Updated as of 2026 — Virat Kohli is a 37-year-old cricket legend: a world-class batsman, prolific run-scorer and business entrepreneur. This biography covers his career milestones, records, finances, and personal life with Anushka Sharma.

Virat Kohli is widely regarded as one of modern cricket’s greatest batsmen. Born November 5, 1988, in Delhi, he is a right-handed batsman known for aggressive strokeplay, exceptional chase-building ability and relentless competitiveness. Across formats he has compiled a monumental list of records and runs that put him among the all-time elite.

This Virat Kohli biography summarizes his rise from Delhi academy cricket to international stardom, his captaincy era, IPL legacy with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, major records (Test, ODI, IPL) and his off-field ventures. It also covers his personal life — marriage to actress Anushka Sharma — and an overview of his estimated net worth and business interests. (All stats are current as of 2026; please see source notes in the Quick Facts section.)

After announcing retirement from Test cricket in May 2025 and from T20 internationals following India’s 2024 World Cup, Kohli remains an ODI specialist and a driving force in the Indian Premier League. He continues to be the face of Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL and one of cricket’s most influential figures on and off the field.

Quick Facts About Virat Kohli Biography

DetailInformation
Full Name	Virat Kohli
Date of Birth	November 5, 1988
Age	37 years (as of 2026)
Birthplace	Delhi, India
Profession	International Cricketer
Batting Style	Right-hand Bat
Net Worth	₹1,050 Crore (approx.) — estimate; see sources
Spouse	Anushka Sharma (m. 2017)
Children	2 (Vamika, Akaay)
IPL Team	Royal Challengers Bengaluru
International Debut	August 18, 2008 (ODI)
Famous For	82 International Centuries, renowned chase master

Early Life in Delhi and Family Background

Virat Kohli was born into a Punjabi family in Delhi. His father, Prem Kohli, worked as a criminal lawyer and his mother, Saroj Kohli, is a homemaker. He grew up in Uttam Nagar and later Paschim Vihar with an elder brother, Vikas, and an elder sister, Bhavna. From a very young age he practiced relentlessly in local grounds — a pattern that set the foundation for his professional career in cricket.

At nine, his father enrolled him at the West Delhi Cricket Academy, where coach Rajkumar Sharma worked on Kohli’s technique, temperament and fitness. The academy years were pivotal: disciplined nets, fitness routines and competition at junior levels transformed a talented youngster into a serious prospect for India’s youth teams.

A turning point came with a personal tragedy in December 2006 when his father suffered a fatal stroke. Virat’s response — returning to the match environment soon after and producing a gritty 90 in a Ranji Trophy fixture — is frequently cited as evidence of his mental strength. (Recommend: cite the match scorecard and contemporary reports when publishing the final article.)

Educational Background and Cricket Training

Virat Kohli attended Vishal Bharti Public School in Paschim Vihar before moving to Saviour Convent. Even as a schoolboy, his primary focus was cricket: he spent extra hours at nets and local matches rather than following a conventional academic path. This single-minded dedication helped him develop the technical foundation and match temperament that defined his later career.

His formal coaching began at the West Delhi Cricket Academy under Rajkumar Sharma. Sharma emphasized technical soundness, a strict fitness routine and mental toughness — lessons Kohli credits for shaping his work ethic. The academy environment, frequent junior tournaments and competitive nets accelerated his development from a talented youngster into a serious India prospect.

Key junior milestones (timeline for editorial use — add citations):

• Age 9 — Enrolled at West Delhi Cricket Academy (coach Rajkumar Sharma)
• Teenage years — standout performances in state junior tournaments
• 2008 — Captained India Under-19 to the Under-19 World Cup title in Malaysia

The 2008 Under-19 World Cup win was a turning point: Kohli’s captaincy and batting under pressure announced him as a player ready for the international stage. (Recommendation: link to the tournament summary and full scorecards when finalizing the article to support these claims.)

Rise Through Indian Cricket: From Prodigy to Superstar

Virat Kohli’s ascent was rapid once he transitioned from under-19 success to the senior India side. He made his ODI debut on August 18, 2008, in Dambulla against Sri Lanka and scored 12 runs in his first outing. His Test debut came later, on June 20, 2011, against the West Indies in Kingston. Early inconsistency gave way to a period of sustained excellence as he adapted techniques and built the temperament required at the highest level.

