Virat Kohli biography explores the life of cricket’s Run Machine. Learn about his age, wife Anushka Sharma, children Vamika and Akaay, career records, net worth of ₹1,050 crore, and retirement from Tests.
Who is Virat Kohli?
Virat Kohli represents modern cricket’s most dominant force, a batting maestro whose name has become synonymous with consistency, aggression, and unmatched skill. Born on November 5, 1988, in Delhi, India, this 36-year-old legend transformed from a middle-class boy playing street cricket in Uttam Nagar to becoming one of the wealthiest and most celebrated athletes globally.
Nicknamed the “King,” “Chase Master,” and “Run Machine,” Kohli’s extraordinary journey encompasses leading India to World Cup glory, captaining the national team across all formats, and establishing unprecedented batting records. His marriage to Bollywood superstar Anushka Sharma in 2017 created India’s most powerful celebrity couple, while his two children—daughter Vamika and son Akaay—remain carefully protected from public scrutiny.
Beyond cricket, Kohli has built a business empire worth ₹1,050 crore ($127 million) through strategic endorsements, entrepreneurial ventures, and investments. His retirement from Test cricket on May 12, 2025, marked the end of an era, though he continues dominating limited-overs formats. His influence extends beyond boundaries, inspiring millions with his fitness revolution and dedication to excellence.
Quick Facts About Virat Kohli
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Virat Kohli |
| Date of Birth | November 5, 1988 |
| Age (2025) | 36 years old |
| Birthplace | Delhi, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Height | 5’11” (180 cm) |
| Religion | Hindu (Punjabi Khatri) |
| Wife | Anushka Sharma (m. December 11, 2017) |
| Children | Vamika Kohli (daughter), Akaay Kohli (son) |
| Father | Late Prem Kohli (Criminal Lawyer) |
| Mother | Saroj Kohli (Homemaker) |
| Siblings | Vikas Kohli (brother), Bhawna Kohli (sister) |
| Net Worth (2025) | ₹1,050 crore (~$127 million) |
| IPL Team | Royal Challengers Bengaluru (since 2008) |
| Batting Style | Right-handed batsman |
| Jersey Number | 18 |
| International Debut | August 18, 2008 (vs Sri Lanka) |
Early Life and Family Background
Virat Kohli’s story begins in the bustling streets of Uttam Nagar, Delhi, where he was born into a middle-class Punjabi Hindu family. His father, Prem Kohli, worked as a criminal lawyer, providing modest means for the family, while his mother Saroj Kohli managed their household with dedication and warmth. Growing up with elder siblings Vikas and Bhawna, young Virat exhibited cricket obsession from age three, constantly requesting his father bowl to him.
The West Delhi Cricket Academy became Virat’s second home in 1998 when his father, recognizing his son’s extraordinary passion, arranged a meeting with coach Rajkumar Sharma. This decision would alter Indian cricket’s trajectory forever. Under Sharma’s guidance, the determined nine-year-old began transforming raw talent into refined skill, spending countless hours perfecting his technique.
December 2006 brought devastating tragedy when Prem Kohli suffered a fatal brain stroke at 54. The 18-year-old Virat faced his darkest moment while playing a Ranji Trophy match for Delhi against Karnataka. Rather than withdrawing, he returned the next day, scoring an emotional 90 runs that saved Delhi from defeat. This innings revealed the steel beneath—cricket wasn’t merely passion but purpose, and his father’s memory would fuel every subsequent achievement.
His formative education at Vishal Bharti Public School and later Saviour Convent Senior Secondary School provided academic foundation, though cricket always commanded primary focus. His childhood nickname “Chikoo,” given by Delhi State coach Ajit Chaudhary, reflected the lighter side of an otherwise intensely focused youngster who despised mathematics but loved history.
Rise Through the Ranks
Virat’s domestic cricket journey accelerated rapidly through Delhi’s age-group teams. In 2002, he represented Delhi Under-15, becoming the highest run-scorer in the 2003-04 Vijay Merchant Trophy with 172 runs at 34.40 average for Delhi Under-17. By February 2006, he made his domestic debut for Delhi against Services, though he didn’t bat. His first-class debut followed in November 2006 against Tamil Nadu, where he managed just 10 runs, but perseverance would soon yield spectacular results.
The watershed moment arrived in 2008 when Kohli captained India’s Under-19 team to World Cup victory in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. His leadership and batting prowess during this tournament announced his arrival on the global stage. Royal Challengers Bangalore immediately secured his services for $30,000 in the inaugural IPL auction, beginning an association that continues today.
