Top 50 Amazing and Unknown Facts about Virat Kohli
One of the most exciting players of the current period, Virat Kohli, has made a lasting impression on the cricket community. His transformation from a little child with a goal to the Indian cricket team’s captain is truly amazing.
After making his debut for the Indian national team in August 2008, Kohli quickly became a vital member of the team. He became known as one of the top chasers in the game because of his ability to pursue targets, particularly in one-day internationals (ODIs). Among the many records that Kohli has broken over the years is that of the fastest player to score 8,000, 9,000, 10,000, 11,000, 12,000, and 13,000 runs in one-day internationals.
Kohli led India with fervor and determination while serving as captain. India saw tremendous success under his direction, including a historic victory in the Test series in Australia in 2018–19. His work ethic, dedication, and fitness regimen have motivated a new generation of cricket players.
Beyond cricket, Kohli’s influence is felt off the field. Millions of people look up to him because of his generosity, business endeavors, and dedication to health. Kohli, who is married to Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma, frequently attracts as much media attention for his personal life as for his cricket accomplishments.
Here are 50 amazing and unknown facts about the cricket maestro that will make you admire him even more.
1. Early Start in Cricket
- Virat Kohli started playing cricket at the tender age of three. He would pick up a bat and ask his father to bowl at him.
2. Nickname
- Virat is fondly called ‘Chiku’ by his teammates. The nickname was given to him by his Delhi State coach Ajit Chaudhary during his early days.
3. First-Class Debut
- Kohli made his first-class debut for Delhi in 2006, just a day after his father passed away. Despite the tragedy, he scored 90 runs in that match, showcasing his immense dedication to the sport.
4. U-19 World Cup
- In 2008, Virat Kohli led the Indian U-19 team to victory in the ICC U-19 World Cup held in Malaysia. This win catapulted him into the limelight.
5. ODI Debut
- Kohli made his One Day International (ODI) debut against Sri Lanka on August 18, 2008, where he scored 12 runs.
6. Fastest to 8k, 9k, 10k, 11k, 12k and 13k Runs
- Kohli holds the record for being the fastest player to reach 8000, 9000, 10000, 11000, 12000 and 13000 runs in ODI cricket, breaking records set by legends like Sachin Tendulkar.
7. Centuries Machine
- Kohli has a remarkable number of centuries in ODIs and Test matches, making him one of the top century-makers in international cricket.
8. First Indian to Score a Century on World Cup Debut
- In the 2011 ICC World Cup, Kohli became the first Indian to score a century on World Cup debut, achieving this feat against Bangladesh.
9. A Fitness Enthusiast
- Kohli is known for his strict fitness regime, which he believes is the key to his consistent performance. His transformation from a chubby youngster to a fitness icon is inspirational.
10. Vegan Diet
- In 2018, Kohli switched to a vegan diet, attributing his improved stamina and fitness to this change.
11. Entrepreneurial Ventures
- Kohli has ventured into the world of business with investments in various sectors, including a chain of gyms called Chisel, and a fashion brand named Wrogn.
12. Philanthropy
- Through his foundation, the Virat Kohli Foundation, he supports underprivileged children and works on various social causes.
13. Married to Anushka Sharma
- Kohli is married to Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma. Their relationship is often referred to as the perfect blend of sports and entertainment.
14. Social Media King
- With millions of followers across social media platforms, Kohli is one of the most followed athletes in the world.
15. Passionate about Tattoos
- Virat Kohli has a fascination for tattoos. He has several tattoos, each with a significant meaning, including his parents’ names, a monastery, and a samurai warrior.
16. Admiration for Sachin Tendulkar
- Kohli has often stated that Sachin Tendulkar is his cricketing idol. He grew up watching Tendulkar and dreamt of emulating his success.
17. Record-Breaking Captain
- Kohli holds the record for the most Test wins by an Indian captain. Under his leadership, India achieved several historic victories, including the series win in Australia in 2018-19.
18. Leading Run-Scorer in T20 Internationals
- Kohli is one of the leading run-scorers in T20 Internationals, with numerous records to his name in the shortest format of the game.
19. First Indian to Score 7,000 Runs in T20 Cricket
- He became the first Indian to score 7,000 runs in T20 cricket, achieving this milestone in the IPL.
20. The First Player to Score 600 Runs in an IPL Season
- In 2016, Kohli became the first player to score more than 600 runs in an IPL season. He scored a record 973 runs that season, including four centuries.
21. Fastest Century in ODIs
- Kohli holds the record for the fastest century by an Indian in ODIs, scoring a 52-ball century against Australia in 2013.
22. Brand Endorsements
- Kohli is one of the highest-paid athletes globally in terms of brand endorsements. He has been associated with brands like Puma, Audi, and MRF.