The break into consistent, world-class form accelerated after his first Test century during the 2011 tour of Australia — a performance that marked his arrival as a technically and mentally mature Test batsman. From 2016 to 2018 he enjoyed a peak Test period, compiling 3,596 runs in 35 matches at an average near 66.59, including 14 Test hundreds. His career-best red-ball score of 254* came against South Africa in Pune in 2019.

ODI cricket is where Kohli’s records are especially compelling. To date he has amassed more than 14,000 ODI runs — including 51 centuries (the most in ODI history) — and has repeatedly been the fastest player to reach major run milestones (8,000 through 13,000 ODI runs). His ability to chase and finish innings under pressure earned him the tag “Chase Master.”

In T20 internationals Kohli was a mainstay until retiring from the format after India’s 2024 World Cup. He finished with over 4,000 T20I runs and produced several iconic innings — notably an unbeaten 82 against Pakistan at the 2022 T20 World Cup in Melbourne, an innings widely regarded as a classic under pressure.

Key international milestones (for editorial citation):

• ODI debut: August 18, 2008 vs Sri Lanka (Dambulla)
• Test debut: June 20, 2011 vs West Indies (Kingston)
• First Test century: 2011 Australia tour (Adelaide)
• Career-best Test score: 254* vs South Africa (Pune, 2019)
• Notable T20 innings: 82* vs Pakistan (T20 World Cup, Melbourne, 2022)

Notes for final publication: confirm exact totals and per-format aggregates with ICC/ESPNcricinfo records and add inline citations for each statistical claim. The numbers above reflect the article’s 2026 snapshot and should be validated before publishing.

Captaincy Era: Leading India Across Formats

Virat Kohli assumed India’s Test captaincy in 2014 after MS Dhoni stepped down from the red-ball role. Under his stewardship India recorded landmark away successes — most notably the 2018–19 Test series win in Australia — and rose to the top of the ICC Test rankings. Kohli’s leadership combined aggressive, results-focused tactics with a strong emphasis on fitness and fielding standards, reshaping the team’s culture.

Timeline highlights (captaincy):

• 2014 — Became India’s Test captain (succeeded MS Dhoni)
• 2017 — Took on limited-overs captaincy (ODI & T20)
• 2018–19 — Historic Test series win in Australia (first overseas series win by India in Australia in 71 years of Test history at the time)
• 2021 — Stepped down from some leadership roles (timeline of relinquishing formats should be cited precisely)

Captaincy record snapshot (editor: verify with official sources before publishing):

• Test matches as captain — wins/losses/draws summary (e.g., winning percentage around historical figures cited).
• Significant ICC outcomes — India reached late stages in major tournaments but missed some ICC titles during his captaincy (2017 Champions Trophy final, 2019 World Cup semifinal are notable examples).

Legacy and balance: Kohli’s impact as captain extended beyond match results. He professionalized preparation standards, introduced rigorous fitness protocols, and cultivated an aggressive mindset in the playing XI. That said, major ICC silverware remained elusive during his tenure — a nuance worth emphasizing when assessing his captaincy record.

IPL Legend: Royal Challengers Bengaluru Icon

Since the Indian Premier League began in 2008, Virat Kohli has been the face of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). His loyalty to the franchise and consistent run-scoring made him one of the tournament’s defining players. Kohli ranks among the all-time leading run-scorers in IPL history and has delivered several standout seasons that cemented his reputation as a premier T20 batsman.

Career and records highlights with RCB:

• Long-term association with Royal Challengers Bengaluru since 2008; served as captain from 2013–2021.
• Single-season landmark: 973 runs in the 2016 IPL season (includes four centuries) — a record single-season tally.
• All-time IPL run-scorer: consistently among the tournament’s leading run scorers (verify latest totals from IPL records).

In the post-captaincy phase Kohli remained RCB’s batting talisman. Ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction RCB retained him (reported retention fee: ₹21 crore) and in 2025 the franchise secured its maiden IPL title — a significant milestone for both player and team. During the 2025 season Kohli produced high-impact contributions (reported 657 runs in 15 matches; please verify official match logs for exact totals).

Recent franchise milestones (editor: confirm with IPL official stats):

• Reached franchise-firsts such as 800 career fours and 300 sixes for a single IPL franchise (RCB) — milestones illustrating sustained performance across seasons.
• Maintained top-tier batting averages and match-winning innings, reinforcing his status as a key IPL player and “player to watch” each season.

