Virat Kohli facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

"Virat" redirects here. For other uses, see Virat (disambiguation).

Quick facts for kids
Virat Kohli

Kohli in 2024

Personal information

Born

5 November 1988 (age 37)
New Delhi, India

Nickname

Cheeku
King Kohli
Chase Master
Run Machine
VK

Height

5 ft 9 in (175 cm)

Batting

Right-handed

Bowling

Right-arm medium

Role

Top-order batter

Relations

Anushka Sharma

(m. 2017)

International information

National side

India (2008–present)

Test debut (cap 269)

20 June 2011 v West Indies

Last Test

3 January 2025 v Australia

ODI debut (cap 175)

18 August 2008 v Sri Lanka

Last ODI

18 January 2026 v New Zealand

ODI shirt no.

T20I debut (cap 31)

12 June 2010 v Zimbabwe

Last T20I

29 June 2024 v South Africa

T20I shirt no.

Domestic team information

Years

Team

2006–present

Delhi

2008–present

Royal Challengers Bengaluru

Career statistics

Competition	Test	ODI	T20I	FC
Matches	123	311	125	156
Runs scored	9,230	14,797	4,188	11,485
Batting average	46.85	58.72	48.69	48.05
100s/50s	30/31	54/77	1/38	37/39
Top score	254*	183	122*	254*
Balls bowled	175	662	152	643
Wickets	0	5	4	3
Bowling average	–	136.00	51.00	112.66
5 wickets in innings	–	0	0	0
10 wickets in match	–	0	0	0
Best bowling	–	1/13	1/13	1/19
Catches/stumpings	121/–	167/–	54/–	152/–

Medal record

Men's cricket

Representing India
ICC World Test Championship
Runner-up	2019–2021	{{{3}}}
Runner-up	2021–2023	{{{3}}}
ICC Cricket World Cup
Winner	2011 India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh	{{{3}}}
Runner-up	2023 India	{{{3}}}
ICC Champions Trophy
Winner	2013 England & Wales	{{{3}}}
Winner	2025 Pakistan	{{{3}}}
Runner-up	2017 England & Wales	{{{3}}}
ICC T20 World Cup
Winner	2024 West Indies & USA	{{{3}}}
Runner-up	2014 Bangladesh	{{{3}}}
ACC Asia Cup
Winner	2010 Sri Lanka	{{{3}}}
Winner	2016 Bangladesh	{{{3}}}
Winner	2023 Pakistan	{{{3}}}
ICC U19 World Cup
Winner	2008 Malaysia	{{{3}}}

Source: ESPN cricinfo, 21 January 2026

Signature

Virat Kohli (born on 5 November 1988) is a famous Indian cricketer. He was once the captain for the Indian national cricket team in all types of cricket games. Virat is a right-handed batter and sometimes bowls medium-pace. Many people think he is one of the best batsmen ever in cricket history.

Virat Kohli holds the record for the most centuries in ODI matches. He also has the second-highest number of centuries in all international cricket games, with 85 tons. He is the top scorer in the Indian Premier League. Virat was India's most successful Test captain, leading the team to many wins. He is the only batter to score over 900 rating points in all three cricket formats.

He captained the team that won the 2008 Under-19 Cricket World Cup. He was also a key player in India's victories in the 2011 ODI World Cup, 2013 Champions Trophy, 2024 T20 World Cup, and 2025 Champions Trophy. Virat plays for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Indian Premier League. He also plays for Delhi in local Indian cricket.

Early Life and Cricket Beginnings

Virat Kohli was born in New Delhi, India, on 5 November 1988. His mother, Saroj Kohli, was a homemaker, and his father, Prem Nath Kohli, was a lawyer. He has an older brother, Vikas, and an older sister, Bhawna. From a very young age, around three years old, Virat loved cricket. He would often ask his father to bowl to him.

