Virat Kohli, a scrawny 9-year-old Delhi boy, bat in hand, eyes burning with determination, practicing in the sweltering heat at a local academy. Fast forward two decades, and that same boy is now the most feared batsman in world cricket Virat Kohli.
His story isn’t just about cricket. It’s about raw passion, heartbreaking loss, and an unshakable belief in one’s dreams. When most kids his age were playing video games, Virat Kohli was honing his craft, often being the first to arrive at training and the last to leave.
This isn’t another generic biography. This is the real, unfiltered journey of how a middle-class Delhi boy became King Kohli.
Topics
Chapter 1: Cricket Was First Love of Virat Kohli
A Childhood Obsession
Born on November 5, 1988, in Delhi’s Uttam Nagar, Virat Kohli was the quintessential hyperactive kid. His father, Prem Kohli, often joked that the only way to tire Virat out was to give him a cricket bat.
At age 9, his father took him to the West Delhi Cricket Academy. Coach Rajkumar Sharma still remembers their first meeting:
“Most kids come to learn cricket. Virat came to master it. He’d argue with older boys, demand extra practice, and throw tantrums if he got out cheaply in practice matches.”
The Sacrifices
The Kohli family wasn’t wealthy. Prem Kohli would wake up at 4 AM to drive Virat to matches across Delhi, sometimes skipping court hearings. Virat’s mother, Saroj, would pack extra food, knowing her son would share it with teammates who couldn’t afford lunch.
Chapter 2: The Tragedy That Forged a Champion
December 18, 2006 – The Day Everything Changed
Virat was 18, playing a Ranji Trophy match for Delhi, when his father suffered a fatal stroke. The family was devastated. What happened next defines Kohli’s career.
The 90 That Shocked Everyone
Against all advice, Virat returned to the field the next morning. Teammates recall him crying between overs, but he still smashed 90 runs.
“I could hear my father’s voice telling me to keep playing,” Kohli later shared. That innings wasn’t about cricket—it was a son’s promise to his father.
Chapter 3: The Meteoric Rise
2008 – The Year That Changed Everything
Three career-defining moments happened in 2008:
- Led India to U-19 World Cup victory
- Made his international debut
- Was picked by RCB in the IPL
The IPL Revolution
Kohli’s early IPL years were rocky. Critics called him “brash” and “immature.” But in 2011, something clicked. His 35-ball 73 against Kings XI Punjab announced his arrival as a superstar.
Becoming the Chase Master
Remember that 133* against Sri Lanka in 2012? Chasing 321 in 36.4 overs? That’s when the “King Kohli” legend was born. Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting called it “the most clinical chasing innings I’ve ever seen.”
Chapter 4: The Captaincy Years – Redefining Indian Cricket
Taking Over from Dhoni
When Kohli became Test captain in 2014, Indian cricket was at a crossroads. His first press conference set the tone:
“We’re not here to compete. We’re here to dominate.”
And dominate they did. Historic series wins in Australia (2018-19) and England (2021) weren’t flukes—they were the result of Kohli’s infamous 5 AM fitness sessions and his demand for excellence.
The Fitness Revolution
Gone were the days of Indian cricketers being “skillful but unfit.” Kohli introduced:
- Yo-Yo test benchmarks
- Personalized nutrition plans
- 2-hour gym sessions even on match days
Jasprit Bumrah once joked, “If you skip gym, Virat Kohli will personally drag you there.”
Chapter 5: The Human Side of a Superstar
Love and Marriage
Virat Kohli’s relationship with Anushka Sharma showed a different side of Kohli—the romantic who’d fly across continents for a surprise birthday visit. Their 2017 Tuscan wedding broke the internet.
The Philanthropist
Behind the scenes, Kohli:
- Built a sports facility in Mumbai for underprivileged kids
- Donated generously during COVID-19
- Advocates for animal rights (he’s a proud dog dad)
The Legacy, More Than Just Numbers
Yes, the stats are insane (80+ international centuries, fastest to 8,000, 9,000, 10,000 ODI runs). But Kohli’s real impact?
He taught a generation of Indian cricketers that:
- Talent isn’t enough—you need work ethic
- Fitness isn’t optional—it’s fundamental
- Aggression isn’t bad—if channeled correctll.
As Sunil Gavaskar put it: “Sachin was our God. Virat is our Superman.”
5 Things You Didn’t Know About Virat Kohli
- First Paycheck: Bought his mother a gold necklace with his first IPL earnings
- Superstition: Always keeps a red handkerchief in his pocket while batting
- Foodie Turned Fitness Freak: Used to love butter chicken, now swears by quinoa
- Acting Skills: Played a small role in a Bengali film as a child
- Nickname: Teammates call him “Cheeku” after a comic book rabbit
Why story of Virat Kohli resonates?
In an era of instant gratification, Virat Kohli reminds us that greatness is earned, not given. From carrying his father’s coffin to carrying a nation’s cricket hopes, his journey is the stuff of legends.
As he continues chasing Sachin’s century record, one thing’s certain Virat Kohli didn’t just play cricket. He changed it forever.
What’s your favorite Virat Kohli moment? Drop a comment below!
Also Read:- Evolution of Cricket
Virat Kohli’s journey is truly inspiring. It’s amazing how a young boy from Delhi transformed into one of the greatest cricketers of all time. His dedication and passion for the game are evident in every step of his story. The sacrifices made by his family, especially his father, show how much they believed in his dreams. Kohli’s determination to master cricket, even as a child, sets him apart from others. His leadership as Test captain has brought India to new heights in the cricketing world. The historic wins in Australia and England are a testament to his vision and hard work. Do you think Kohli’s early struggles and family support played the biggest role in shaping his success, or was it his innate talent that made the difference?