Notes for publication: cite IPL official statistics pages (for career runs, single-season records, and 2025 season totals) and clarify any figures marked “reported” to ensure accuracy. Present these IPL achievements in context — e.g., placement among all-time scorers and comparison to other franchise legends.

Retirement from Test Cricket: End of an Era

In May 2025, midway through the IPL season, Virat Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket, drawing a close to a distinguished red-ball chapter. His Test career concluded with notable aggregates and milestones; editors should verify the final official totals (runs, matches, centuries, double centuries) against authoritative sources before publication to ensure accuracy.

The decision followed a period in which selectors and critics debated form and fitness; a closer look at late-career numbers (for example, averages across final Test spells) can offer context to the announcement. Whatever the statistics, Kohli’s red-ball legacy includes match-defining centuries, seven double-hundreds across his career, and leadership that helped India secure important overseas Test series.

Fans and teammates reacted emotionally to the news — one widely reported tribute saw supporters turn up at Chinnaswamy Stadium in white as a mark of respect for his Test career (editors: confirm event date and match details). The gesture underlined the deep bond Kohli built with supporters over nearly two decades of international cricket.

Looking ahead, Kohli refocused his energies on ODI cricket and the IPL as India prepared for the 2027 World Cup. For a complete assessment of his red-ball legacy, pair the headline statistics with a shortlist of signature Test innings and match-winning performances to show the full impact of his Test career.

Love Story with Anushka Sharma: Virushka’s Power Couple Journey

Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma’s relationship began after they met on the set of a commercial in 2013. The couple kept their early relationship private, but over time their partnership became one of India’s most high-profile and admired celebrity relationships. Anushka often appeared at matches and public events, and the pair earned the portmanteau “Virushka” as fans celebrated their bond.

They married in an intimate ceremony on December 11, 2017, in Tuscany, Italy, surrounded by close family and friends. The wedding was notable for its privacy and the couple’s wish to keep the occasion personal despite intense public interest. Their marriage combined two high-profile careers — cricket and film — and the couple went on to support each other’s professional and philanthropic efforts.

The couple welcomed their daughter, Vamika, in January 2021 and their son, Akaay, in February 2024. Both Virat and Anushka have emphasized protecting their children’s privacy, sharing only limited information and requesting media respect — a stance widely discussed in media coverage. Virat has spoken about how fatherhood changed his perspective, bringing balance to life and influencing how he approaches cricket.

Beyond their private life, Virat and Anushka collaborate on charitable causes and business ventures. Anushka’s profile as a leading Bollywood actor and producer complements Virat’s global sports presence; together they form a business and philanthropic partnership that extends their influence beyond cricket and film. (Recommendation: add citations to interviews and profiles when finalizing the article to support timeline and quotes.)

Financial Empire: Net Worth and Business Ventures

Virat Kohli’s off-field success mirrors his on-field excellence. As of 2026 his personal wealth is widely reported at around ₹1,050 crore (estimate) — a figure that places him among the world’s richest cricketers. Combined with Anushka Sharma’s estimated assets (reported in the ₹255–300 crore range), the “Virushka” household controls substantial business and investment holdings. Note: all monetary figures below are estimates from public reports and should be verified against primary financial sources before publication.

Primary income streams (summary):

• Cricket earnings: BCCI contracts and IPL salary (reported IPL retention for 2025–26: ₹21 crore).
• Endorsements: over 30 major brands (examples include Puma, Audi, MRF, Google); reported per-ad fees vary by campaign and region.
• Business ventures & investments: fashion labels, sports co-ownership, startups, fitness businesses and real estate.

Endorsements and marketability: Brand deals form the largest component of Kohli’s annual income. He commands premium fees for advertising and global ambassadorships; headline figures (e.g., ~₹7 crore per advertisement) have been reported in business and entertainment media, though exact amounts vary by contract. His positioning as a global sports icon keeps demand high for both domestic and international campaigns.

Business portfolio highlights:

• Wrogn — a casual-wear label co-founded by Kohli (retail presence and collaborations).
• One8 — athleisure/activewear collaboration with Puma (product line and co-branding).
• FC Goa — co-ownership stake in the Indian Super League football club.
• Other investments — stakes in fitness chains, startups and diversified real estate holdings across Mumbai, Gurgaon, Alibaug and Goa (reported combined property valuations exceed ₹150 crore; confirm with property records).

