Introduction
Virat Kohli is probably regarded as the greatest batsman of all time by many, and his name certainly comes to mind when one talks of the modern-day game of cricket. With an aggressive style of play, impeccable technique, and purpose, Kohli has really set a stubborn mark on the cricketing world. But how did this young boy from Delhi rise to become a global icon? Let’s delve into the life and achievements of Virat Kohli.
Early Life and Background
Birth and Family
Virat Kohli was born on November 5, 1988, in Delhi, India. He comes from a middle-class family: his father, Prem Kohli, is a criminal lawyer by profession, while his mother, Saroj Kohli, is a homemaker. Right since childhood, Virat showed aggressive passion for cricket and was often seen playing cricket on Delhi’s streets.
Childhood and Early Cricketing Aspirations
Virat’s journey began at the tender age of nine when he joined the West Delhi Cricket Academy. His talent was there from the start, and under the watchful eyes of his coach, Rajkumar Sharma, he honed his skills and rose extremely fast in Delhi cricket circles.
Domestic Cricket and Success at Early Stages of his Career
Domestic Cricket Debut
Virat Kohli made his first-class debut for Delhi in November 2006 at the age of 18. However, he got his big break when he batted brilliantly for Delhi in a Ranji Trophy game, which happened to be only a day after his father’s death in December 2006, displaying huge determination and commitment towards the game.
India U-19 World Cup Victory
In 2008, Kohli was appointed as the captain of the Indian U-19 cricket team that was to feature in the ICC U-19 World Cup in Malaysia. He led the team to victory and presented his leadership skills by proving that he was one of the future stars of Indian cricket.
International Career and Achievements
ODI Debut and Rise to Stardom
Virat Kohli made his ODI debut for India on 18 August 2008 against Sri Lanka. Some of the early efforts were quite good; though it wasn’t really until the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup, he came good and contributed much to the success of India.
Test Debut and Ascendancy
Kohli made his Test debut against the West Indies in June 2011. He found it pretty tough initially but was soon on his way to find his feet. By the year 2013, he was consistently performing at the highest level in all formats of the game.
Captaincy and Major Achievements
Taking Over the Captaincy
Virat Kohli took over as the captain of the Indian Test team in 2014, after MS Dhoni retired from Test cricket. He then took up the mantle of captaincy in ODIs and T20Is in 2017. In his leadership, he oversaw many milestones of India, including a historic series victory in Australia in 2018-19.
ICC Awards and Records
Kohli has broken a lot of records and won many awards during his career. He was awarded ICC Cricketer of the Year on several occasions and received the renowned Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy. He holds the record for the fastest century in ODIs by an Indian and, with his consistency and target chase abilities, he has come to be known as the “Chase Master.”
Batting Records and Milestones
ODI and T20I Milestones
Kohli is the fastest player to reach 8,000, 9,000, 10,000, and 11,000 runs in ODI cricket. He has also been the fastest to attain 70 international centuries and stands next only to Sachin Tendulkar in terms of total centuries scored. In T20Is, he has been a prolific scorer and set several records for most runs in a calendar year.
Milestone Test Cricket
In Test cricket, Kohli has been a run machine, making double centuries in various countries against some of the toughest bowling attacks. To that agile style of batting, add the knack of adjusting to different conditions, and he certainly becomes one of the most feared batsmen in the world.
Leadership and Legacy
Transforming the Indian Team
As a skipper, Kohli transformed Indian cricket into one of the greatest sides in world cricket today. His emphasis on fitness, aggression, and a never-say-die attitude has inspired a complete new generation of cricketers. Under his captaincy, India reached the top of the ICC Test rankings and held on to that position for a record number of days.
Impact Beyond Cricket
Beyond the cricket field, Kohli has been an inspiration to millions for his fitness, philanthropy, and business ventures in the fashion and sports team ownership.
Personal Life
Marriage to Anushka Sharma
Virat Kohli married Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma in December 2017. It truly is one of the most loved and powerful couples in India; their fans call them “Virushka.” The couple had their first baby, a daughter named Vamika, in January 2021.
Philanthropy and Social Causes
Kohli participates in many charitable events with the Virat Kohli Foundation. The foundation works to empower underprivileged children and to develop sports in the country.
Conclusion
From the boy from Delhi to a global superstar in cricket—Virat Kohli’s journey is nothing less than inspirational. It has been his quest for excellence on and off the field that has set up new standards in the world of cricket. As he continues to break records and inspire millions, Kohli’s legacy as one of the finest cricketers ever gets firmly etched in history.
FAQ
1. What are Virat Kohli’s major cricketing achievements?
Virat Kohli has numerous achievements, including leading India to a series win in Australia, being the fastest to 8,000, 9,000, 10,000, and 11,000 ODI runs, and winning the ICC Cricketer of the Year award multiple times.
2. How many centuries has Virat Kohli scored in international cricket?
As of now, Virat Kohli has scored over 70 international centuries, making him one of the top century-makers in cricket history.
3. What records does Virat Kohli hold?
Virat Kohli holds several records, including the fastest century in ODIs by an Indian, and the fastest to 10,000 ODI runs. He also holds the record for the most double centuries as a Test captain.
4. What impact has Virat Kohli had as the captain of the Indian cricket team?
As captain, Kohli transformed the Indian team into a world-beating unit, emphasizing fitness and aggressive play. Under his leadership, India became the top-ranked Test team and won several major series, including a historic win in Australia.
5. What are some of Virat Kohli’s off-field contributions?
Off the field, Kohli is known for his philanthropy through the Virat Kohli Foundation, his involvement in fitness and fashion ventures, and his influence as a global sports icon.
