Virat Kohli Career Life
Virat Kohli Career Life, a cricketing icon and a modern-day legend, has etched his name in the annals of the sport with an illustrious career life spanning over two decades. Hailing from Delhi, India, Kohli’s journey from a young and talented cricketer to a force to be reckoned with on the international stage is nothing short of awe-inspiring. From a prodigious talent in his early years to the unrelenting captain of the Indian cricket team, Kohli’s indomitable spirit and unyielding dedication to the sport have made him an icon in the realm of cricket. With remarkable consistency and an insatiable hunger for success, Virat Kohli has become the epitome of excellence in contemporary cricket.
This blog delves into the extraordinary Virat Kohli career life, encapsulating his awe-inspiring achievements, struggles, and evolution as a cricketer. Whether you are an ardent cricket fan or a curious observer, this blog promises to unveil the captivating tale of a true cricketing maestro, Virat Kohli, and his extraordinary journey in the world of cricket.
| Name | Virat Kohli |
| Age | 34 Years |
| Profession | Cricketer |
| Batting Style | Right Hand Batsman |
| Bowling Style | Right-Hand Medium |
| Playing Role | Top Order Batter |
| Favorite Shot | Cover Drive, Flick Shot |
| Nature On Field | Aggressive |
| International Debut | ODI- 18 August 2008 against Sri Lanka Test- 20 June 2011 against West Indies T20I- 12 June 2011 against Zimbabwe |
| Jersey Number | ODI- 18 Test- 18 T20I- 18 IPL- 18 |
| Debut Cap no. | ODI- 175 Test- 269 T20I- 31 |
| Current Team | Indian National Cricket Team |
| IPL Team | Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) |
| Domestic Team | India Red |
| State Team | Delhi |
| Likes to play against | Pakistan, Australia, and England |
Virat Kohli’s Childhood Journey
Virat Kohli career life started with his childhood journey, which is a captivating tale of passion, determination, and early cricketing brilliance. Kohli’s love for cricket was evident from a very young age. He was just three years old when he picked up a cricket bat for the first time, and his fascination with the sport only grew stronger with time.
In 1998, “West Delhi Cricket Academy” (WDCA) was established. It was the time when nine-year-old Kohli’s deep passion for cricket caught the attention of his father, Prem Kohli. Recognizing his son’s love for the sport, Prem Kohli supported and nurtured Virat’s aspirations, setting the stage for the young cricketer’s remarkable career life.
Prem Kohli arranged for his son to meet Rajkumar Sharma, a coach at the WDCA. At first, Sharma saw Virat as just another enthusiastic and determined young boy, but it didn’t take long for him to witness the budding talent in young Kohli. Within two weeks, Sharma was left in awe of Kohli’s impressive accuracy and power in throwing the cricket ball. Encouraged by the talent displayed by Kohli, their neighbors suggested enrolling him in a professional cricket academy.
Taking their advice, Prem Kohli decided to allow his son to pursue cricket at a more advanced level, setting him on the path to a remarkable future in the world of cricket. The academy became the nurturing ground for the young prodigy. The academy provided a competitive environment for Kohli, where he honed his skills against other talented youngsters. Kohli’s love for the sport deepened, and his dedication to improvement was evident to all who watched him play. Coach Rajkumar Sharma played a crucial role in shaping Kohli’s cricketing journey. He instilled discipline and a strong work ethic and mentored Kohli through the ups and downs of the game, teaching him the nuances of batting and instilling in him the importance of mental grit and determination.
These formative years instilled in him the resilience and competitive spirit defining his illustrious career.
Virat Kohli Under-14 Career
Virat Kohli’s under-14 career marked the beginning of his journey in organized cricket, laying the groundwork for what would become an illustrious career. At a tender age, Kohli showcased remarkable talent and passion for the sport, catching the attention of coaches and fellow cricketers. During his under-14 days, Kohli played for various school and local teams in Delhi. It was during this time that he honed his cricketing skills and developed a deep love for the game.
Representing the Saviour Convent School in Delhi, Kohli consistently stood out with his performances. His ability to score runs with ease and the sheer maturity in his approach to batting set him apart from his peers. As a young batsman, he displayed excellent technique and a strong desire to score runs. During Kohli’s under-14 cricket career, he had a remarkable moment when he scored an outstanding 172 not out in a local match. This inning he played not only earned him praise but also revealed the amazing talent he possessed.