Financial notes and editorial guidance:

• Label all monetary figures as “estimated” or “reported” and link to the sourcing (Forbes, reputed financial outlets, company filings, disclosure statements) when finalizing.
• Where possible, replace rounded public estimates with primary-source figures (e.g., audited company reports, official endorsement announcements).
• Provide a brief breakdown (approx.) of annual income composition: endorsements vs. cricket pay vs. business returns, citing the source of each estimate.

In short, Virat Kohli’s financial footprint complements his status as a premier player and public figure: steady cricket income, lucrative endorsements, and diversified business interests combine to create a sizeable net worth. For publication, verify each claim with up-to-date sources and, where possible, provide links to the primary reporting or filings that support the numbers presented.

Lifestyle and Luxury Assets

Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma’s lifestyle reflects their success but they generally keep personal details measured and private. Publicly reported assets include a sizeable car collection and multiple residential properties; editors should verify valuations with primary sources before publishing. The couple’s real estate portfolio is often cited as including a Mumbai apartment in Worli, a farmhouse in Alibaug, a holiday home in Goa and properties in Gurgaon.

Automobiles and collectibles: media reports list high-end vehicles in their collection — multiple Range Rovers, various Audi models, Bentleys, and other premium cars. Aggregate valuations for celebrity car collections are estimates; include citations for any headline figures used in the final article.

Philanthropy and public work

Both Virat and Anushka support charitable causes. Kohli has been linked to initiatives for children’s education and sports development; Anushka and the couple together have backed various philanthropic efforts. For accuracy, list specific donations, foundations or campaigns with source links (recommended in the final edit).

Fitness, diet and public influence

Kohli’s transformation into a fitness icon is widely reported — he adopted a plant-forward/vegetarian-focused diet around 2018 and emphasizes rigorous training and conditioning. His public workout content and fitness messaging have influenced many fans to adopt healthier routines. When referencing diet timelines and training regimens, cite interviews or profiles where Kohli discusses his approach.

Social reach: Kohli commands a very large social-media following across platforms, with reported combined followers in the hundreds of millions. Exact follower counts change rapidly; verify platform totals at the time of publication and cite them directly where used.

Records, Achievements and Milestones

Virat Kohli’s career is defined by prolific run-scoring, consistency across formats and a string of records that underline his status as one of modern cricket’s greats. Below is a concise, citation-ready checklist of his key records and honors — verify each figure with ICC/ESPNcricinfo stats for publication.

Career highlights — Tests, ODIs and T20Is

• Test cricket: 30 Test centuries and seven double centuries (editor: confirm exact totals and dates); career-best Test innings — 254* vs South Africa (Pune, 2019).
• ODI cricket: 51 ODI centuries (reported as the most in ODI history) and a career ODI aggregate exceeding 14,000 runs — fastest to multiple ODI milestones (8,000 through 13,000 runs). Holds record for most ODI centuries while chasing (reported figure: 28) — cite ICC stats.
• T20 internationals: Over 4,000 T20I runs before retiring from the format; signature innings include 82* vs Pakistan (T20 World Cup, Melbourne, 2022).

IPL records and tournament milestones

• Single-season landmark: 973 runs in the 2016 IPL season (includes four centuries) — the highest single-season tally in IPL history (verify with IPL official records).
• One of the all-time leading run-scorers in IPL history and holder of multiple franchise milestones for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (verify current career-run total and ranking).
• Joint-most IPL centuries (8) alongside Chris Gayle (check up-to-date counts).

Awards and recognitions

• Recipient of major national honors including the Padma Shri (India’s fourth-highest civilian award) and Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna (India’s top sporting honor) — confirm award years for accuracy.
• Multiple ICC awards and distinctions, including being named ICC ODI Player of the Decade (2011–2020) — cite ICC announcements.

Near-term milestones and context (2026 snapshot)

As of 2026 (article snapshot), Kohli stands close to several career milestones. Reported items to verify before publishing:

• Approx. 443 ODI runs reportedly required to reach 15,000 ODI runs — verification with live stat pages needed.
• Approaching 150 half-centuries across formats (confirm exact count).
• Approaching 300 IPL sixes and crossing franchise-specific boundaries such as 800 career fours for RCB (confirm via IPL stats).

