Virat Kohli is a name that resonates with excellence and dedication in the world of cricket. Born on November 5, 1988, in Delhi, India, Kohli has become one of the most successful and admired cricketers globally. His journey from a young aspiring cricketer to the captain of the Indian national team is a story of hard work, perseverance, and immense talent. This article provides a detailed biography of Virat Kohli, including his height, age, wife, girlfriend, children, family, and more.
Childhood and Family
Virat Kohli was born to Prem Kohli, a criminal lawyer, and Saroj Kohli, a housewife. He has an elder brother, Vikas, and an elder sister, Bhavna. Growing up in Uttam Nagar, Delhi, Kohli was passionate about cricket from a very young age. His family recognized his talent and enrolled him in the West Delhi Cricket Academy at the age of nine. His father’s support played a crucial role in shaping his career, but his untimely demise in 2006 was a significant emotional blow for young Virat.
Education
Kohli attended Vishal Bharti Public School and later shifted to Saviour Convent School in Paschim Vihar to further his cricket training. Although his academic pursuits took a backseat, his commitment to cricket was unwavering. His coaches, Rajkumar Sharma and others, have often spoken about his dedication and discipline towards the sport.
Cricket Career
Early Career
Virat Kohli made his debut in the first-class cricket circuit in 2006, playing for Delhi against Tamil Nadu. His remarkable performance in the 2008 Under-19 World Cup, where he led the Indian team to victory, brought him into the limelight. He was soon drafted into the Indian national team, making his ODI debut against Sri Lanka in August 2008.
Rise to Prominence
Kohli’s consistent performances in ODIs and T20s earned him a place in the Test team in 2011. His aggressive batting style, coupled with a sharp cricketing mind, made him a crucial part of the Indian squad. Over the years, he has broken numerous records, including the fastest century in ODIs and the fastest to 8,000, 9,000, 10,000, and 11,000 runs in ODIs.
Captaincy
In 2017, Kohli was appointed the captain of the Indian cricket team across all formats. Under his leadership, India achieved significant milestones, including a historic Test series win in Australia in 2018-19. His aggressive captaincy style and ability to lead by example have been praised by cricket experts worldwide.
Personal Life
Height, Age, and Physical Appearance
- Height: 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm)
- Weight: 70 kilograms (154 lbs)
- Age: 35 years (as of 2024)
- Eye Color: Dark Brown
- Hair Color: Black
- Body Type: Athletic
Virat Kohli is known for his fitness and athleticism. His dedication to maintaining a healthy lifestyle and rigorous training regime is well-documented, making him one of the fittest cricketers globally.
Relationships
Wife: Anushka Sharma
Virat Kohli is married to Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma. The couple first met during the shooting of a commercial in 2013 and soon started dating. They got married on December 11, 2017, in a private ceremony in Tuscany, Italy. Their relationship has been a subject of media attention, with both Kohli and Sharma often seen supporting each other’s professional endeavors.
Past Relationships and Girlfriends
Before marrying Anushka Sharma, Virat Kohli was rumored to be in relationships with several women. One of the notable mentions is his rumored relationship with Brazilian model Izabelle Leite. However, Kohli has always maintained a dignified silence on his past relationships, focusing on his career and personal growth.
Children
Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma welcomed their first child, a daughter named Vamika, on January 11, 2021. The couple has been very private about their daughter, often requesting media and fans to respect their privacy. Kohli has expressed that becoming a father has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of his life.
Family
Parents
- Father: Prem Kohli (deceased)
- Mother: Saroj Kohli
Siblings
- Brother: Vikas Kohli
- Sister: Bhavna Kohli
Virat Kohli shares a close bond with his family. Despite his busy schedule, he ensures spending quality time with his mother and siblings. His family has been a pillar of support throughout his career, encouraging him to pursue his passion for cricket.
Career Highlights and Achievements
T20 World Cup
| Year | Performance |
|---|---|
| 2007 | Did not participate (India reached the Finals) |
| 2009 | Did not participate (India won the tournament) |
| 2010 | Super Eights Stage |
| 2012 | Runners-up (lost to West Indies in the Finals) |
| 2014 | Semi-finals |
| 2016 | Semi-finals |
| 2021 | Super 12 Stage |
| 2024 | Champions (scored a crucial 76 in the finals against South Africa) |
Cricket Career
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Debut (ODI) | August 18, 2008, against Sri Lanka |
| Debut (Test) | June 20, 2011, against West Indies |
| Debut (T20I) | June 12, 2010, against Zimbabwe |
| First ODI Century | December 24, 2009, against Sri Lanka |
| IPL Team | Royal Challengers Bangalore (since 2008) |
IPL Career
Kohli has been a vital part of the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) franchise in the Indian Premier League (IPL) since 2008. He holds the record for the most runs in a single IPL season and has been the captain of RCB for several seasons.
Personal Interests and Lifestyle
Fitness and Diet
Virat Kohli is renowned for his fitness regime and strict diet plan. He follows a high-protein, low-carb diet and ensures regular workouts to maintain his physique. His fitness journey has inspired many young athletes and fans.
Endorsements and Business Ventures
Kohli is one of the highest-earning athletes globally, thanks to his numerous brand endorsements. He endorses several top brands, including Puma, MRF, Audi, and Manyavar. Additionally, he has ventured into business with investments in fitness startups, fashion brands, and restaurants.
Philanthropy
Virat Kohli is actively involved in philanthropic activities. He runs the Virat Kohli Foundation, which focuses on providing education and sports opportunities to underprivileged children. He has also supported various social causes, including animal welfare and disaster relief efforts.
Social Media Presence
Virat Kohli has a massive following on social media platforms, where he shares insights into his professional and personal life. His presence on social media is marked by a mix of motivational posts, fitness tips, and glimpses of his family life.
- Instagram: @virat.kohli
- Twitter: @imVkohli
- Facebook: Virat Kohli
Controversy
- Aggression on the Field: Kohli has been known for his aggressive on-field behavior, which has sometimes resulted in penalties and criticism from commentators and fans.
- Captaincy Stint: Some critics felt Kohli’s aggressive captaincy style may have impacted team dynamics. He stepped down from T20I and ODI captaincy in 2021 and Test captaincy in early 2022.
- Form Slump: In recent years, Kohli has experienced a form slump compared to his earlier dominance. This has led to some questioning his place in the team.
- Form and Team Selection: There was debate leading up to the 2024 T20 World Cup about Kohli’s place in the team due to his recent form slump.expand_more However, he silenced critics with a crucial half-century in the finals, proving his value to the team.
Other Updates
- Records and Awards: The write-up can be updated to include his latest achievements, such as surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s record for most ODI centuries in 2023.
- Social Media Presence: You can add the number of followers he has on each platform for a more complete picture.
