Full Name: Virat Prem Kohli
Nickname: Cheeku, King Kohli, Run Machine
Date of Birth: 5 November 1988
Age: 37 Years (as of 2026)
Birthplace: Delhi, India
Hometown: Gurugram, Haryana / Mumbai, Maharashtra
Profession: International Cricketer (Batsman)
Years Active: 2008 – Present
Nationality: Indian
Religion: Hinduism
Caste: Khatri (Punjabi)
Zodiac Sign: Scorpio
Height: 5’9” (175 cm)
Weight: 72 kg (Approx.)
Eye Color: Dark Brown
Hair Color: Black
Body Measurements: Chest: 40", Waist: 30", Biceps: 14"
Food Habit: Vegetarian (Plant-based Diet)
Hobbies: Gym, Reading, Traveling, Playing with Pets
Tattoos: 11 Tattoos (including Lord Shiva, God's Eye, Om, and Parents' names)
Father’s Name: Late Prem Kohli (Criminal Lawyer)
Mother’s Name: Saroj Kohli (Housewife)
Siblings: Vikas Kohli (Elder Brother), Bhawna Kohli (Elder Sister)
Marital Status: Married
Spouse: Anushka Sharma (Actress & Producer)
Children: Vamika Kohli (Daughter), Akaay Kohli (Son)
Affairs / Relationships: Anushka Sharma (Married in 2017)
Instagram ID: @virat.kohli
Instagram Followers: 275 Million+
Twitter (X): @imVkohli
Facebook: Virat Kohli (Official Page)
YouTube Channel: Virat Kohli (Official)
Other Platforms: Threads, Snapchat
Introduction
Virat Kohli is widely regarded as one of the greatest batsmen in the history of cricket. A modern-day legend, his name is synonymous with passion, aggression, and an unrelenting hunger for runs. Rising from the streets of Delhi, Kohli transformed himself into a global sporting icon, breaking countless records and leading the Indian cricket team to historic heights. In 2026, he remains a pivotal figure in the world of sports, balancing his roles as a senior statesman in the Indian dressing room and a powerhouse in franchise cricket.
Known for his impeccable technique and "chase-master" ability, Kohli has redefined fitness standards in Indian cricket. His influence extends far beyond the pitch, as he is the most followed Asian individual on social media and a highly successful entrepreneur. Whether it is his fierce cover drive or his vocal leadership, Virat Kohli continues to inspire millions of aspiring athletes across the globe.
Early Life & Childhood
Virat Kohli was born on November 5, 1988, into a Punjabi family in Delhi. His father, Prem Kohli, worked as a criminal lawyer, and his mother, Saroj, is a housewife. Growing up in Uttam Nagar, Virat's interest in cricket was evident from the age of three when he would pick up a bat and ask his father to bowl to him.
Recognizing his talent, his father took him to the West Delhi Cricket Academy in 1998, where he trained under coach Rajkumar Sharma. His childhood was marked by a deep tragedy when his father passed away in 2006 due to a brain stroke. Demonstrating immense mental fortitude, a young Virat returned to the cricket field the very next day to play a crucial knock for Delhi in a Ranji Trophy match, a moment that defined his character for years to come.
Education Qualification
Virat Kohli attended Vishal Bharti Public School until the ninth grade before moving to Saviour Convent School in Paschim Vihar to better focus on his cricket training. While he was a bright student, his heart was always set on the 22 yards of the cricket pitch.
He completed his schooling up to the 12th standard, but as his professional career took off with his selection for the Delhi Under-15 team and subsequently the India Under-19 team, he dedicated himself entirely to the sport. Despite not pursuing higher university education, his eloquence and strategic mindset have made him one of the most articulate speakers in world sports.
Career Journey
Kohli’s career sky-rocketed when he led the India Under-19 team to victory in the 2008 World Cup in Malaysia. This success earned him a spot in the Indian national team, making his ODI debut against Sri Lanka in August 2008. While he initially struggled to cement his place among legends like Tendulkar and Sehwag, his consistency soon made him indispensable.
He was a member of the 2011 World Cup-winning squad, where he played a vital role in the final. Over the next decade, he dominated all formats, becoming the fastest to reach several milestones, including 10,000, 11,000, and 12,000 ODI runs. In Test cricket, he transformed the Indian team into a world-beating unit, especially overseas, holding the record for the most wins as an Indian Test captain.
Breakthrough Moment
While the 2008 U-19 World Cup was his entry point, his 133* off 86 balls against Sri Lanka in Hobart (2012) is often cited as his true international breakthrough. Chasing 321 in under 40 overs, Kohli dismantled Lasith Malinga and announced himself as the premier "chase master."
