Probably any cricket fanatic across the globe will recognize the name Virat Kohli. Aggressive and edgy with the bat, unmatched in the art of consistency, he has turned out to be the very definition of excellence in the gentleman’s game.
His journey, right from the early days in Delhi to leading the Indian cricket team, is nothing short of inspiring. Here are 25 such interesting facts from his life that will convince you that Virat Kohli is much more than just another cricketer.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or new to cricket, these facts will give you a deeper insight into the man behind the records.
25 Interesting Facts About Virat Kohli
1. Kohli holds the record for the most runs in a single IPL season, scoring 973 runs in 2016.
2. Kohli holds the record for being the fastest player to reach 8000, 9000, 10000, 11000, and 12000 runs in ODIs.
3. In December 2019, Kohli was named the ICC Male Cricketer of the Decade for his extraordinary performances from 2010 to 2019.
4. His fame helps him earn more than $20 million annually from endorsement partners like Audi, Hero, MRF, Puma, Valvoline and more.
5. Virat Kohli was listed on the Forbes 2016 30 Under 30 Asia list in the Entertainment & Sports category.
6. Virat Kohli is the only bowler in T20i cricket to take a wicket on zeroth delivery. He dismissed Kevin Pietersen with a wide ball in 2011.
7. Kohli is the only Indian player to score a century in his 50-over World Cup debut.
8. He represents only one franchise (RCB) in the history of the IPL.
9. Kohli broke Sachin’s record of most runs in a single edition of the world cup in 2023 ICC World Cup.
The first time I met you in the Indian dressing room, you were pranked by other teammates into touching my feet. I couldn’t stop laughing that day. But soon, you touched my heart with your passion and skill. I am so happy that that young boy has grown into a ‘Virat’ player.
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) November 15, 2023
10. Virat Kohli earns 5 crore INR per sponsored post on Instagram.
11. Virat Kohli admired Cristiano Ronaldo as his favorite athlete of all time. CR7 also penned an emotional note for him after India’s defeat in the final of CWC’23.
12. In 2018, Kohli received the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award (now the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award), India’s highest sporting honor.
13. Virat Kohli was the captain of the U-19 cricket team and led the U-19 Indian team to World Cup glory in 2008.
14. Virat was featured in the list of the 10 best-dressed international men in 2012. The list also contained the likes of US President Barack Obama!
15. Virat Kohli is the only cricketer in the world to have scored a hat-trick of centuries in his first three Test innings as the captain.
16. Kohli is the only Indian Test captain to have scored an overseas double century.
17. Virat Kohli is the co-owner of FC Goa in ISL, UAE Royals in IPTL, and Bengaluru Yodhas in PWL.
18. Virat Kohli has the highest average during a chase in ODIs.
19. Virat is the only player to win the Man of the Tournament award in 2 consecutive seasons of T20 world cups, in 2014 and 2016.
Since Virat Kohli made his International Debut :
Most Runs – 𝗞𝗼𝗵𝗹𝗶 (26733)
Most 50s – 𝗞𝗼𝗵𝗹𝗶 (139)
Most 100s – 𝗞𝗼𝗵𝗹𝗶 (80)
Most 200s – 𝗞𝗼𝗵𝗹𝗶 (7)
Most 4s – 𝗞𝗼𝗵𝗹𝗶 (2648)
Most M.O.M – 𝗞𝗼𝗵𝗹𝗶 (66)
Most M.O.S – 𝗞𝗼𝗵𝗹𝗶 (21)
Most ICC Runs – 𝗞𝗼𝗵𝗹𝗶… pic.twitter.com/S7Q5fif3MW— KRISHNA (@KrishnaVK_18) May 25, 2024
20. Kohli’s jersey number is 18 because his father died on December 18 and he debuted for India on August 18.
21. Virat Kohli is the second player who has bowled, batted and kept wickets in the same match. The first one is Tatenda Taibu.
22. Virat lost his father in 2006 but the next day he showed up on the field for his Ranji team and scored a brilliant 90.
23. Virat Kohli is the only player in the IPL to never be auctioned.
24. Virat Kohli is the first Indian player to win the Orange Cap twice in IPL
25. Virat Kohli is the only batsman to hit a century in a reduced T20 match of 15 overs.
26. Kohli surpasses Tendulkar for most ODI centuries in 2023. He currently has 50 centuries in ODI’s.
Takeaways
Virat Kohli’s journey from a young cricket enthusiast to a global superstar is truly remarkable. These 25 facts shed light on his dedication, talent, and the sheer passion that drives him. Whether on the field or off it, Virat continues to inspire millions with his achievements and unwavering commitment. He is not just a cricketer; he is a legend in the making.