In spite of his remarkable abilities, Virat Kohli encountered a setback when he found himself unable to secure a spot in the under-14 Delhi team, not due to any lack of merit but due to external circumstances. Prem Kohli, Virat’s father, received offers from influential clubs that guaranteed his son’s selection if he relocated during that time. However, he refused these offers, believing that Kohli should earn recognition based on his own merit and surpass the prevalence of nepotism and deception within the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA).
His consistent performances in age-group tournaments caught the attention of selectors. It was inevitable that he would move on to the next stage of his cricket career. Virat Kohli’s under-14 career provided a solid foundation for his future in cricket.
Virat Kohli Under-15 Career
Kohli’s success in under-14 cricket earned him a place in the Delhi Under-15 team, furthering his exposure to competitive cricket at the junior level. While his under-15 career may not have been as widely covered as his achievements at the senior level, it played an instrumental role in shaping his cricketing journey. It provided him with exposure to competitive cricket and valuable lessons in handling pressure and performing under various conditions.
As a young boy with an insatiable appetite for the sport, Kohli’s passion for cricket was evident from a tender age. It was during his time in the under-15 circuit that Kohli’s exceptional talent started to garner attention. Representing Delhi in various age-group tournaments, he consistently displayed his batting prowess and natural flair for the game. His performances quickly caught the eye of selectors and cricket enthusiasts alike, earning him recognition as a promising talent.
Kohli’s first major milestone in the under-15 category came when he captained the Delhi Under-15 team in the Polly Umrigar Trophy in 2002-2003. His leadership skills and batting acumen were already evident, and he proved to be a crucial asset to the team.
As he continued to excel in domestic tournaments, Kohli’s reputation as a gifted batsman continued to grow. His technique, coupled with a hunger for runs, set him apart from his peers. It was a period of growth, learning, and developing the mental toughness that would later define him as one of the finest cricketers of his generation. His performances earned him a spot in the Delhi Under-17 team, where he further honed his skills and gained valuable experience.
Virat Kohli Under-17 Career
Virat Kohli career life, his under-17 career was a crucial phase in his cricketing journey, as it provided him with valuable exposure and experience at a higher level of competition. During this period, Kohli’s talent kept growing, showing his potential, which eventually took him to the top ranks of international cricket. Representing Delhi in various age-group tournaments, Kohli’s performances in the under-17 category further solidified his reputation as a prodigious batting talent. He showcased remarkable consistency with the bat, scoring heavily and often emerging as a match-winner for his team.
One of the standout moments of Kohli’s under-17 career came in the Vijay Merchant Trophy during the 2004-2005 season. Kohli amassed 470 runs in the four matches he played, achieving an impressive highest score of 251* runs not out against Himachal Pradesh, leaving an indelible mark on the domestic circuit. This mammoth inning showcased his immense potential and was a testament to his ability to convert starts into big scores. Kohli’s technique, temperament, and determination were evident during this phase, earning him praise from coaches, selectors, and senior cricketers alike. His performances caught the attention of talent scouts, and he soon found himself on the radar of national selectors.
His consistent run-scoring in the domestic under-17 tournaments paved the way for his selection in the Indian Under-19 team. Representing the country at the youth level, he continued to impress with his batting prowess, setting the stage for his eventual elevation to the senior team.
Virat Kohli Under-19 Career
Virat Kohli Under-19 career life was a crucial phase in his cricketing journey, during which he showcased immense talent and leadership skills that would set the stage for his future success. Representing the Indian Under-19 team, Kohli demonstrated exceptional batting prowess and a hunger for runs. Kohli’s consistent run-scoring in the Under-19 circuit garnered attention from cricketing experts and fans alike. He was touted as a future star of Indian cricket. His ability to handle pressure, lead from the front, and perform under crucial situations further solidified his reputation as a cricketer with extraordinary potential.