His international debut came on August 18, 2008, in an ODI against Sri Lanka in Dambulla, where he scored 12 runs opening the batting. Though modest, this marked the beginning of a career that would rewrite record books. The 2009 Emerging Players Tournament in Australia saw him score 405 runs in nine innings, ensuring national selectors couldn’t ignore his exceptional talent.
Marriage to Anushka Sharma
Virat’s life transformed beyond cricket when he met Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma during a shampoo commercial shoot in 2013. Their relationship, conducted under intense media scrutiny, faced challenges including online trolling whenever Kohli experienced batting slumps. However, their bond strengthened through adversity, with Virat consistently defending Anushka against social media abuse.
On December 11, 2017, the couple surprised India by marrying in a private ceremony in Tuscany, Italy, surrounded only by close family and friends. The intimate wedding showcased their desire for privacy despite their celebrity status. Their union created India’s most influential power couple—cricket’s biggest star married to one of Bollywood’s leading actresses.
Their family expanded on January 11, 2021, with daughter Vamika’s birth. The couple immediately established firm boundaries regarding their children’s privacy, requesting media and fans refrain from sharing images or details. This protective stance continued with son Akaay’s arrival in 2024. Despite global fame, Virat and Anushka strive providing their children grounded, normal upbringings away from constant public attention.
International Cricket Career
Test Cricket Dominance
Kohli’s Test career began in June 2011 against West Indies. Initially struggling with technical issues, particularly against swinging conditions during England tours, he evolved into one of Test cricket’s finest batsmen. His 2014 England tour, where he averaged just 13.5 across five Tests, pushed him into depression, but characteristically, he emerged stronger.
He accumulated 8,848 runs in 113 Tests at 49.15 average, including 30 centuries and seven double centuries. As Test captain from 2014-2022, Kohli led India to unprecedented success—40 wins in 68 matches made him India’s most successful Test skipper. Under his leadership, India achieved their first-ever Test series victory in Australia (2018-19) and won three consecutive ICC Test maces (2017, 2018, 2019).
His retirement announcement on May 12, 2025, at age 36, closed this chapter. His final Test during the January 2025 Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia represented the end of an extraordinary journey that redefined Indian Test cricket’s standards.
ODI Supremacy
ODI cricket witnessed Kohli’s absolute dominance. With 53 centuries—surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 49—he stands as ODI cricket’s most prolific century-maker. His ability chasing targets became legendary, earning him the “Chase Master” nickname with 27 centuries while chasing, including numerous match-winning knocks under immense pressure.
He was instrumental in India’s 2011 World Cup triumph and captained the team during the 2013 Champions Trophy victory. His crowning achievement came in the 2024 T20 World Cup final, where his Player of the Match performance helped India clinch the title, after which he announced his T20I retirement. The 2025 Champions Trophy added another trophy to his cabinet.
His ODI records include being the fastest to 8,000, 10,000, 12,000, and 13,000 runs, achieving the latter in just 261 innings—far quicker than legends like Tendulkar (321), Ponting (341), and Sangakkara (363). He became the fastest batter to reach 28,000 international runs, breaking Tendulkar’s record.
IPL Legacy with RCB
Since 2008, Kohli has remained loyal to Royal Challengers Bengaluru—the only player in IPL history playing exclusively for one franchise. Though RCB’s title eluded them for years, Kohli’s individual brilliance shone consistently. He captained RCB from 2013-2021, becoming the franchise’s identity.
His IPL 2016 season remains legendary—973 runs including four centuries established records unlikely to be broken soon. For IPL 2025, he earned ₹21 crore, making him one of the league’s highest-paid players. His loyalty to RCB, despite never winning the trophy until 2025 when he finally lifted it after 17 years, endeared him to millions of fans worldwide.
Career Timeline & Major Milestones
| Year | Achievement | Format |
|---|---|---|
| 1998 | Joined West Delhi Cricket Academy | Junior Cricket |
| 2006 | First-class debut for Delhi | Domestic |
| 2008 | U19 World Cup victory as captain | U19 Cricket |
| 2008 | International ODI debut | ODI |
| 2008 | IPL debut for RCB | T20 |
| 2011 | World Cup winner | ODI |
| 2011 | Test debut | Test |
| 2013 | Champions Trophy winner | ODI |
| 2014 | Became Test captain | Test |
| 2017 | ODI & T20I captain | Limited Overs |
| 2017 | Married Anushka Sharma | Personal Life |
| 2018-19 | First Test series win in Australia | Test |
| 2021 | Daughter Vamika born | Personal Life |
| 2024 | T20 World Cup winner & retirement | T20I |
| 2024 | Son Akaay born | Personal Life |
| 2025 | Test cricket retirement | Test |
| 2025 | Champions Trophy winner | ODI |
Net Worth and Financial Empire
Virat Kohli’s net worth of ₹1,050 crore ($127 million) in 2025 establishes him as cricket’s richest player and among the world’s wealthiest athletes. His financial empire rests on multiple pillars, creating diversified income streams that extend far beyond cricket salaries.
