By SRTeam Virat Kohli, often hailed as one of the most prolific batsmen in modern cricket, has captivated fans worldwide with his exceptional talent and unwavering dedication. Beyond his on-field exploits, Kohli’s life is adorned with numerous intriguing facets that contribute to his multifaceted persona. Here are over ten compelling facts about the cricketing maestro:
Interesting Facts about Virat Kohli
1. Early Life and Introduction to Cricket
Born on November 5, 1988, in Delhi, Virat Kohli was introduced to cricket at a tender age. His father, Prem Kohli, a criminal lawyer, recognized his son’s potential and enrolled him in the West Delhi Cricket Academy when he was just nine years old. This early initiation laid the foundation for his illustrious career.
2. A Tragic Yet Inspirational Debut
In December 2006, during a Ranji Trophy match against Karnataka, 18-year-old Kohli showcased his resilience. Despite the sudden demise of his father the previous night, Kohli chose to play, scoring a crucial 90 runs. His determination not only saved Delhi from a follow-on but also highlighted his unwavering commitment to the sport.
3. U-19 World Cup Triumph
Kohli captained the Indian U-19 team to victory in the 2008 ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup held in Malaysia. His leadership and batting prowess during the tournament caught the attention of selectors, paving the way for his entry into international cricket.
4. Rapid Ascendancy in ODI Cricket
Making his ODI debut against Sri Lanka in August 2008, Kohli quickly established himself as a mainstay in the Indian batting lineup. He became the fastest player to reach 8,000, 9,000, and 10,000 runs in One Day Internationals, underscoring his consistency and dominance in the format.
5. Record-Breaking Centuries
As of November 2024, Kohli has amassed 50 ODI centuries, surpassing the legendary Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 49. He achieved this milestone during the semifinal of the 2023 Cricket World Cup, further cementing his legacy in the annals of cricket history.
6. T20I Maestro
In T20 Internationals, Kohli holds the record for the highest career batting average, reflecting his adaptability across formats. He is also the only cricketer to have been named the Player of the Tournament in the T20 World Cup on two separate occasions, in 2014 and 2016.
7. IPL Stalwart
Representing the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) since the inception of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2008, Kohli has been a cornerstone of the franchise. He holds the record for the most runs in IPL history, with over 8,000 runs to his name. In the 2016 season, he scored a staggering 973 runs, the highest by any player in a single edition.
8. Fitness Enthusiast and Dietary Choices
In 2018, Kohli adopted a vegetarian diet to address health concerns related to elevated uric acid levels. This lifestyle change was aimed at enhancing his fitness and prolonging his cricketing career. His dedication to fitness has set new benchmarks in the cricketing world.
9. Entrepreneurial Ventures
Beyond cricket, Kohli has ventured into various business endeavors. He co-owns the Indian Super League football club FC Goa, reflecting his passion for football. Additionally, he launched the youth fashion brand WROGN and has invested in fitness centers across India, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit.
10. Personal Life and Philanthropy
Kohli married Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma in December 2017, and the couple has two children: a daughter named Vamika and a son named Akaay. Beyond his family life, Kohli is actively involved in philanthropic activities. Through the Virat Kohli Foundation, he supports underprivileged children and promotes sports development in India.
11. Tattoo Enthusiast
Kohli has a profound affinity for tattoos, with over ten adorning his body. Each tattoo holds personal significance, representing his loved ones, faith, and achievements. Notably, he has tattoos of the Hindu deity Lord Shiva, the sacred syllable “Om,” and his parents’ names, Prem and Saroj.
12. Social Media Influence
With a massive following on social media platforms, Kohli is among the most followed athletes globally. His engaging content and candid interactions with fans have bolstered his popularity beyond the cricketing fraternity.
13. Accolades and Honors
Kohli’s contributions to cricket have been recognized with numerous awards. He has been honored with the prestigious Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, India’s highest sporting honor, and the Padma Shri, the country’s fourth-highest civilian award.
14. Superstitions and Rituals
Like many athletes, Kohli has his set of superstitions. He is known to wear black wristbands and has a particular pair of gloves he prefers using. Additionally, he has been observed sporting a kara, a traditional bangle, on his right arm since 2012.
15. Retirement from T20 Internationals
In June 2024, after leading India to a T20 World Cup victory against South Africa, Kohli announced his retirement from T20 Internationals.