Cricket in India is more than just a sport; it’s an emotion that unites millions across the country. At the heart of this fervor stands a name that needs no introduction – Virat Kohli Born on 5th November 1988 in Delhi, Virat Kohli is not just a cricketer; he’s a phenomenon, an inspiration, and a cricketing legend.

Early Life and Cricketing Beginnings

Virat Kohli’s tryst with cricket began at a very young age. Hailing from a middle-class Punjabi family in Delhi, Virat’s father, Prem Kohli, played a significant role in shaping his cricketing destiny. Virat exhibited an innate talent for the game, even as a three-year-old. He would pick up a cricket bat, showcasing natural skill, and ask his father to bowl to him.

In 1998, the West Delhi Cricket Academy was established, and Virat’s father, recognizing his son’s passion for cricket, arranged for him to meet Rajkumar Sharma, a local coach. Initially, Rajkumar Sharma perceived Virat as just another enthusiastic kid. Still, within two weeks, he was astounded by Virat’s accuracy and power in throwing, marking the beginning of something extraordinary.

Despite facing setbacks, like being unable to secure a place in the under-14 Delhi team due to extraneous factors, Virat persisted. His father declined offers to relocate him to influential clubs, determined that Virat should earn recognition based on his merit, rather than the prevalent system of nepotism and deceit in the Delhi and District Cricket Association.

Virat’s dedication and hard work eventually paid off as he found his way into the under-15 Delhi team. He trained diligently, often staying late in practice sessions, and his range of shots and skills commanded respect from local bowlers.

Youth and Domestic Career

As Virat’s junior cricket career progressed, he continued to impress with his performances. His first half-century in national cricket came at Ferozeshah Kotla, where he scored 70 runs against Haryana. By the end of the season, he had amassed a total of 172 runs, emerging as the highest run-scorer for his side.

He transitioned to Saviour Convent School during his ninth-grade education, further honing his skills and broadening his range of shots. Kohli’s persistent determination and unmatched enthusiasm on the field made it challenging for his coaches to curb his zeal.

But life took an emotional turn in 2006 when Virat Kohli lost his father due to a cerebral attack. His father played a crucial role in supporting his cricket training, and Kohli has often credited him for driving him to practice every day. Following this tragic loss, Virat became more mature and took every cricket match seriously. He channeled his grief and dedication into the pursuit of cricket.

In 2008, Kohli made his way to the India Under-19 squad for their tour of England. He performed admirably, scoring a century in the Test series and impressing coach Lalchand Rajput with his technical prowess.

His performances in the U-19 squad led to his inclusion in the India Emerging Players team for the Emerging Players Tournament of 2008 in Australia. In a standout performance, Kohli scored 120 runs against New Zealand Emerging Players, which caught the eye of the national selectors who were closely monitoring his progress.

International Career

Kohli’s journey into international cricket officially began in 2008 when he was selected for the ODI squad for the tour of Sri Lanka and the Champions Trophy in Pakistan. His selection was a bit of a surprise, given his limited experience at the time. Kohli made his international debut in August 2008 in the first ODI of the Sri Lankan tour.

However, it wasn’t until his 107-run performance in the fourth ODI of the series that Kohli truly arrived on the international scene. His partnership with Gautam Gambhir was pivotal in India’s victory, and he was soon recognized as a rising star in Indian cricket.

Over the years, Virat Kohli’s meteoric rise continued. He consistently delivered outstanding performances in ODIs and Tests, earning him a reputation as one of the world’s best batsmen. In 2013, he reached the number one spot in the ICC rankings for ODI batsmen for the first time.

Kohli’s journey to greatness wasn’t without its share of challenges and setbacks. He faced both personal and professional obstacles, but his determination and resilience helped him overcome them.

In 2014, Kohli was appointed as the captain of the Indian national cricket team for ODIs, and in 2015, he took over the Test captaincy. His leadership transformed the Indian cricket team, and under his guidance, India achieved numerous milestones.