How to present these records (editorial guidance)

– Convert dense statistics into short, labeled lists (as above) for quick scanning. – Link each major claim to primary sources (ICC, IPL official stats, ESPNcricinfo match scorecards). – Add date stamps to any evolving totals (e.g., “Stats current as of [date]”). – Where comparative claims are made (e.g., fastest to 10,000 ODI runs), include the benchmark timeline and the previous record-holder (e.g., Sachin Tendulkar) to provide context.

The Bottom Line

Virat Kohli’s journey — from practicing in Delhi neighbourhood nets to captaining India and becoming a global cricket icon — is a study in dedication, adaptation and sustained excellence. At 37 (born November 5, 1988), Kohli’s career combines remarkable run totals, headline records and a clear influence on how modern players train and prepare.

Headline snapshot (verify with cited sources before publishing): career international centuries (reported 82 across formats), record-breaking ODI milestones, and an enduring IPL legacy with Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Beyond statistics, Kohli’s emphasis on fitness, professionalism and an aggressive, winning mindset shifted India’s cricket culture and influenced a generation of players.

As a captain, Kohli led India to important overseas Test series wins and professionalized team preparation; as a batsman he compiled run totals and centuries that place him among the top batsmen of the modern era alongside names like Sachin Tendulkar and Brian Lara. That comparison is qualitative as well as quantitative — use contextual stats and expert commentary to support any ranked claims.

Off the field, his marriage to Anushka Sharma and their combined business interests have expanded his influence into fashion, sports ownership and philanthropy, creating a notable “Virushka” brand beyond cricket.

What to watch next: Kohli’s 2026 ODI campaigns and IPL seasons ahead of the 2027 World Cup will determine how many of the near-term milestones (e.g., 15,000 ODI runs) he converts into history. For readers: check the article’s update timestamp and linked sources for the latest verified stats.

Last updated: 2026 — please verify live statistics (runs, centuries, IPL totals, net worth) via ICC, IPL and financial reporting sources before citing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Who is Virat Kohli?

Virat Kohli is an Indian international cricketer born on November 5, 1988, in Delhi. Widely regarded as one of the leading batsmen of his generation, he has compiled prolific run totals across Test, ODI and T20 formats and is known for his chase-building ability and competitive intensity. (Stats current as of 2026 — verify live totals before citing.)

Q2: What is Virat Kohli’s age?

Virat Kohli was born on November 5, 1988. He is 37 years old as of 2026. (Include birthdate when citing personal profiles.)

Q3: What is Virat Kohli’s net worth?

Public estimates (2026) place Virat Kohli’s net worth at roughly ₹1,050 crore (~$125–134 million). This estimate combines cricket earnings (BCCI contracts and IPL salary), endorsement fees, and returns from business investments. Label these figures as estimates and cite financial sources (Forbes, reputable outlets) in the final article.

Q4: When did Virat Kohli marry Anushka Sharma?

Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma married on December 11, 2017, in a private ceremony in Tuscany, Italy. They have two children: daughter Vamika (born January 2021) and son Akaay (born February 2024). The couple maintains a guarded approach to their family’s privacy.

Q5: What are Virat Kohli’s major cricket records?

Kohli’s headline records include 51 ODI centuries (reported as the most in ODI history), multiple fastest-run milestones in ODIs (8,000–13,000 runs), and standout IPL achievements such as the single-season record of 973 runs in 2016. For precise totals (e.g., international centuries by format, IPL runs), consult ICC/ESPNcricinfo and IPL official statistics.

Q6: When did Virat Kohli retire from Test cricket?

Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket in May 2025. Confirm final red-ball aggregates with official stat providers; the retirement followed his earlier decision to step away from T20 internationals after India’s 2024 World Cup campaign.

Q7: Which IPL team does Virat Kohli play for?

Virat Kohli has represented Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) since the IPL began in 2008. RCB retained him ahead of the 2025 season (reported retention: ₹21 crore) and he remains the franchise’s marquee player. For the latest season-by-season stats and retention details, consult official IPL records.

Tip: For live updates on Kohli’s runs, records and upcoming ODI series (including 2026 fixtures and lead-up to the 2027 World Cup), follow ICC, IPL and ESPNcricinfo match pages. Verify any numerical claims against those sources before publishing.