During February and March of 2008, Kohli became the captain of the Indian team that won the 2008 Under-19 Cricket World Cup held in Malaysia. He proved himself as a skilled batsman, scoring 235 runs in 6 games with an average of 47. He finished as the tournament’s third-highest scorer with an impressive average and several match-winning knocks and was one of only three cricketers to achieve a century. Kohli’s remarkable performances as a batsman and captain played a pivotal role in guiding India to victory in the tournament. His success in Under-19 cricket opened the doors to the senior national team.
Virat Kohli Under-19 career life not only served as a stepping stone to international cricket but also showcased his ability to perform on the big stage and take up leadership responsibilities at a young age. It was a preview of the greatness that would follow, as he continued to break records and leave an indelible mark on the cricketing world.
Virat Kohli Career In International Cricket
Batting Stats
| Formats | Matches | Innings | Runs | Highest | Average | Strike Rate | 100s | 50s | 4s | 6s | Catches |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 111 | 187 | 8676 | 254* | 49.29 | 55.23 | 29 | 29 | 966 | 24 | 110 |
| ODI | 275 | 265 | 12898 | 183 | 57.32 | 93.62 | 46 | 65 | 1211 | 138 | 142 |
| T20I | 115 | 107 | 4008 | 122* | 52.73 | 137.96 | 1 | 37 | 356 | 117 | 50 |
| First Class | 143 | 235 | 10925 | 254* | 50.34 | 55.70 | 36 | 37 | 1279 | 39 | 141 |
| List A | 309 | 298 | 14340 | 183 | 56.23 | 93.65 | 50 | 73 | 1375 | 162 | 160 |
| IPL | 237 | 230 | 7263 | 113 | 37.25 | 130.02 | 7 | 50 | 643 | 234 | 106 |
One Day International(ODI) Debut
Virat Kohli career life in international cricket. Kohli made his debut for the Indian cricket team shortly after the Under-19 World Cup. From there, he never looked back and went on to become the greatest batsman in the history of cricket. In August 2008, Kohli was selected in the ODI squad for the tour of Sri Lanka and the Champions Trophy in Pakistan. Due to his limited experience with List A matches, Kohli’s selection came as a “surprise call-up”.
During the Sri Lankan tour, Kohli was asked to fulfill the role of an opener. Because the first-choice openers Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag were injured and couldn’t play in the series. On 18 August 2008, at the age of 19, Kohli made his international debut in the first ODI of the tour. He was dismissed after scoring 12 runs. But it was evident that he possessed the skills and determination to make a mark in international cricket. However, in the fourth match of the series, Kohli achieved his first-ever half-century in the ODI, scoring 54 runs.
In August 2009, Kohli made a comeback to the national team after recovering from a minor shoulder injury. He replaced the injured Gautam Gambhir in the Indian squad for the tri-series in Sri Lanka. In December 2009 he was included for the home ODI series against Sri Lanka, scoring 27 and 54 in the first two ODIs. However, he had to step down from the playing XI for the third ODI as Yuvraj regained his fitness. Yuvraj’s finger injury resurfaced he got ruled out indefinitely, which made Kohli’s return to the team for the fourth ODI in Kolkata. There, he scored his maiden ODI century, making 107 off 114 balls. Resulting, India won by seven wickets and sealed the series 3–1.
Test Debut
In June-July 2011, during India’s tour of the West Indies, they selected a relatively inexperienced squad, with Tendulkar resting and others like Gambhir and Sehwag missing due to injuries. Kohli was one of three uncapped players in the Test squad. He made his Test debut in the first match of the series in Kingston. Batting at the 5th position, Kohli scored 4 and 15 runs in two innings, getting caught behind both times. Despite India winning the Test series 1–0, Kohli scored only 76 runs from five innings. After his poor performance in his debut Test series against West Indies. Kohli was initially dropped from the Test squad for India’s four-match series in England.
In October 2011, during the five-match ODI series against England, Kohli emerged as the top run-scorer. India won the series with 5–0. Kohli scored a total of 270 runs in the five matches, with an average of 90. Looking at his success in the ODI series against England, Kohli got selected for the Test squad in November 2011. Kohli was included in the playing XI for the final match of the series held in Mumbai. In that match, he performed exceptionally well, scoring two fifties in both innings.