In 2018, Kohli became the world’s top-ranked Test batsman, becoming the only Indian cricketer to hold the number one spot in all three formats of the game. He continued to break records and set new ones, becoming the first player to score 20,000 international runs in a single decade in 2019.

Despite his incredible success on the field, Kohli’s journey also had its share of personal challenges. His father’s untimely demise had a profound impact on his life, and he matured significantly, both as a person and as a cricket.

Awards and Recognitions

Virat Kohli’s exceptional performances on the cricket field have been duly recognized. He has received numerous accolades and awards throughout his career. In 2020, the International Cricket Council (ICC) named him the male cricketer of the decade.

Kohli has been named the ICC ODI Player of the Year and has won the prestigious Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for the ICC Cricketer of the Year in 2017 and 2018. He also earned the ICC Test Player of the Year and ICC ODI Player of the Year awards in 2018, making him the first player to win both awards in the same year.

At the national level, Kohli was honored with the Arjuna Award in 2013, the Padma Shri in 2017, and the Khel Ratna award in 2018, India’s highest sporting honor.

His influence extends beyond cricket. In 2016, he was ranked as one of the world’s most famous athletes by ESPN, and one of the most valuable athlete brands by Forbes. Time magazine included him on its list of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2018. In 2020, he was ranked 66th in Forbes’ list of the top 100 highest-paid athletes in the world, with estimated earnings of over $26 million.

Virat Kohli’s commercial appeal is undeniable, with estimated earnings of ₹165 crore (US$21 million) in the year 2022. He is not just a cricketing icon but a marketing powerhouse.

Personal Life and Marriage

Beyond the cricket field, Virat Kohli’s personal life has been a subject of much public interest. In December 2017, Kohli tied the knot with Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma. Their wedding in Tuscany, Italy, was a private affair attended by close family and friends.

The couple’s love story has captured the imagination of fans, with both Virat and Anushka being prominent figures in their respective fields. They continue to be one of India’s most celebrated and glamorous couples.

In August 2020, Virat and Anushka announced that they were expecting their first child. The news was met with immense joy from their fans and well-wishers. On January 11, 2021, they welcomed their daughter, Vamika, into the world.

Virat Kohli’s marriage and the birth of his daughter marked significant milestones in his personal life, adding a new dimension to his role as a family man alongside his illustrious cricketing career.

World Cup 2023 ‘Virat Kohli’ performance

Virat Kohli, the Indian cricket sensation, is making waves at the World Cup 2023. With 354 runs to his name in just 5 innings, he’s rapidly closing in on Sachin Tendulkar’s record for the most ODI centuries. Kohli’s form has been nothing short of spectacular, and his hunger for runs seems insatiable. His recent standout performance against New Zealand on October 22nd, 2023, where he scored 95 runs, was a testament to his prowess. India’s success in the tournament owes much to Kohli’s extraordinary batting skills. Sreesanth believes that Kohli’s records will be a tough act to follow for future generations of batters.

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Conclusion

Virat Kohli’s journey from a young boy with a cricket bat in hand to the captain of the Indian cricket team and a global sporting icon is nothing short of extraordinary. His passion, determination, and relentless pursuit of excellence have made him a cricketing legend and a source of inspiration for aspiring cricketers and fans around the world.

But beyond the records, awards, and accolades, Virat Kohli is a man who has faced both triumph and adversity with unwavering resolve. His personal life, marked by his marriage to Anushka Sharma and the birth of their daughter, adds a touch of relatability to the cricketing superstar.

In Virat Kohli, we find not just a remarkable cricketer, but a symbol of resilience, dedication, and the enduring spirit of chasing one’s dreams. His journey is a testament to the fact that with unwavering commitment and an unrelenting passion, one can conquer the world, both on and off the field. Virat Kohli is not just a cricketer; he’s an embodiment of the idea that dreams do come true with hard work and perseverance