Table of Contents
1. Virat Kohli: The Run Machine of Indian Cricket
Virat Kohli is fondly called the ‘run machine’ of Indian cricket and has earned this title with a stellar career characterized by consistency, record-breaking skills, and unparalleled dedication. Kohli has displayed an unparalleled ability to adapt and excel in all formats (Tests, ODIs, and T20s) right from his early days while maintaining an impressive average that has established him in the best of cricket. He has become the fastest player to reach 8,000, 9,000, 10,000, and 12,000 runs in ODIs, making him a leading batsman and breaking records that have stood for years. Kohli’s unparalleled ability to score runs is another trait that has earned him a reputation as one of the most reliable players under pressure. His exceptional performances across the world for over 70 years put him in the league of legends that only a few players can achieve. As captain, Kohli has led India to the top of the ICC Test rankings, transformed the team into a contender on foreign soil, and produced historic victories in countries like Australia. Off the field, Kohli has received numerous awards including the Rajiv Gandhi Khair Ratna Award, the Padma Shri Award, and several awards from the International Cricket Federation, all of which reflect his dedication to the game of Cricket Impact. These achievements, combined with his dedication and camaraderie, have earned Virat Kohli the nickname of the “Run Machine” of Indian cricket.
2. Early Life and Childhood
Virat Kohli was born on November 5, 1988 in Delhi, India. He loved sports since nonage. He grew up in a middle-class family where his father Prem Kohli encouraged him to pursue his passion for justice. Kohli had a desire to play football in his non-age and started playing justice at the age of 9. He joined the West Delhi Cricket Academy and snappily impressed the trainers with his gift and capability to play well. Kohli’s advance came when he was named for the Delhi Under-15 platoon and soon established himself in the Under-17 and Under-19 brigades. His passion for the game and hard work on the field earned him his debut in the Indian public platoon. He joined the platoon in 2008, marking the morning of a career that would make him one of the most stylish and most successful players in the world.
3. Rise in Cricket Career
Virat Kohli’s early domestic career saw him rise through the species of Indian justice, making a name for himself with harmonious performances in age-group events. He captained the IndianU-19 platoon to palm in the 2008 ICC Under-19 World Cup, showcasing his leadership chops and fur prowess. His success at the domestic position and with the U-19 platoon caught the attention of the Indian pickers, leading to his debut in transnational justice later that time. Kohli made his first appearance for the Indian public platoon in an ODI against Sri Lanka in 2008, marking the morning of his remarkable career in transnational justice. His aggressive playing style and capability to handle pressure snappily made him a crucial player for India across all formats.
4. Career Milestones and Records
4.1 Major ICC Event Performances: Kohli played a crucial role in India’s success in major ICC events, including leading the Indian U-19 team to victory in the 2008 World Cup and contributing significantly to India’s 2013 Champions Trophy win.
4.2 Fastest to 8,000, 9,000, 10,000, 11,000, and 12,000 ODI Runs: Kohli set multiple records for being the fastest to reach various run milestones in ODIs, surpassing cricketing legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Brian Lara.
4.3 ICC Player of the Year (2017): Kohli was awarded the ICC Cricketer of the Year in 2017 for his exceptional performances in all formats of the game.
4.4 Most Centuries in Chases: Kohli holds the record for the most centuries in successful run chases in ODIs, demonstrating his temperament and capability under pressure.
4.5 Highest Batting Average in ODIs: Kohli’s batting average of over 50 in ODIs consistently places him among the best in world cricket.
4.6 Fastest to 50, 60, and 70 International Centuries: Kohli is the fastest player to score 50, 60, and 70 international centuries, surpassing even the great Sachin Tendulkar in these categories.
4.7 Captaincy Achievements: Under his leadership, India reached the top spot in the ICC Test rankings for the first time in 2016, and Kohli led India to numerous series wins across all formats, including the historic 2-1 victory in the 2018 Test series against Australia in Australia.
4.8 First Indian to Score 40 ODI Centuries: Kohli became the first Indian cricketer to score over 40 centuries in ODIs.
4.9 Most Runs in T20 Internationals for India: Kohli holds the record for the most runs for India in T20 internationals.
4.10 Fastest to 43 ODI Centuries: Kohli became the fastest to reach 43 centuries in ODIs, surpassing the legendary Ricky Ponting.