When he was ten, his father enrolled him in a professional cricket academy. This was because neighbors noticed his talent and thought he needed more than just playing gully cricket (street cricket). Virat's father passed away in December 2006 due to an illness. After this, Virat became even more serious about cricket. He dedicated himself fully to the sport.

Youth Cricket Journey

Virat's journey in junior cricket began in 2002. He quickly showed his batting skills, scoring his first half-century and then his first century for the U-15 team. By the 2003–04 season, he was already captain of the U-15 team. He continued to perform well, scoring many runs and centuries in different tournaments.

In 2006, Virat made his debut in first-class cricket for the Delhi senior team. During one important match, his father passed away. Despite the sad news, Virat returned to the game and scored 90 runs. His determination impressed everyone. This showed his strong commitment to cricket even during tough times.

Leading India's Under-19 Team

Virat joined the India Under-19 squad in 2006. He toured England and Pakistan, showing great skill against both fast and spin bowlers. He scored many runs and centuries during these tours.

In 2008, Virat became famous when he led the Indian team to victory in the 2008 Under-19 Cricket World Cup in Malaysia. He was the third-highest scorer in the tournament. His century against the West Indies Under-19s was especially praised. His leadership and batting helped India win the championship.

International Cricket Career

Virat Kohli started his international career in August 2008 at the age of 19. He was called up to the ODI squad for a tour in Sri Lanka. He scored his first half-century in his fourth match. After showing his talent, he scored his first ODI century in December 2009 against Sri Lanka.

Kohli fielding during a match in December 2010

By early 2010, he became one of the fastest Indians to score 1,000 ODI runs. Virat played a vital role in India's 2011 World Cup victory. He scored a century in his first World Cup match and contributed 35 runs in the final. He made his Test debut in June 2011 and scored his first Test century in January 2012.

Rise to Captaincy and Record Breaking

By 2013, Virat was a key player in India's batting lineup. He was especially good at chasing down targets in matches. He helped India win the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy. He also became captain for the first time during a series in the West Indies, where he scored his first century as captain.

After a challenging tour in England in 2014, Virat regained his form. He became the full-time Test captain after MS Dhoni retired. In his first series as permanent captain, he scored three centuries. He also won the Man of the Tournament award at the 2014 World Twenty20 for his excellent batting.

Kohli at Greenfield Stadium during a match with West Indies

From 2016 to 2018, Virat reached a peak in his career. He was named Player of the Tournament at the 2016 World Twenty20. He became the first batsman to score double centuries in four Test series in a row. He also led India to their first-ever Test series victory in Australia. By 2019, he was India's most successful Test captain.

Recent Achievements and Retirement

Virat's form dipped between 2020 and 2022. He then stepped down from captaincy in T20Is, ODIs, and Tests. His return to form began at the 2022 Asia Cup, where he scored his first T20I century after a long time. He was the highest run-scorer at the 2022 Men's T20 World Cup.

At the 2023 Cricket World Cup, he was named Player of the Tournament. He scored a record 765 runs and his 50th ODI century, breaking Sachin Tendulkar's record. In the 2024 Men's T20 World Cup, he helped India win the trophy and was named Player of the Match in the final. After this victory, he announced his retirement from T20 Internationals.

In the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, Virat helped India win the title. He also became the fastest player to reach 14,000 ODI runs. On 12 May 2025, he announced his retirement from Test cricket. This marked the end of his Test career.

Franchise Cricket with Royal Challengers Bengaluru

Virat Kohli joined Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the first Indian Premier League (IPL) season in 2008. He was bought for $50,000 after his great performance in the Under-19 World Cup. He started slowly but gradually became a key player for the team.

In the 2011 season, Virat was the only player RCB kept. He scored 557 runs and helped his team reach the final. He also captained the team when the regular captain was absent. In the 2013 season, he became the full-time captain.

Record-Breaking Seasons and IPL Titles

The 2016 season was amazing for Virat. He scored a record 973 runs, including four centuries. He won the Orange Cap for scoring the most runs and was named the Most Valuable Player. RCB reached the final but lost.

