significant transformation, becoming more mature overnight. He started taking every cricket match seriously and developed a strong aversion to being excluded from games. Cricket became the focal point of his life after his father’s untimely passing. Kohli’s family lived in Meera Bagh, Paschim Vihar until 2015, after which they relocated to Gurgaon.
Career Stats
Career Stats
Batting & Fielding
| FORMAT | Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | Ave | BF | SR | 100s | 50s | 4s | 6s | Ct | St |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 109 | 185 | 11 | 8479 | 254* | 48.72 | 15320 | 55.34 | 28 | 28 | 950 | 24 | 110 | 0 |
| ODI | 274 | 265 | 40 | 12898 | 183 | 57.32 | 13776 | 93.62 | 46 | 65 | 1211 | 138 | 141 | 0 |
| T20I | 115 | 107 | 31 | 4008 | 122* | 52.73 | 2905 | 137.96 | 1 | 37 | 356 | 117 | 50 | 0 |
| FC | 141 | 233 | 18 | 10728 | 254* | 49.89 | 19223 | 55.80 | 35 | 36 | 1263 | 39 | 141 | 0 |
| List A | 308 | 298 | 43 | 14340 | 183 | 56.23 | 15312 | 93.65 | 50 | 73 | 1375 | 162 | 159 | 0 |
| T20 | 374 | 357 | 68 | 11965 | 122* | 41.40 | 8972 | 133.35 | 8 | 91 | 1069 | 371 | 170 | 0 |
Bowling
| FORMAT | Mat | Inns | Balls | Runs | Wkts | BBI | BBM | Ave | Econ | SR | 4w | 5w | 10w |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 109 | 11 | 175 | 84 | 0 | – | – | – | 2.88 | – | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| ODI | 274 | 48 | 641 | 665 | 4 | 1/15 | 1/15 | 166.25 | 6.22 | 160.2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| T20I | 115 | 13 | 152 | 204 | 4 | 1/13 | 1/13 | 51.00 | 8.05 | 38.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| FC | 141 | 25 | 643 | 338 | 3 | 1/19 | 2/42 | 112.66 | 3.15 | 214.3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| List A | 308 | 55 | 705 | 726 | 4 | 1/15 | 1/15 | 181.50 | 6.17 | 176.2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| T20 | 374 | 45 | 460 | 667 | 8 | 2/25 | 2/25 | 83.37 | 8.70 | 57.5 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Wiki, Profile
- Nickname(s): Cheeku, Run Machine. The nickname “Cheeku” was given to him by his coach during his Delhi days because of his appearance.
- Profession: Indian Cricketer (Batsman)
- Physical Stats: Height – approximately 175 cm (5′ 9″), Eye Colour – Dark Brown, Hair Colour – Black
- Cricket:
- International Debut: ODI – 18 August 2008, Test – 20 June 2011, T20 – 12 June 2010
- Jersey Number: #18 (India), #18 (IPL)
- Domestic/State Team: Delhi, India Red, Royal Challengers Bangalore
- Nature on field: Very Aggressive
- Likes to play against: Pakistan, Australia
- Favourite Shot: Cover Drive, Flick Shot
- Records: Various records including fastest to score milestones, most runs in IPL season, highest run-scorer by any Indian Captain, etc.
- Career Turning Point: Captaining India’s victorious 2008 World Cup Under-19 side in Malaysia.
- Personal Life:
- Date of Birth: 5 November 1988
- Age (as of 2022): 34 Years
- Birthplace: Delhi, India
- Zodiac sign: Scorpio
- Nationality: Indian
- Hometown: Delhi, India
- Educational Qualification: 12th standard
- Family: Father – Late Prem Kohli (Criminal lawyer), Mother – Saroj Kohli (Homemaker), Sister – Bhawna Kohli (Elder), Brother – Vikas Kohli (Elder)
- Coach/Mentor: Raj Kumar Sharma
- Religion: Hinduism
- Food Habit: Vegetarian (since October 2019)
- Address: DLF City Phase-1, Block-C, Gurugram
- Likes: Watching sports, driving, meeting old friends
- Dislikes: Too many guests at home, sitting idle for a long time
- Hobbies: Workout, traveling, singing, dancing
- Controversies: Involvement in various on-field and off-field controversies throughout his career.