In December 2011, during the tour of Australia, Kohli struggled in the first two Tests, failing to score more than 25 runs. His defensive technique was exposed, leading to difficulties in his batting performance. In the third Test at Perth, Kohli was the highest run-scorer for India in both innings, scoring 44 and 75 runs. Despite his efforts, India faced another innings defeat. However, in the fourth Test in Adelaide, Kohli scored his maiden Test century, achieving 116 runs in the first innings. Despite his exceptional performance, India suffered a 0–4 whitewash in the series.
T20I Debut
Virat Kohli made his T20I International debut for the Indian cricket team on June 12, 2010. The match took place against Zimbabwe during the Tri-Nation Series in Harare, Zimbabwe. In his debut match, Virat Kohli scored 26 runs off 21 balls and remained not out. Virat Kohli’s T20I debut showcased his talent and set the foundation for a successful career in T20I cricket.
Since then, he has become one of the leading batsmen in T20I cricket and an integral part of the Indian cricket team. Since his debut, Virat Kohli is the leading run-scorer in the T20I format with 4008 runs with an average of 52.73. In Virat Kohli career life has achieved numerous records and accolades in the format.
Rise to Prominence in International Cricket
Virat Kohli’s rise to prominence in international cricket can be attributed to his immense talent, relentless work ethic, hunger for success, and ability to adapt to different conditions and challenges. Kohli’s career progression after his debut was truly remarkable. His ability to consistently perform well in ODIs and Test matches earned him a permanent place in the Indian cricket team.
Kohli’s batting technique is one of his biggest strengths. He displayed exemplary footwork, immaculate timing, and an extensive range of shots. Whether it was driving through the covers, playing flick shots off his pads, or placing the ball into gaps, Kohli’s strokeplay was a treat to watch.
What set him apart was his ability to adapt to different conditions and situations. He proved his mettle in challenging overseas conditions, showcasing his skill against swing and pace in countries like England and Australia. Additionally, he was equally comfortable turning pitches in subcontinent conditions.
The most impressive aspect of Kohli’s batting was his hunger for runs. He had an insatiable appetite for scoring and never seemed to be satisfied with his achievements. This drive to succeed was evident in his aggressive yet calculated approach at the crease. He was not afraid to take on the bowlers and was known for playing his natural attacking game.
Kohli’s consistency in chases, especially in ODIs, became one of his trademarks. He developed a reputation as a masterful chaser, and his ability to finish games was highly regarded. He had an extraordinary understanding of the game and showed exceptional mental composure under pressure.
Virat Kohli career life, breakthrough moment came during the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup. He played a crucial role in India’s victory, scoring 282 runs in the tournament. His exceptional performances under pressure showcased his caliber as a top-class batsman.
Virat Kohli’s Impact on Indian Cricket
Kohli’s impact on Indian cricket has been immense. He has played a pivotal role in elevating the team’s performance to new heights. His consistency in batting and ability to chase down targets under pressure has been instrumental in India’s success in limited-overs cricket.
His consistency in batting has been one of the key pillars of India’s success. Whether it’s ODIs or T20Is, he has been a reliable run-scorer for the team. His ability to convert starts into big scores has often been the difference-maker in close matches. His remarkable batting average and numerous centuries have been pivotal in securing victories for India.
Kohli’s reputation as a masterful chaser has been well-earned. He has an exceptional record in run-chases, and his calm and composed approach under pressure has led India to numerous successful run-chases. His ability to read the game and pace the innings has made him a standout performer in crucial moments.
As a captain, Kohli brought a sense of aggression and a never-say-die attitude to the team. He instilled a fighting spirit in the players, encouraging them to play fearlessly and strive for success. Under his captaincy, India achieved significant victories both at home and overseas.
Kohli’s dedication to fitness and his relentless pursuit of excellence have set new standards for the entire team. He is a role model for young cricketers, showing them the importance of hard work, discipline, and continuous improvement.
Kohli has been known to perform at his best in major tournaments. His performances in ICC events, like the Cricket World Cups and Champions Trophy, have often been the backbone of India’s campaigns. His ability to deliver under pressure in big matches makes him a true match-winner.
Captaincy and Leadership Skills
Virat Kohli’s captaincy and leadership skills have been a defining aspect of his cricketing career. He took over the captaincy of the Indian Test team in 2014 and the limited-overs team in 2017. Under his leadership, the Indian cricket team achieved significant success and displayed a new sense of aggression and determination.