Between 2020 and 2022, Virat continued to play for RCB. He helped them reach the playoffs in 2020 and 2021. In 2021, he became the first player to play 200 matches for RCB. He also passed 10,000 runs in T20 cricket.

In the 2025 IPL season, Virat scored 657 runs. He helped Bengaluru win their first-ever IPL title, ending an 18-year wait. In the 2026 season, he led Bengaluru to win back-to-back IPL titles, showing his continued impact.

Player Profile

Playing Style and Strengths

Kohli playing his famous flick shot at the 2015 Cricket World Cup

Virat Kohli is known as an exciting and skilled batsman. He has excellent technique and a strong playing style. He usually bats at number three in ODI matches. He is known for his quick footwork and wide range of shots. He performs very well under pressure.

Virat prefers to hit ground shots rather than big aerial shots. He is very good at wrist shots and scoring runs in the mid-wicket and cover areas. His cover drive is one of his most famous shots. He is also a very good fielder, known for his quick reactions.

Competitive Spirit

Virat Kohli's playing style is often described as very competitive. He shows a lot of passion and energy on the field. His captaincy was also very proactive, meaning he made bold decisions and led by example.

In his early career, some people saw his strong reactions as arrogance. However, Virat has always said that his competitive spirit inspires him. It helps him stay focused and motivated during games. He believes it drives him to perform his best.

Comparisons to Sachin Tendulkar

Virat Kohli's batting style is often compared to Sachin Tendulkar, who he greatly admired. Many people call him Tendulkar's "successor" and believe he could break more records. Virat looked up to Tendulkar as a role model when he was growing up.

Cricket experts have discussed their styles. Some say Tendulkar had more types of shots. Others, like former English cricketer Kevin Pietersen, believe Virat is superior because of his amazing records in chasing runs. Tendulkar himself has said that Virat has the potential to surpass his record of 100 international centuries.

Outside Cricket

Personal Life

Kohli with wife Anushka Sharma in their Mumbai reception

Virat Kohli is married to Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma. They started dating in 2013 and are often called "Virushka" by the media. They got married in Florence, Italy, on 11 December 2017.

They welcomed their first child, a daughter named Vamika, on 11 January 2021. On 15 February 2024, they had their second child, a son named Akaay. Virat decided to adopt a vegetarian diet in 2018 for health reasons. He is also known for his excellent physical fitness and strict training.

Virat has some personal beliefs and rituals he follows for good luck. These include wearing a black wristband and a special pair of gloves. He also wears a traditional bangle called a kara on his right arm. He has several tattoos, including one of the Hindu deity Shiva.

Business Ventures

Kohli at the opening ceremony of the Pro Kabaddi League in June 2016

Virat Kohli has also ventured into the business world. In 2014, he became a co-owner of the Indian Super League football club FC Goa. He also launched his own fashion brand for men's casual wear called WROGN. He invested in Sport Convo, a social network for sports fans.

He later invested in "Chisel," a chain of fitness centers across India. He also became a co-owner of sports teams in tennis and wrestling. In 2017, he partnered with Puma to create his athletic lifestyle brand, One8. He also opened restaurants called Nueva and One8 Commune.

More recently, in 2025, Virat joined the sports athleisure brand Agilitas as an investor. He also became a Strategic Investor in the World Bowling League (WBL).

Helping Others: Philanthropy

Virat Kohli at charity dinner for Smile Foundation

In 2013, Virat Kohli started the "Virat Kohli Foundation." This organization helps children who are not as lucky as others. The foundation works with different non-profit groups. In 2014, it helped raise money for Save the Children India.

The foundation organizes special events to raise money, like "Celebrity Clasico" football matches between cricketers and actors. In 2016, it partnered with the Smile Foundation to support education for underprivileged children. It also helped senior citizens in old-age homes.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Virat and his wife donated to relief funds. In 2021, they started a fundraising campaign that raised over ₹11 crore for COVID relief efforts. The foundation also works to help stray animals in Mumbai, inspired by his wife's love for animals.

