People think Virat Kohli is one of the best cricketers of all time. He was born on November 5, 1988, in Delhi, India. Kohli was once the captain of the Indian national cricket team. His rise from a young talent to a global sports icon is proof of his unmatched skill, hard work, and love for the game. Kohli has changed the way modern cricket is played and inspired millions of people around the world with his aggressive batting style, dedication to fitness, and leadership skills.
Early Life and Rise to Fame
Kohli was born into a middle-class Punjabi family in Delhi and showed a strong interest in cricket from an early age. He joined the West Delhi Cricket Academy when he was nine, and it was clear that he had a lot of talent. In 2008, he had his big break when he led the Indian Under-19 team to victory in the ICC U-19 World Cup. That year, when he was only 19, he played for India in an ODI against Sri Lanka for the first time.
Kohli’s early performances showed off his technical skill and ability to chase runs under pressure, which is why he was given the nickname “Chase Master.” His desire to score runs and his ability to do so consistently made him a key player in India’s batting order in all formats.
International Career and Accomplishments
Kohli has a lot of records and awards in his international career. He is the active cricketer with the most runs in ODIs as of August 2025. He also holds many records, such as being the fastest to reach 8,000, 9,000, 10,000, 11,000, 12,000, and 13,000 ODI runs. He is one of the greatest cricketers of all time, along with Sachin Tendulkar, because he has 80 international centuries (50 in ODIs, 30 in Tests, and 1 in T20Is).
Under Kohli’s leadership, India became a powerful team in Test cricket. He was India’s captain from 2014 to 2022 and led the team to historic series wins, like India’s first Test series win in Australia in 2018-19. His tough leadership and focus on fitness changed Indian cricket for the better, creating a culture of excellence.
Kohli’s T20I career is just as impressive, with an average of over 50 and a reputation for holding down innings and speeding up when needed. His famous 82* off 53 balls against Pakistan in the 2022 T20 World Cup in Melbourne is still one of the best knocks in T20 history.
Virat Kohli Net Worth
As of 2025, Virat Kohli’s estimated net worth is between ₹1,050 crore and ₹2,080 crore (approximately $127–250 million). The variation depends on different sources and how they account for his assets, endorsements, and business ventures.
Income Breakdown
- Cricket Salary:
- BCCI annual contract: ₹7 crore
- Per ODI: ₹6 lakh
- IPL (RCB): ₹21 crore in 2025
- Endorsements:
- Brands like Puma, Audi, MRF, HSBC, and more
- Estimated annual earnings: ₹192 crore ($24 million)
- Business Ventures:
- Co-founder of Agilitas Sports
- Investor in Blue Tribe Foods and Rage Coffee
- Owns fashion brand One8
- Estimated value: ₹100 crore ($12.5 million)
- Real Estate:
- Properties in Mumbai and Delhi
- Estimated worth: ₹792 crore ($88.5 million)
Awards & Recognition
- Padma Shri (2017)
- Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna (2018)
- ICC Cricketer of the Decade (2020)
Kohli’s empire goes far beyond cricket—he’s built a brand that blends athletic excellence with entrepreneurial flair.
How they play and what they do
Kohli’s batting style combines old-school technique with modern aggression. He is a complete batsman because he can play pace and spin equally well and hit cover drives and flicks. His dedication to fitness off the field has raised the bar in cricket, motivating both teammates and opponents to make physical fitness a priority.
People have compared him to greats like Viv Richards and Ricky Ponting because of how mentally tough he is and how well he plays under pressure. Fans love Kohli’s passion, which is clear in his animated celebrations. This makes him a global ambassador for the sport.
Legacy and Leadership
India reached new heights under Kohli’s captaincy from 2013 to 2022 in all formats. India was number one in the ICC Test rankings and made it to the finals of big tournaments like the 2017 Champions Trophy and the semifinals of the 2019 World Cup. He didn’t win an ICC trophy as captain until the 2024 T20 World Cup, but his contributions as a player in that win were very important.
Kohli’s impact goes beyond numbers; he has also inspired a whole generation of cricketers. He is a role model for athletes all over the world because of his work ethic, discipline, and never-give-up attitude.
Outside of the Field
Kohli’s life off the field is just as interesting as his life on the field. He has been married to Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma since 2017. He is a cultural icon in India and has a huge following on social media (over 300 million on Instagram as of 2025). He is also a successful business owner. He has put money into fitness businesses, fashion brands, and the Indian Premier League (IPL) team Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), where he has been a mainstay since 2008.
Kohli speaks out about mental health, fitness, and environmental issues, and he uses his platform to push for positive change. His charity work, like the Virat Kohli Foundation, helps poor kids and the growth of sports.
Recent Behavior and Future
Kohli, who is 36 years old as of August 2025, is still the best player in international cricket. Even though he is no longer captain, he still wants to score runs. His performances in the 2024 T20 World Cup, where India won the title, put an end to critics who were questioning his T20 form. There are still rumors about his retirement, but Kohli has said he wants to keep playing as long as he can help India win matches.
In conclusion
The story of Virat Kohli’s rise from a Delhi boy with a dream to a global cricketing legend is one of talent, hard work, and change. His records may define his career, but his passion, leadership, and impact on the evolution of cricket will make him the modern maestro of the game. Kohli is still a great example of excellence in cricket and in life as he continues to bat, lead, and inspire.