Another turning point was his 2014-15 tour of Australia, where he scored four centuries in four Tests. This tour established him as a world-class Test batter and led to his appointment as India's full-time Test captain following MS Dhoni's retirement.
Major Works & Projects
Kohli's career is decorated with massive tournaments and historic series wins. He has participated in multiple ICC World Cups (2011, 2015, 2019, 2023) and Champions Trophies. His performance in the 2023 World Cup, where he broke Sachin Tendulkar's record for most ODI centuries (50), remains a peak highlight.
In the Indian Premier League (IPL), Kohli has been a "one-club man," playing for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) since 2008. His 2016 season, where he scored 973 runs with four centuries, is considered the greatest individual season in T20 history. Even in 2025 and 2026, he continues to be the backbone of RCB’s batting lineup.
Awards & Achievements
Virat Kohli has a trophy cabinet that rivals any athlete in history. He has been honored by the Government of India with the Arjuna Award (2013), the Padma Shri (2017), and the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna (2018).
Internationally, he has won:
- ICC Cricketer of the Decade (2011–2020)
- Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy (ICC Cricketer of the Year) in 2017 and 2018
- ICC ODI Player of the Year (2012, 2017, 2018, 2023)
- ICC Test Player of the Year (2018)
- Wisden Leading Cricketer in the World (2016, 2017, 2018)
Income, Fees & Net Worth
As of 2026, Virat Kohli's net worth is estimated to be approximately ₹1,050 Crore to ₹1,100 Crore ($127–$132 Million). He is consistently ranked among the world's highest-paid athletes by Forbes.
His income sources include:
- BCCI Contract: Grade A+ player, earning ₹7 Crore annually.
- Match Fees: ₹15 Lakh per Test, ₹6 Lakh per ODI.
- IPL Salary: Retained by RCB for ₹21 Crore (2026 season).
- Endorsements: Charges ₹7–10 Crore per day for brand shoots. He endorses over 30 brands including Puma, MRF, Audi, and Vivo.
Lifestyle, Assets & Cars
Virat Kohli leads a luxurious lifestyle that balances high-end glamour with strict discipline. He owns a lavish 7,171 sq. ft. apartment in Worli, Mumbai (worth ₹34 Crore) and a magnificent bungalow in DLF Phase 1, Gurugram (worth ₹80 Crore). Recently, he also built a sprawling holiday home in Alibaug.
His car collection is a dream for any enthusiast, featuring:
- Bentley Continental GT & Flying Spur
- Audi R8 LMX & Audi A8L
- Range Rover Vogue
- Land Rover Autobiography
Controversies & Criticism
A player with Kohli's intensity is rarely far from controversy. His early career was marked by "middle-finger" gestures to crowds in Australia. He has had high-profile on-field spats, most notably with Gautam Gambhir in the IPL and Naveen-ul-Haq.
His departure from captaincy in 2021-22 was also clouded in controversy regarding his communication with the BCCI. However, Kohli has always addressed these issues with maturity in his later years, often stating that his aggression is what drives his performance.
Lesser Known Facts
- Virat was the first Indian to score a century on World Cup debut (2011 against Bangladesh).
- He turned strictly vegetarian/vegan in 2018 due to a cervical spine issue and has since become an advocate for plant-based diets.
- His favorite subject in school was History, and he hated Math.
- He has a superstitious habit of wearing black wristbands while batting.
- He is the only player in IPL history to play for a single franchise for 19 consecutive seasons (2008–2026).
Public Image & Fan Following
With over 275 million Instagram followers, Kohli is a digital titan. His public image has evolved from a "bratty" youngster to a dignified statesman and a doting father. He and his wife, Anushka Sharma, are considered India’s premier power couple ("Virushka").
He is widely respected for his humanitarian work through the Virat Kohli Foundation, which supports underprivileged children and athletes. His commitment to fitness has sparked a nationwide revolution in India, making him a role model for healthy living.
Upcoming Projects & Future Goals
Having retired from T20 Internationals after the 2024 World Cup win, Kohli’s primary focus in 2026 is the ICC World Test Championship and the upcoming 2027 ODI World Cup. He continues to mentor younger players in the RCB camp and is heavily involved in expanding his business ventures, including his clothing brand WROGN and restaurant chain One8 Commune.
His future goals involve taking India to the top of the Test rankings again and continuing to push the boundaries of batting longevity.
Disclaimer: This biography is written using publicly available information and media reports up to March 2026. Personal details like net worth and social media counts are estimates and subject to change.