On May 12, 2025, Indian cricket legend Virat Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket, concluding a remarkable 14-year career in the longest format of the game.
Virat Kohli: The Rise of a Modern Cricket Legend
Early Life and Childhood
Virat Kohli was born on November 5, 1988, in Delhi, India, into a middle-class Punjabi family. His father, Prem Kohli, was a criminal lawyer, and his mother, Saroj Kohli, is a homemaker. Virat has an elder brother, Vikas, and an elder sister, Bhavna. From a young age, Kohli displayed signs of immense talent and focus. According to his family, he picked up a cricket bat as early as three years old and showed a natural flair for the game.
He began formal cricket training at the age of nine when he joined the West Delhi Cricket Academy (WDCA) in 1998, under the guidance of coach Rajkumar Sharma. Even at such a young age, Kohli stood out for his discipline, drive, and aggressive style. His passion for cricket was so intense that he never missed a training session, regardless of weather or school commitments.
Tragedy and Turning Point
A pivotal moment in Kohli’s life came in 2006. While playing a Ranji Trophy match for Delhi against Karnataka, his father tragically passed away due to a stroke. Kohli was only 18 years old. Remarkably, despite the profound personal loss, he chose to continue playing the match, scoring a crucial 90 runs. This act of determination and commitment won him national attention and marked the beginning of his journey from a talented young cricketer to a future star.
U-19 World Cup Glory
Kohli first caught international eyes as the captain of the Indian team that won the ICC U-19 World Cup in 2008, held in Malaysia. His confident leadership, dependable batting, and fiery demeanor made him a standout figure in the tournament. This victory not only highlighted Kohli’s leadership potential but also paved the way for his entry into senior international cricket.
Entry into International Cricket
Soon after the U-19 success, Kohli was drafted into the senior Indian team. He made his ODI debut on August 18, 2008, against Sri Lanka. His initial performances were steady, and he quickly established himself as a dependable batsman. In 2009, he scored his maiden ODI century against Sri Lanka and began to cement his place in the squad.
Rise Through the Ranks
From 2010 onwards, Kohli’s career graph soared. His consistency, combined with his aggressive playing style, earned him praise from cricketing legends and analysts alike. He was known for chasing down big totals and had a knack for performing under pressure, especially in limited-overs cricket.
By 2011, he was a key part of India’s ODI setup and was selected for the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup squad. He played a crucial role in India’s victorious campaign, scoring a century in his first World Cup match against Bangladesh and forming important partnerships throughout the tournament. India lifted the World Cup after 28 years, and Kohli’s stature as a world-class player began to take shape.
Test Career and Maturity
Kohli made his Test debut in June 2011 against the West Indies. His start was modest, but he showed improvement quickly. In 2012, during the tour of Australia, he was one of the few Indian batsmen to stand tall against the mighty Australian attack, scoring a memorable century in Adelaide. That tour was a significant turning point in his Test career, marking the transition from a talented youngster to a gritty performer.
Kohli’s hunger for runs, coupled with his intense fitness regime, made him a complete player across formats. He soon became one of the few cricketers to dominate in Tests, ODIs, and T20s alike.
Captaincy and Leadership
Virat Kohli was appointed vice-captain of the Indian team in 2012. In 2014, following the retirement of MS Dhoni from Test cricket, Kohli took over as the Test captain. He later became India’s full-time captain in all formats in 2017.
Under his leadership, India saw tremendous success:
- He led India to its first-ever Test series win in Australia in 2018–19.
- He made India the number one ranked Test team for several consecutive years.
- He fostered a culture of fitness and aggression, setting high standards for himself and teammates.
- His tactical acumen and bold decisions were widely praised.
Kohli became one of the most successful Test captains in Indian history, with notable wins in South Africa, England, and Australia. Though an ICC trophy eluded him as captain, his influence on the Indian team’s transformation was undeniable.
Batting Records and Achievements
Virat Kohli’s list of records is extensive and ever-growing:
- Fastest player to 8,000, 9,000, 10,000, 11,000, and 12,000 ODI runs.
- Most centuries in run chases in ODIs.
- Second only to Sachin Tendulkar in terms of total international centuries.
- First Indian batsman to score three consecutive centuries in ODIs.
- Over 8,000 runs in Test cricket, averaging over 50.
- Over 13,000 runs in ODIs, with an average over 57 (the highest among players with that many runs).
- Numerous ICC awards, including:
- ICC Cricketer of the Year (2017, 2018)
- ICC ODI Player of the Year (2012, 2017, 2018)
- Wisden Leading Cricketer in the World (2016, 2017, 2018)
His cover drives, fitness, intensity, and incredible consistency have made him a modern batting icon.
Indian Premier League (IPL) Career
Kohli has been an integral part of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) since the inception of the IPL in 2008. He was appointed captain of the franchise in 2013 and served in that role until 2021.
Highlights of his IPL career:
- Highest ever single-season run tally: 973 runs in 2016, including four centuries.
- Over 7000 IPL runs, the most by any player.
- Known for his loyalty to RCB, he has played for no other franchise since 2008.
Despite not having won an IPL trophy yet, his performances and brand value have made him the face of the league.
Off the Field: Personality and Influence
Beyond cricket, Kohli is a youth icon and one of the most marketable athletes in the world. He has endorsed numerous global brands, launched his fashion label Wrogn, and is involved in philanthropic activities through the Virat Kohli Foundation, which supports underprivileged children and promotes sports development.
He married Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma in December 2017, forming one of India’s most high-profile celebrity couples. In January 2021, the couple welcomed their daughter, Vamika.
Kohli is also a vocal advocate for fitness and health. He transformed Indian cricket’s approach to fitness, setting new benchmarks in diet, strength training, and endurance.
Controversies and Criticisms
Like most global superstars, Kohli has had his share of controversies:
- His aggressive on-field behavior and confrontations with players and umpires have been criticized.
- His decision to step down from T20 and later ODI captaincy led to a public fallout with the BCCI, particularly surrounding the communication about his removal.
- His form dipped in 2020–2022, during which he went through a lean patch without scoring an international century for nearly three years.
Despite the criticisms, Kohli’s passion for the game, honesty about his struggles, and work ethic won over even his critics.
Return to Form and Legacy
King Kohli: Virat Kohli’s Cricket Legacy and Test Retirement
Kohli silenced critics with a stunning return to form in late 2022 and 2023, including a century in the Asia Cup and a memorable 100 in the 2023 ODI World Cup, where he broke Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 49 ODI centuries, becoming the first player to hit 50 ODI hundreds.
The 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup saw Kohli at his best, ending as the tournament’s highest run-scorer and the Player of the Tournament, reaffirming his place among the greats.
The Legacy of Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli’s journey is one of resilience, evolution, and greatness. From a precocious teenager in Delhi to one of the finest batters in the history of the game, his story is as inspiring as it is remarkable.
He redefined the standards of fitness, professionalism, and performance for Indian cricketers. He transformed Indian cricket from a team dependent on legends to one driven by aggressive self-belief and fearless youth.
Kohli’s records, leadership, and impact will inspire generations. Whether he’s chasing a mammoth total, setting standards of discipline, or mentoring young players, his legacy is secured as one of India’s greatest sporting icons.