Career Summary

Virat Kohli has scored 85 centuries in international cricket. This includes 30 centuries in Test cricket (with 7 double centuries), 54 centuries in One Day Internationals (ODIs), and 1 century in T20I matches. His 54 ODI centuries broke Sachin Tendulkar's long-standing record.

Test Match Performance

An innings-by-innings breakdown of Kohli's Test batting career, showing runs scored (blue and red (not out) bars) and the black line is his career batting average.

ODI Match Performance

An innings-by-innings breakdown of Kohli's ODI batting career, showing runs scored (blue and red (not out) bars) and the black line is his career batting average.

T20I Match Performance

An innings-by-innings breakdown of Kohli's T20I batting career, showing runs scored (blue and red (not out) bars) and the black line is his career batting average.

Awards and Honours

Kohli receiving the Padma Shri award from President Pranab Mukherjee in March 2017

Kohli meeting Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi in New Delhi in 2017

National Honours

2013 – Arjuna Award, India's second highest sporting honour.
2017 – Padma Shri, India's fourth highest civilian award.
2018 – Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award, India's highest sporting honour.

Sporting Honours

Sir Garfield Sobers Award (ICC Men's Cricketer of the Decade): 2011–2020
Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy (ICC Cricketer of the Year): 2017, 2018.
ICC Men's ODI Cricketer of the Decade: 2011–2020.
ICC ODI Cricketer of the Year: 2012, 2017, 2018, 2023.
ICC Test Cricketer of the Year: 2018.
ICC Spirit of Cricket: 2019.
ICC ODI Team of the Year: 2012, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2023 (captain in 2016–2019).
ICC Test Team of the Year: 2017, 2018, 2019 (captain in 2017–2019).
ICC Men's T20I Team of the Year: 2022.
ICC Men's Test Team of the Decade: 2011–2020 (captain).
ICC Men's ODI Team of the Decade: 2011–2020.
ICC Men's T20I Team of the Decade: 2011–2020.
Polly Umrigar Award for International Cricketer of the Year: 2011–12, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18
Wisden Leading Cricketer in the World: 2016, 2017, 2018.
Wisden Cricketer of the Year: 2019.
ICC Men's Player of the Month: October 2022
CEAT International Cricketer of the Year: 2011–12, 2013–14, 2017– 18, 2018–19
ICC Cricket World Cup – Player of the Tournament: 2023.
ICC T20I World Cup – Player of the Tournament: 2014, 2016.
Indian Premier League Orange Cap for most runs: 2016, 2024.
Barmy Army – International Player of Year: 2017, 2018.
ESPNcricinfo – ODI Batting Performance of the Year: 2012.

Other Honours and Awards

People's Choice Awards India for Favourite Sportsperson: 2012
GQ Sportsman of the year: 2013
CNN-News18 Indian of the Year: 2017
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India's Person of the Year: 2019
Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) renamed a stand after Kohli at Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi.

Interesting Facts About Virat Kohli

Virat became interested in cricket very early. When he was just three years old, he would pick up a cricket bat and ask his father to bowl to him. He showed natural talent even then.
His father was very important in supporting his cricket training when he was a child.
Virat has said that he uses different lucky charms. He feels these bring him good luck on the cricket field.
He prefers to wear a specific pair of gloves. He has worn them consistently because he believes they bring him success.
Virat has many tattoos. These include the Hindu deity Lord Shiva, the sacred symbol "Om", his parents' names (Prem and Saroj), a tribal emblem, a peaceful monastery, a samurai warrior, the astrological sign of the scorpion, and his ODI and Test match cap numbers.
Many people compare Virat's batting style to the legendary Sachin Tendulkar. Virat himself sees Sachin as the best in cricket.
In 2018, Time magazine included him in its list of the 100 most influential people in the world.