5. Personal Life and Interests
Virat Kohli’s personal life is as dynamic and inspiring as his cricket career. Born to Prem and Saroj Kohli in Delhi, he grew up with a strong family foundation. His father, a lawyer, was his biggest supporter, and his sudden passing in 2006 had a profound impact on Kohli, shaping his determination and work ethic in the years that followed.
Kohli married Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma in December 2017 in a private ceremony in Italy. The couple is often seen as one of India’s most high-profile celebrity pairs, and their relationship has garnered significant media attention. They have a daughter, Vamika, born in January 2021.
Beyond cricket, Kohli is known for his passion for fitness and wellness. He has been an advocate for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, often sharing his fitness routines and dietary habits with his followers. He is also involved in philanthropy and runs the Virat Kohli Foundation, which works toward supporting underprivileged children and promoting sports among youth.
Kohli is a keen admirer of sports in general and has expressed interest in other sports like football and basketball. He is also an avid traveler and enjoys spending time with family and friends. He has a deep love for fashion and often expresses his personal style through his clothing choices and public appearances. Additionally, Kohli has ventured into business, with interests in various brands and companies, including his own clothing line and fitness-related ventures.
Kohli’s personal life, alongside his cricketing career, reflects his versatility, passion, and commitment to excellence, both on and off the field.
6. Challenges and Comeback
Virat Kohli’s career has been defined by his ability to overcome challenges and make remarkable comebacks. Early in his career, he struggled with consistency, particularly in ODIs, and faced criticism. However, through hard work and dedication, he transformed into one of the most dominant and consistent batsmen in international cricket. Kohli’s leadership also came under scrutiny after he took over as captain in 2017, especially following tough series losses, such as the 2018 Test series against England. Yet, his leadership was solidified with India’s historic 2-1 win in Australia in 2018. Another significant challenge came in the form of a dip in form during 2020-2021, which saw Kohli facing criticism for his lack of centuries, but he made a strong comeback, displaying his resilience. Injuries also posed obstacles, particularly during key tournaments like the 2019 World Cup, but Kohli’s ability to recover and return to peak fitness was evident. Personal loss, such as the passing of his father when he was just 18, deeply affected him, but it also fueled his determination to succeed in cricket. Throughout his career, Kohli has openly addressed the mental health challenges of the sport, taking breaks when necessary to maintain his well-being. His ability to rise above setbacks and adapt to the pressures of captaincy and personal challenges has made him one of the most resilient and respected figures in world cricket.
7. Legacy and Impact
Virat Kohli’s legacy in cricket extends far beyond his remarkable records and achievements. He is regarded as one of the greatest modern-day cricketers, and his influence on the game is profound, both in India and globally. Kohli’s aggressive playing style, relentless work ethic, and unmatched consistency have set new standards in international cricket, especially in the shorter formats. His passion for fitness and emphasis on maintaining a healthy lifestyle has changed the approach of cricketers toward physical conditioning, inspiring a generation to focus on fitness both on and off the field.
Kohli’s impact is not limited to his individual performances but also to his leadership. As captain of the Indian cricket team, he led India to the top spot in the ICC Test rankings and drove India to many historic series victories, including the famous 2-1 win in Australia in 2018. His leadership has been marked by an aggressive, fearless approach, which has reinvigorated Indian cricket and made it one of the most competitive teams in the world.
Off the field, Kohli’s influence is equally significant. His high-profile marriage to Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma made him a global figure, while his philanthropic efforts through the Virat Kohli Foundation, which supports underprivileged children and promotes sports, have made a positive social impact. Kohli has also ventured into business, including investments in fitness and lifestyle brands, further cementing his position as a cultural icon.
His approach to handling challenges, including taking breaks for mental health and focusing on personal growth, has helped raise awareness about the importance of mental well-being in professional sports. Kohli’s legacy will be remembered not just for his cricketing prowess but for his role in shaping the modern cricketing landscape and his contributions to making the sport more professional, fitness-oriented, and mentally resilient.