23. Love for Football
- Apart from cricket, Kohli is an avid football fan. He co-owns the Indian Super League (ISL) football team FC Goa.
24. Awarded the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna
- In 2018, Kohli was awarded the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, India’s highest sporting honor, recognizing his contribution to Indian cricket.
25. Padma Shri Awardee
- Kohli received the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award, in 2017 for his outstanding achievements in sports.
26. Net Worth
- As of 2024, Virat Kohli’s net worth is estimated to be around $140 million, making him one of the richest cricketers in the world.
27. Fond of Cars
- Kohli has a passion for luxury cars and owns a collection that includes brands like Audi, Bentley, and Lamborghini.
28. Humble Beginnings
- Despite his immense success, Kohli often speaks about his humble beginnings and the values instilled in him by his parents.
29. First Indian Captain to Win a Test Series in Australia
- Under his captaincy, India won its first-ever Test series on Australian soil in 2018-19, a historic achievement for Indian cricket.
30. Virat Kohli’s Love for Animals
- Kohli is an animal lover and has often expressed his concern for stray animals. He and Anushka have also adopted a dog named Dude.
31. Runs in Consecutive World Cups
- Kohli is the only player to score more than 300 runs in three consecutive ICC World Cups (2011, 2015, and 2019).
32. A Family Man
- Despite his busy schedule, Kohli is known to be a devoted family man, often spending quality time with his wife and daughter.
33. Role Model for Aspiring Cricketers
- Kohli’s journey from a young cricketer to an international superstar has made him a role model for aspiring cricketers across the globe.
34. The 2016 IPL Season
- In the 2016 IPL, Kohli scored 973 runs in 16 matches, which remains the highest number of runs scored by a player in a single IPL season.
35. Admired for His Work Ethic
- Kohli’s work ethic and dedication to the game are often praised by his peers and coaches. He is known for his intense training sessions and never-give-up attitude.
36. Historic 183 Against Pakistan
- In 2012, Kohli played a memorable knock of 183 runs against Pakistan in the Asia Cup, which remains his highest individual score in ODIs.
37. First Indian to Score a Century in Pink-Ball Test
- Kohli became the first Indian cricketer to score a century in a pink-ball Test match, achieving this feat against Bangladesh in 2019.
38. Consistent Performer
- Kohli is known for his consistency in all formats of the game, often delivering match-winning performances when the team needs it the most.
39. Strong Mentality
- Kohli’s mental toughness is one of his biggest assets. He has often overcome challenging situations both on and off the field with grace and determination.
40. A Style Icon
- Apart from his cricketing achievements, Kohli is also considered a style icon. His fashion sense and grooming have made him a trendsetter among the youth.
41. Influence of Childhood Coach
- Kohli credits his childhood coach, Rajkumar Sharma, for shaping his career and instilling in him the discipline and focus required to succeed at the highest level.
42. Records as a Captain
- Kohli holds numerous records as a captain, including the most Test wins by an Indian captain and the highest win percentage in T20 Internationals.
43. First Indian to Score a Century in All Three Formats
- Kohli is the first Indian cricketer to score a century in all three formats of the game (Tests, ODIs, and T20Is).
44. A Family-Oriented Person
- Despite his busy schedule, Kohli always makes time for his family. He has often expressed how important his family is to him.
45. Multiple ICC Awards
- Kohli has been honored with multiple ICC awards throughout his career, including the prestigious Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for ICC Cricketer of the Year.
46. Calm Under Pressure
- Known for his calm demeanor under pressure, Kohli has often led India to victory in high-stakes matches, particularly in limited-overs cricket.
47. Virat’s Love for Video Games
- In his free time, Kohli enjoys playing video games. He has often shared his love for gaming with his fans on social media.
48. Runs in All Conditions
- Kohli’s ability to score runs in all conditions, whether in Asia, Australia, England, or South Africa, has earned him the reputation of being one of the best batsmen of his generation.
49. Support for Teammates
- As a captain, Kohli is known for backing his teammates and giving them the confidence to perform at their best. His leadership style is admired by many.
50. An Inspiration to Millions
- Virat Kohli’s journey from a young boy with dreams to becoming one of the greatest cricketers of all time is a source of inspiration to millions of people around the world. His story is a testament to hard work, dedication, and the belief that dreams can indeed come true.
Conclusion
Virat Kohli is an international hero thanks to his amazing accomplishments both on and off the field. His unwavering commitment to the game and his quest for perfection have cemented his place among cricket’s greatest players. Regardless matter your interest in cricket, Virat Kohli’s career is one of achievement, inspiration, and tenacity.
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