He is known for his aggressive and fearless approach on the field. As a captain, he instilled this spirit in the team, encouraging players to play positive and attacking cricket. His proactive mindset has led to India adopting a more aggressive brand of cricket, especially in Test matches.
Kohli leads by example with his exceptional batting performances and high fitness standards. He has always been a player who thrives on leading from the front, and his work ethic and commitment set an example for the rest of the team.
His decision-making as a captain has been praised by many cricket pundits. He is known for his astute tactical acumen and ability to make quick and decisive decisions on the field. His understanding of the game and reading of match situations have helped India capitalize on key moments.
Kohli has displayed a remarkable ability to handle pressure, both as a batsman and a captain. He remains composed even in challenging situations, and this composure has often rubbed off on the team, helping them perform well under pressure.
While Kohli stepped down from captaincy in some formats, his impact on the team’s ethos and performance remains significant. His leadership skills have left a lasting impression on Indian cricket and have played a crucial role in shaping the team’s identity as a competitive and formidable unit.
Challenges and Setbacks in His Career
In Virat Kohli career life, he has also faced early challenges. During his under-14 days, Kohli couldn’t secure a spot in the under-14 Delhi team not due to lack of merit, but due to external circumstances. Virat’s father received offers from many clubs who guaranteed Virat’s selection if he relocated during that time.
Kohli’s father passed away in 2006. Despite the emotional turmoil, he reached the ground and continued his batting and made 90 runs to pursue his dreams, and dedicated his performances to his late father. This determination has made him a role model for aspiring cricketers around the world.
After debuting in the international cricket team he faced many challenges. Due to limited opportunities, less experience, and bad performance on debut, he was not given much chance to prove his batting skills and abilities. Later he got a chance in 2009 and proved himself with his maiden ODI century 107 of 116.
In 2014, he struggled against the swing of James Anderson during India’s tour of England. He used this experience as a learning opportunity, working on his technique and mental strength.
Kohli was the captain of the Indian cricket team across all formats for a significant period. Leading a cricket team in a nation like India comes with immense pressure and expectations.
Kohli was suffering from bad form since November 2019, but after 1021 days he made a strong comeback with 122* runs in Asia Cup 2022.
While Virat Kohli in his career life was suffering from bad form, Kohli decided to step down as captain of T20I format after the T20I World Cup 2021. Later, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), opted for a single captain for all formats, prompting Kohli to step down from captaincy in all formats.
Virat Kohli’s Records and Achievements
ODI Achievements
- Kohli is the third Indian to make 2 ODI hundreds at the age of 22.
- He is the first Indian to score a hundred in a World Cup debut.
- Virat Kohli has the highest win percentage in ODI as an Indian captain with 70.43%.
- Virat Kohli is the first Indian batter and third in the world to be ranked as the No. 1 ODI player for 1258 consecutive days.
- Fastest to 7500, 8000, 9000, 10,000, 11,000, and 12,000 runs in the history of ODI cricket.
- He is the fastest to score 25 ODI centuries.
- He is the first Indian to score 3 consecutive centuries in ODI cricket.
- Kohli has scored 46 centuries in ODIs, which is the second-highest number of centuries for any player, only behind Sachin Tendulkar.
- He has the highest ODI batting average of 57.32 with 12,898 runs.
- Most 4s in ODI with 1211 fours, among all active players.
- Virat Kohli holds the record for the fastest century in ODI by an Indian player, Kohli achieved a century off just 52 balls against Australia in 2013.
- Virat Kohli is the sole batsman in ODI cricket to have scored 10 centuries against a single opponent Sri Lanka.
Test Achievements
- Highest win percentage of 58.82 as a captain in red-ball cricket.
- He has the highest no. of Test runs as an Indian captain with 5864 runs.
- In Virat Kohli’s captaincy, the Indian Test team was ranked as No. 1 for continuously 42 months, from 2016 to 2020.
- Most Test double centuries as a captain for India.
- Most Test centuries as a captain for India.
- Highest score of 254 is the highest score by an Indian Captain in red ball cricket.
- Virat Kohli has 3 double centuries in a calendar year after Don Bradman and Ricky Ponting.
