Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli (born 5 November 1988) is an Indian cricketer and one of the greatest batsmen in the history of cricket. Regarded as one of the most complete and aggressive batsmen of all time, Kohli has dominated all formats of the game with his remarkable consistency, fitness, and mental toughness. He has scored over 25,000 international runs across formats and holds the record for the most centuries in One Day International cricket (50+). Born in Delhi, Kohli showed prodigious talent from a young age. He was noticed by his coach Rajkumar Sharma at the West Delhi Cricket Academy when he was just 9 years old. His father, a criminal lawyer, supported his cricketing ambitions but tragically passed away in 2006 when Virat was just 18. Despite the devastating loss, Kohli played a match-winning innings in a Ranji Trophy match the next day, displaying the mental fortitude that would define his career. Kohli made his international debut for India in 2008 and quickly established himself as a reliable middle-order batsman. He was part of the Indian team that won the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup, scoring a crucial 35 in the final. He went on to become the captain of the Indian cricket team in all formats, leading the side from 2013 to 2022. Under his captaincy, India reached the final of the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy and won the 2018 ICC Test Championship Mace. Known for his aggressive style both on and off the field, Kohli revolutionized Indian cricket with his emphasis on fitness, fielding, and competitive spirit. His on-field intensity, passionate celebrations, and confrontational approach made him both admired and controversial. He stepped down as T20I captain in 2021 and was later removed as ODI captain. He retired from T20 Internationals after the 2024 T20 World Cup, which India won. Kohli married Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma in 2017, and together they are one of India's most high-profile celebrity couples.