Cricket Earnings
As a BCCI Grade A+ contracted player, Kohli receives ₹7 crore annually—the highest tier. Match fees add substantially: ₹15 lakh per Test, ₹6 lakh per ODI, and ₹3 lakh per T20I. His IPL 2025 salary of ₹21 crore from RCB makes him one of the league’s top earners, with total IPL career earnings exceeding ₹250 crore.
Brand Endorsements
Endorsements constitute Kohli’s largest income source, generating approximately ₹200 crore annually. He represents 25+ premium brands including Puma, Audi, MRF Tyres, Blue Tribe Foods, Tissot, Vivo, Manyavar, Himalaya, Fire-Boltt, and Blue Star. His brand value remains unmatched in Indian cricket, with deals typically worth ₹7-10 crore each.
Business Ventures
Kohli co-founded Wrogn, a youth fashion lifestyle brand, which has gained significant market presence. His partnership with Puma created One8, a premium athleisure brand reflecting his fitness-focused lifestyle. One8 Commune, his restaurant chain operating in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, showcases his hospitality sector ambitions.
He established Chisel Fitness, a chain of health clubs and fitness centers across India, investing ₹90 crore in this venture. His sports investments include co-ownership of FC Goa (Indian Super League) and other franchise opportunities.
Investments and Assets
His real estate portfolio includes luxury properties in Gurugram and Mumbai worth over ₹360 crore, featuring state-of-the-art gyms and smart home technology. He has invested in numerous startups including Blue Tribe (plant-based meat), Rage Coffee, Hyperice, Mobile Premier League (MPL), and Digit Insurance, demonstrating sharp business acumen.
Social Media Earnings
With over 300 million Instagram followers, Kohli ranks as the third most-followed athlete globally after Messi and Ronaldo. Reports suggest he earns ₹8-10 crore per sponsored Instagram post, though he has refuted exact figures. His social media presence generates substantial passive income.
Philanthropy and Social Impact
The Virat Kohli Foundation, established to support underprivileged athletes and promote India as a sporting superpower, reflects his commitment to social causes. During COVID-19, he and Anushka pledged donations to PM CARES Fund and Maharashtra CM Relief Fund. Their 2021 fundraising campaign ‘#InThisTogether’ raised over ₹11 crore, starting with their personal ₹2 crore donation.
Their collaboration with Awaaz Foundation established a rehabilitation center for stray animals in Mumbai, inspired by Anushka’s animal welfare passion. Kohli’s influence extends to inspiring fitness culture among Indians, particularly youth, through his dedication to health and nutrition.
Records and Achievements
Virat Kohli’s 84 international centuries include 30 in Tests (with 7 double hundreds) and 53 in ODIs—the most in ODI history. He scored the fastest century (52 balls) against Australia at Jaipur in 2013 and holds records for fastest to 8,000, 10,000, 12,000, and 13,000 ODI runs.
He remains the only batsman earning 900+ rating points across all three formats, demonstrating unparalleled consistency. His awards include Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy (ICC Cricketer of the Year) in 2017-2018, ICC Test Player of the Year 2018, ICC ODI Player of the Year (2012, 2017, 2018, 2023), Wisden Leading Cricketer in the World (2016-2018), and India’s Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award (2018).
Personal Life and Interests
Kohli turned vegetarian in October 2019, crediting this dietary change for improved fitness and mental clarity. A spiritual seeker, he and Anushka follow teachings of Krishna Das, a devotee of Neem Karoli Baba, attending kirtan events regularly.
His tattoo collection reflects personal philosophy and spirituality, with each design holding special meaning. His 2023 tattoo on his right hand, created by artist Sunny Bhanushali, represents his spiritual journey. He maintains several superstitions, including wearing black wristbands and a kada for good luck.
A football enthusiast, he co-owns FC Goa in the Indian Super League, demonstrating passion beyond cricket. His love for luxury cars is evident in his collection featuring Audis, Bentleys, and other high-end automobiles. Despite immense wealth, he values family time, often seen enjoying private moments with Anushka and their children.