- He is the only batsman to share the record of 4 double Test centuries with Don Bradman, Graeme Smith, and Michael Clarke among all active players.
- Virat Kohli is the first Indian to score 1000 Test runs in a calendar year after Rahul Dravid.
- First Indian skipper to register 9 Test wins in a calendar year.
- First Indian skipper to register 5 successive Test series wins.
- First Indian skipper to score a double century in an overseas test.
- Second-most Test centuries by an Indian player, behind Sachin Tendulkar.
T20I Achievements
- He has the highest no. of runs in T20Is 4008 runs.
- Virat Kohli is the first batsman to reach 4000 runs.
- He has the most no. of the 50s in the T20Is 37 fifties.
- Virat Kohli has the most no. of 4s in T20Is 356 fours.
- He has the most no. of Player of the Tournament awards 15 times.
- Virat Kohli has most no. of Player of the Series awards 6 times.
- Virat Kohli has the best average of 52.73 in T20Is.
- He is the highest run-scorer in T20 World Cup history with 1141 runs in just 25 innings.
IPL Achievements
- Virat Kohli has the highest no. IPL runs in history with 7263 runs.
- He is the First batsman to reach 7263 runs in IPL history.
- Virat Kohli has the most no. of centuries in IPL with 7 hundred.
- He is the first batsman to score 973 runs in a single IPL season.
- He is the first batsman to score 4 centuries in a single IPL season.
Other Achievements
- He has the highest run as an Indian captain with 11,208 runs, which is the most by an Indian captain.
- Virat Kohli has the Sir Garfield Sobers Award for ICC Male Cricketer of the Decade.
- Virat Kohli was named as ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Decade.
- Most no. of runs in a calendar year as an Indian batsman for 6 times in 2012, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019.
- He is the fastest batsman to reach 13,000, 14,000, 15,000, 16,000, 17000, 18,000, 19,000, 20,000, 21,000, 22,000, 23,000, 24,000, and 25,000 international runs after Sachin Tendulkar.
- Virat Kohli is the first Indian and the third batsman in the world to be ranked as No. 1 in all three formats of the ICC rankings.
- Virat Kohli is the only batsman to have a 50+ average in all three formats of the game.
Honours
National Honours
| Year | Awards |
|---|---|
| 2013 | Arjuna Award |
| 2017 | Padma Shri |
| 2018 | Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award |
Sporting Honours
| Year | Awards |
|---|---|
| 2011-2020 | ICC Male Cricketer of the Decade (Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy) ICC Men’s ODI Player of the Decade ICC Men’s Test Team of the Decade (Captain) ICC Men’s ODI Team of the Decade ICC Men’s T20I Team of the Decade |
| 2011-2012 | International Cricketer of the Year (Polly Umrigar Award) |
| 2012 | ICC ODI Player of the Year ICC ODI Team of the Year |
| 2014 | ICC ODI Team of the Year |
| 2014-2015 | International Cricketer of the Year (Polly Umrigar Award) |
| 2015-2016 | International Cricketer of the Year (Polly Umrigar Award) |
| 2016 | ICC ODI Team of the Year (Captain) Wisden Leading Cricketer in the World Indian Premier League Orange Cap |
| 2016-2017 | International Cricketer of the Year (Polly Umrigar Award) |
| 2017 | ICC Cricketer of the Year (Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy) ICC ODI Player of the Year ICC ODI Team of the Year (Captain) ICC Test Team of the Year (Captain) Wisden Leading Cricketer in the World |
| 2017-2018 | International Cricketer of the Year (Polly Umrigar Award) |
| 2018 | ICC Cricketer of the Year (Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy) ICC ODI Player of the Year ICC Test Player of the Year ICC ODI Team of the Year (Captain) ICC Test Team of the Year (Captain) Wisden Leading Cricketer in the World |
| 2019 | ICC ODI Team of the Year (Captain) ICC Test Team of the Year (Captain) |
| 2022 | ICC Men’s T20I Team of the Year ICC Men’s Player of the Month |
Virat Kohli’s Social Media Links:
| Social media | Accounts |
|---|---|
| Visit Here | |
| Visit Here | |
| Visit Here | |
| Imbd | Visit Here |