- Favorites:
- Cricketers: Sachin Tendulkar, Chris Gayle, Shane Watson, David Warner, Joe Root, Herschelle Gibbs
- Cricket Ground: Adelaide Oval, Adelaide, Australia
- Cricket Commentator: Harsha Bhogle
- Food: Salmon, Sushi, Lamb Chops
- Actors: Aamir Khan, Johnny Depp, Robert Downey Jr.
- Actresses: Penelope Cruz, Aishwarya Rai, Kareena Kapoor, Katrina Kaif
- Films: Bollywood – Border, Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar, Ishq, 3 Idiots; Hollywood – Rocky 4, Iron Man, Southpaw
- TV Shows: American – Homeland, Narcos, Breaking Bad
- Musician: Asrar, Eminem
- Car: Aston Martin
- Book: Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda
- Basketball Player: Kobe Bryant
- Marital Status: Married to Anushka Sharma since 11 December 2017
- Children: Daughter named Vamika, born on 11 January 2021
- Cars Collection: Audi Q7, Audi S6, Audi R8 V10, Audi R8 LMX, Audi A8L W12 Quattro, Toyota Fortuner
India has produced numerous exceptional cricketers, but few have possessed the same level of ambition as Virat Kohli. In his pursuit of greatness, Kohli combined the technical precision of Sachin Tendulkar with the fitness of top athletes from various sports, not just cricket. As a result, he became the most consistently dominant batsman across all formats, effortlessly executing breathtaking run chases and finding innovative ways to accumulate runs.
This unwavering ambition extended to his captaincy as well. Kohli demanded more from his bowlers, particularly the fast ones, often sacrificing a batsman for greater bowling depth. Under his leadership, India enjoyed an extended reign as the number one Test team and achieved their first-ever series victory in Australia. He is well on his way to becoming India’s most successful Test captain.
With the exception of Bangladesh, Kohli scored centuries in Test matches in every country he played against. He shattered records for the fastest accumulation of eight, nine, ten, and eleven thousand runs in ODIs, posing a genuine threat to Sachin Tendulkar’s records of 49 ODI centuries and 51 Test centuries.
When he burst onto the scene as the captain of the Under-19 World Cup-winning team, Kohli showcased exceptional talent, particularly with his remarkable cover drive. Although destined to be India’s next great batsman as the Tendulkar era drew to a close, Kohli aimed to be more than that. He wanted to be a cricketer who commanded the respect and admiration of his opponents, someone who elevated the intensity of the contest. Kohli approached every ball with immense passion, competing fiercely in every moment, and he dedicated himself to achieving the required fitness and strength. He was widely recognized for revolutionizing the fitness culture in Indian cricket, introducing endurance tests as a selection criterion.
Kohli was undeniably India’s most influential captain. Not only was he the face of Indian cricket in marketing campaigns, but he also led the team during a period when the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) was governed by interim administrators who understood the importance of not upsetting the country’s biggest cricketing star. Kohli’s intent to win matches for India was never in question, and he delivered numerous victories during his captaincy tenure.
Daughter
Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma’s daughter’s name is Vamika.
Wife
Virat Kohli’s wife is Anushka Sharma. They got married on December 11, 2017. Anushka Sharma is a prominent Bollywood actress known for her roles in films like “Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi,” “PK,” and “Sultan.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, Virat Kohli is one of the most prominent and successful cricketers in the world. He has achieved great success in his career and has a massive fan following. Known for his exceptional batting skills, Kohli has earned numerous accolades and records throughout his career. His net worth is quite substantial, and he is considered one of the richest athletes globally. Kohli’s dedication and hard work have helped him achieve remarkable milestones, including centuries in international cricket. He is an influential figure on social media, with a large following on platforms like Instagram. Kohli’s personal life is also of interest to many, including his marriage to actress Anushka Sharma. Overall, Virat Kohli’s journey in cricket and his impact on the sport make him a legendary figure in the world of cricket.
