Virat Kohli: A Deep Dive into the Life, Career, and Success of the Cricket Legend

Introduction

Virat Kohli, one of the most celebrated and influential figures in the world of cricket, has become synonymous with excellence in the sport. From his incredible batting prowess to his charismatic leadership, Kohli’s journey has been one of hard work, perseverance, and unrelenting passion. As of 2025, Kohli’s career continues to inspire millions of fans across the globe. This article explores his net worth, total runs, centuries, lifestyle, education, career milestones, and more, providing a comprehensive overview of the cricket icon.

Early Life and Education

Virat Kohli was born on November 5, 1988, in Delhi, India, to a Punjabi family. His father, Prem Kohli, was a lawyer, and his mother, Saroj Kohli, is a homemaker. From an early age, Kohli showed an immense passion for cricket, which led him to pursue the sport professionally.

Kohli attended Vivekananda School in Delhi, where his natural talent for cricket became apparent. He was trained at the West Delhi Cricket Academy, where he honed his skills as a batsman. Despite the challenges of balancing academics and cricket, Kohli excelled in both areas. However, his passion for the game quickly surpassed his interest in traditional schooling, and he chose to pursue cricket full-time.

Kohli’s education was not just confined to the classroom; his learning on the cricket field shaped him into the player he is today. His commitment to improving his game and understanding cricket at a deeper level played a crucial role in his rise to prominence.

Virat Kohli’s Career: From Domestic Cricket to International Stardom

Joining the Indian Cricket Team

Virat Kohli’s journey to international cricket began when he made his debut for the Delhi Under-17s team in 2002. His performances in domestic cricket and his consistency in the Indian domestic circuit earned him a spot in the Indian national team. He made his One Day International (ODI) debut for India in August 2008 against Sri Lanka. Kohli’s aggressive and stylish batting soon earned him recognition, and by 2010, he had become a regular fixture in the Indian team.

He made his Test debut in 2011, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his career. Kohli’s ability to adapt to various formats of the game and his relentless drive to improve his skills made him one of the most dangerous batsmen in world cricket.

Becoming Captain

In 2013, Virat Kohli was appointed as the vice-captain of the Indian cricket team, and by 2017, he succeeded MS Dhoni as the captain of the Indian team in all formats. Under his leadership, India reached new heights, achieving numerous records, including a historic series win against Australia in their home country in 2018. Kohli’s aggressive and passionate approach to leadership was a defining feature of his tenure as captain.

The Impact of Virat Kohli’s Batting

Kohli’s batting is characterized by consistency, adaptability, and a remarkable ability to perform in high-pressure situations. His technique, footwork, and ability to play all around the ground have earned him admiration from cricketing experts. As of 2025, Virat Kohli has accumulated over 25,000 international runs, including his centuries in ODIs, Tests, and T20Is.

Total Runs and Centuries

Virat Kohli is widely regarded as one of the best modern-day batsmen. His career statistics speak for themselves:

Total Runs: As of early 2025, Virat Kohli has scored over 25,000 international runs across all formats of the game.
Centuries: Kohli has made a significant impact in terms of centuries, with over 70 international centuries, including a remarkable number of ODI centuries, making him one of the highest century-makers in the history of world cricket.

His ability to score centuries consistently across all formats – especially under pressure – has cemented his status as one of the game’s all-time greats.

Major Career Milestones

ODI Centuries: Kohli has 46 centuries in One-Day Internationals, making him second on the list of most centuries in this format, behind only Sachin Tendulkar.
Test Centuries: In Tests, Kohli has scored more than 27 centuries, which is one of the highest among Indian batsmen and ranks him highly in the all-time list for Test cricket.
ICC Rankings: Kohli has held the position of ICC’s No. 1 batsman in ODIs for a record number of weeks, further emphasizing his dominance in the format.
Records: Kohli has set numerous records, including the fastest to 8,000, 9,000, 10,000, and 11,000 ODI runs, showcasing his remarkable consistency in limited-overs cricket.

Virat Kohli’s Net Worth

Virat Kohli’s financial success has been as impressive as his cricketing career. As of 2025, Kohli’s net worth is estimated to be around $115 million (approximately ₹900 crores). His wealth comes from various sources, including:

Cricket Contracts: As one of the highest-paid cricketers, Kohli’s earnings from international cricket contracts and his time in the Indian Premier League (IPL) are significant contributors to his wealth. He has been a star player for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the IPL for many years.
Brand Endorsements: Kohli’s marketability has made him a favorite among top global brands. He endorses brands like Nike, Audi, Puma, and MRF and is one of the most followed athletes on social media, which boosts his earning potential.
Business Ventures: Kohli has also invested in various businesses, including fitness startups and health products, further increasing his wealth outside of cricket.
Property: Kohli’s real estate investments, including luxury properties in India and abroad, contribute to his growing net worth.

His wealth allows him to lead a lifestyle that matches his stature, and he continues to be a high-demand celebrity across the world.

Virat Kohli’s Lifestyle

Virat Kohli’s lifestyle is a reflection of his personality – driven, focused, and health-conscious. Known for his fitness, Kohli follows a strict diet and workout regime that is integral to his performance on the field. He often shares glimpses of his fitness routine and diet with his followers on social media.

Family Life

Kohli married Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma in December 2017, and the couple welcomed their first child, Vamika, in January 2021. The family is frequently seen enjoying their private moments, with Kohli posting rare but heartfelt images of his family on social media.

Fashion and Social Media Presence

Virat Kohli has developed a distinct sense of fashion over the years. Whether on or off the field, he is often seen in stylish outfits, setting trends among his followers. His Instagram account has millions of followers, and he uses the platform to connect with fans, promote brands, and share glimpses of his life.

Virat Kohli’s Retirement

While there has been no official announcement about his retirement as of 2025, Kohli is gradually transitioning from being the captain of the Indian cricket team to focusing more on his batting prowess. As he enters his late 30s, the prospect of retirement looms, but given his passion and commitment to the game, many believe that Kohli will continue to play for as long as his body allows him.

Virat Kohli’s Legacy and Fame

Virat Kohli’s legacy is firmly etched in the history of cricket. His consistency with the bat, his leadership, and his fitness regime have set new standards in the sport. Kohli’s fame extends far beyond the cricket field, as he is one of the most marketable athletes globally. He has broken numerous records, inspired millions, and elevated the Indian cricket team to unprecedented success on the international stage.

Impact on Cricket

Kohli’s aggressive style of batting, combined with his mental toughness, has inspired a new generation of cricketers. He is credited with revolutionizing fitness standards in Indian cricket, emphasizing the importance of physical conditioning to perform at the highest level. His approach to the game has made him a role model for young cricketers worldwide.

Conclusion

Virat Kohli is much more than a cricketer. He is a global icon, a fitness enthusiast, a businessman, and an inspiration to millions. From his early days in Delhi to becoming one of the greatest batsmen in the history of cricket, Kohli’s journey has been remarkable. His relentless pursuit of excellence, both on and off the field, continues to earn him accolades, and his legacy in world cricket is cemented. As he continues to break records and inspire future generations, Virat Kohli’s impact on the game will be felt for decades to come.