Virat Kohli biography covers the cricket legend’s rise from Delhi to global fame. Discover his age, wife Anushka Sharma, and ₹1,050 crore net worth.
Who is Virat Kohli?
Virat Kohli biography chronicles the extraordinary journey of one of cricket’s greatest batsmen. Born on 5 November 1988 in New Delhi, India, Kohli has transformed from a promising youngster into a global sporting icon. At 36 years old in 2025, he continues to play ODI cricket for India and represents Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League.
Kohli’s rise began when he captained India to victory at the 2008 Under-19 World Cup. Since then, he has shattered numerous batting records and established himself as the most consistent run-scorer in cricket history. His nicknames “King Kohli,” “Chase Master,” and “Run Machine” reflect his extraordinary ability to dominate bowling attacks.
The right-handed batsman holds the record for most centuries in One Day International cricket with 54 hundreds, surpassing his idol Sachin Tendulkar. He is also the leading run-scorer in IPL history with over 8,600 runs. His aggressive batting style and exceptional fitness standards have redefined modern cricket.
Beyond cricket, Kohli has built a business empire worth over ₹1,050 crore. His marriage to Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma has made them one of India’s most celebrated couples.
Quick Facts Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Virat Kohli |
| Date of Birth | 5 November 1988 |
| Age (2025) | 36 years old |
| Place of Birth | New Delhi, India |
| Religion | Hinduism |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Height | 1.75 metres (5 feet 9 inches) |
| Playing Role | Right-handed batsman |
| IPL Team | Royal Challengers Bangalore |
| Wife | Anushka Sharma (married 2017) |
| Children | Daughter Vamika (born 2021), Son Akaay (born 2024) |
| Father | Prem Nath Kohli (criminal lawyer, deceased) |
| Mother | Saroj Kohli (homemaker) |
| Siblings | Brother Vikas, Sister Bhawna |
| Education | Vishal Bharti Public School |
| Net Worth | ₹1,050 crore ($127 million estimated) |
Early Life and Background
Virat Kohli was born into a Punjabi Hindu family in New Delhi. His father, Prem Nath Kohli, worked as a criminal lawyer, whilst his mother Saroj is a homemaker. He grew up in Uttam Nagar with his elder brother Vikas and elder sister Bhawna.
From age three, Kohli displayed an unusual fascination with cricket. His father enrolled him at the West Delhi Cricket Academy in 1998 when he was nine years old. There, under coach Rajkumar Sharma, he developed the technical skills and mental toughness that would define his career.
A defining moment came in December 2006 when Kohli’s father passed away from a brain stroke. Remarkably, the 18-year-old played a match-saving innings of 90 runs for Delhi the very next day. This mental strength foreshadowed his future ability to perform under immense pressure.
Educational Background
Kohli attended Vishal Bharti Public School in Delhi for his early education. History was reportedly his favourite subject, whilst mathematics proved challenging. However, cricket consumed most of his attention from childhood.
His formal cricketing education began at the West Delhi Cricket Academy, where he trained under Rajkumar Sharma. Kohli was among the academy’s first students when it opened in 1998. The disciplined training environment shaped his work ethic.
Unlike many contemporaries who pursued higher education, Kohli focused entirely on cricket after school. His gamble paid off when he captained India to the Under-19 World Cup title in 2008, launching his professional career at 19.
Career Journey
Kohli’s international career began in August 2008 with an ODI debut against Sri Lanka. He quickly established himself as a reliable middle-order batsman, scoring his maiden century in 2009. His performances earned him a spot in India’s 2011 World Cup squad, where India claimed their second world title.
His Test breakthrough came during the 2014-15 Border-Gavaskar Trophy when he scored four centuries, including twin hundreds in Adelaide. Leadership followed naturally. Kohli became Test captain in 2014 and took over all formats by 2017.
Under his captaincy, India achieved their first-ever Test series victory in Australia in 2018-19 and maintained the number one Test ranking for five years. He led India to the 2017 Champions Trophy final, 2019 World Cup semi-final, and 2021 World Test Championship final.
The 2023 ODI World Cup saw Kohli score a record 765 runs and claim his 50th ODI century. He then delivered a match-winning 76 in the 2024 T20 World Cup final before announcing his T20I retirement. In 2025, he helped India win the Champions Trophy and won his first IPL title with RCB before retiring from Test cricket in May.
