Virat Kohli is one of the most celebrated cricketers in the history of the sport. Known for his aggressive batting style, impeccable consistency, and leadership skills, he has achieved numerous records across all formats of international cricket. Kohli’s career is marked by his ability to adapt and dominate in all conditions, making him one of the greatest batsmen of all time.
Early Life and Cricket Journey
Virat Kohli was born on November 5, 1988, in Delhi, India. From an early age, he showed immense passion for cricket and joined the West Delhi Cricket Academy at the age of nine. His early success came when he captained the Indian U-19 team to victory in the 2008 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup. His performances caught the attention of selectors, and he soon made his way into the senior national team.
International Career Overview
Kohli made his international debut in August 2008 in an ODI against Sri Lanka. Over the years, he established himself as the backbone of the Indian batting lineup. His leadership skills earned him the captaincy across all formats, and he played a crucial role in India’s victories in major tournaments.
Virat Kohli’s International Cricket Statistics
| Format | Matches Played | Innings | Runs Scored | Batting Average | Centuries (100s) | Half-Centuries (50s) | Highest Score | Double Centuries (200s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 123 | 207 | 9,250 | 53.25 | 30 | 31 | 254* | 7 |
| ODI | 301 | 292 | 14,180 | 58.11 | 51 | 74 | 183 | 0 |
| T20I | 125 | 117 | 4,188 | 48.69 | 1 | 38 | 122* | 0 |
| Overall | 549 | 616 | 27,618 | 54.83 | 82 | 143 | 254* | 7 |
Test Cricket Career
Kohli made his Test debut in 2011 against the West Indies. Though he had a shaky start, he quickly cemented his place in the Indian lineup. His defining moment came during the 2014-15 Australia tour, where he scored four centuries in four matches, establishing himself as a Test match giant.
- Most Double Centuries by an Indian Captain: Kohli has seven double centuries in Test cricket, the most by an Indian captain.
- Leading India to Historic Wins: Under his leadership, India won their first-ever Test series in Australia in 2018-19.
- Peak ICC Test Rating: Kohli achieved a peak ICC rating of 937 points in 2018, the highest by an Indian batsman.
ODI Cricket Career
Kohli’s ODI debut in 2008 was the beginning of a glorious career. His consistency in the 50-over format has set him apart as one of the best ODI batsmen of all time.
- Fastest to 8,000-14,000 Runs: Kohli holds the record for being the fastest batsman to reach these milestones in ODI cricket.
- Most Centuries in ODI Cricket: He surpassed Sachin Tendulkar’s record by scoring 51 centuries in ODIs.
- Cricket World Cup Heroics: Kohli scored 765 runs in the 2023 Cricket World Cup, the highest in a single edition.
T20 International Career
Kohli’s adaptability in T20 cricket has made him one of the top performers in the format.
- Highest Career Average in T20Is: Kohli averages 48.69, making him one of the most consistent T20 batsmen.
- Most Runs in T20 World Cups: He is the highest run-scorer in T20 World Cup history.
- First Player to 4,000 T20I Runs: Kohli was the first batsman to reach this milestone.
Captaincy and Leadership
Kohli led India across all formats from 2017 to 2022. Under his leadership:
- India became the No. 1 Test team for several consecutive years.
- India won a historic Test series in Australia in 2018-19.
- He led India to the final of the ICC World Test Championship (2021).
- India won multiple bilateral series against top teams, both home and away.
IPL and Domestic Cricket
Kohli has been an integral part of the Indian Premier League (IPL) since its inception in 2008. He has played for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) throughout his IPL career.
- Most Runs in IPL History: Kohli has scored over 7,000 IPL runs.
- Highest Ever IPL Season Score: He scored 973 runs in IPL 2016, the most in a single season.
- RCB’s Most Valuable Player: He has been the backbone of the team for more than a decade.
Fitness and Work Ethic
Kohli’s focus on fitness revolutionized Indian cricket. His dedication to a strict diet and rigorous training regimen has inspired many young cricketers. He played a major role in making Yo-Yo fitness tests mandatory for Indian team selection.
Awards and Recognitions
- ICC Cricketer of the Year (2017, 2018, 2020)
- Padma Shri Award (2017)
- Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna (2018)
- Arjuna Award (2013)
- Most Valuable Player in ICC Events
Challenges and Comebacks
Like every great player, Kohli faced challenges in his career. His struggle with form in 2020-21 raised concerns, but he made a stunning comeback in 2022, scoring his 71st international century. His resilience and mental toughness have been key factors in his success.
Conclusion
Virat Kohli’s cricketing journey is an inspiration to millions. His passion, determination, and hunger for success make him one of the finest cricketers the world has ever seen. Whether in Tests, ODIs, or T20Is, Kohli has left an indelible mark on the game. With many more years of cricket left in him, fans eagerly await more records and match-winning performances from the King of Cricket.