Career Timeline
| Year | Milestone | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | U-19 World Cup victory | Captained India to title |
| 2008 | International debut | ODI debut vs Sri Lanka |
| 2011 | World Cup winner | Part of India’s triumphant squad |
| 2013 | Champions Trophy winner | First ICC trophy with senior team |
| 2014 | Test captaincy begins | Became India’s 32nd Test captain |
| 2023 | 50th ODI century | Broke Tendulkar’s record |
| 2024 | T20 World Cup winner | Player of the Match in final |
| 2025 | IPL champion with RCB | First IPL title after 17 years |
| 2025 | Test retirement | Ended Test career with 9,230 runs |
Personal Life and Relationships
Kohli married Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma on 11 December 2017 in Florence, Italy. The couple had dated for several years after meeting during a commercial shoot in 2013.
They welcomed daughter Vamika on 11 January 2021. Kohli took paternity leave from the Australia Test series to be present for the birth. Their son Akaay was born on 15 February 2024. The name means “immortal” in Sanskrit.
The family resides primarily in their Worli apartment in Mumbai, valued at approximately ₹35 crore. They also own a bungalow in Gurugram worth over ₹80 crore. Kohli adopted a vegetarian diet in 2019 and maintains a disciplined lifestyle.
Net Worth and Financial Profile
Virat Kohli ranks among the world’s wealthiest athletes with an estimated net worth of ₹1,050 crore (approximately $127 million) in 2025. This fortune stems from cricket contracts, brand endorsements, and business ventures.
His BCCI Grade A+ contract earns him ₹7 crore annually, whilst his IPL salary reached ₹21 crore for 2025. Endorsements generate approximately ₹200 crore yearly from over 30 major brands including Puma, MRF, Audi, and Myntra.
Kohli’s business portfolio includes the fashion brand Wrogn, the One8 athleisure line with Puma, and One8 Commune restaurants. He holds stakes in FC Goa and has invested in startups including Blue Tribe Foods and Digit Insurance.
Major Achievements
Kohli’s trophy cabinet includes four ICC titles with India. He won the 2011 ODI World Cup, 2013 Champions Trophy, 2024 T20 World Cup, and 2025 Champions Trophy. He earned Player of the Tournament at three ICC events: the 2014 T20 World Cup, 2016 T20 World Cup, and 2023 ODI World Cup.
His individual records are staggering. Kohli holds the record for most ODI centuries (54) and ranks second in international cricket centuries (85). He became the fastest to reach 10,000, 12,000, and 14,000 ODI runs. In IPL history, he leads in total runs (8,600+), centuries (8), and fours (771).
As captain, Kohli won 40 of 68 Tests, making him India’s most successful Test captain. He led India to their first Test series victory in Australia and won the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award in 2018.
Final Thoughts
Virat Kohli transcends cricket to represent excellence, determination, and the modern Indian sporting spirit. His journey from Delhi to becoming the world’s most recognisable cricketer inspires millions globally.
His impact extends beyond statistics. Kohli revolutionised fitness standards in Indian cricket, proving athletes could compete at the highest level into their thirties. His aggressive style brought new audiences to the sport.
As he continues his ODI career whilst building his business empire, Kohli’s legacy remains secure. He will be remembered as an athlete who transformed Indian cricket’s approach to professionalism.
FAQs About Virat Kohli
How old is Virat Kohli in 2025?
Virat Kohli is 36 years old in 2025, born on 5 November 1988 in New Delhi. He turns 37 in November 2025.
Who is Virat Kohli’s wife?
Virat Kohli is married to Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma since December 2017. They have two children, Vamika and Akaay.
What is Virat Kohli’s net worth?
Virat Kohli’s estimated net worth is ₹1,050 crore ($127 million). His wealth comes from cricket, endorsements, and business ventures.
How many centuries has Virat Kohli scored?
Virat Kohli has scored 85 international centuries, including a record 54 ODI centuries, 30 Test centuries, and 1 T20I century.
Has Virat Kohli retired from cricket?
Kohli retired from T20Is after the 2024 World Cup and from Tests in May 2025. He continues playing ODIs and IPL for Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Which IPL team does Virat Kohli play for?
Virat Kohli plays for Royal Challengers Bangalore since the IPL’s inception in 2008. He won his first IPL title with them in 2025.
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