Tuesday marks the 36th birthday of talismanic batter Virat Kohli. Renowned for his exceptional sporting talent, Kohli is equally admired for his devotion to family and his role as a loving husband and father. Mid-Day takes a moment to reflect on his remarkable career journey and share some rare, candid photos that capture intimate moments with his family and teammates. From his cricketing triumphs to his cherished family bonds, these glimpses offer a deeper look at the man behind the legend. (Photos: Virat Kohli/ Instagram)
Updated On: 2024-11-05 07:24 PM IST
Compiled by : E A
Renowned for his impeccable technique and consistency, the right-handed maestro is often referred to as the 'milestone man' of the sport, continually breaking records and setting new benchmarks with every inning.
Virat Kohli, born on November 5, 1988, into a Punjabi family in Delhi, has risen to become one of cricket's most iconic figures. His father, Prem Kohli, a criminal lawyer who passed away in 2006, and his mother, Saroj Kohli, a homemaker, have been pivotal in shaping his life.
Virat shares a close-knit bond with his siblings, elder sister Bhawna and brother Vikash, and often reflects on the strong family ties that have supported him throughout his career.
From an early age, Virat showed an aptitude for cricket. He received his schooling at Vishal Bharti Public School in Paschim Vihar, Delhi, before joining the West Delhi Cricket Academy in 1998 to pursue formal cricket training. In picture: Virat Kohli during his early days in cricket
In a bid to refine his skills, he later moved to Saviour Convent in Paschim Vihar during his ninth grade.
Reflecting on his journey, Virat has often credited his father as his biggest source of support and inspiration, particularly for encouraging him to pursue cricket as a career. In a nostalgic throwback photo with his late father, he fondly remembers the role his father played in shaping his path.
Virat's cricketing career began to flourish in 2008 when he captained India to victory in the ICC Under-19 World Cup in Malaysia. Later that year, he made his senior ODI debut against Sri Lanka, opening the innings alongside Gautam Gambhir and scoring 12 runs from 22 balls. In picture: Virat's selfie with his mother Saroj Kohli
Virat Kohli made his T20I debut in 2010 against Zimbabwe and scored 26 runs off 21 balls. Virat Kohli shared this adorable selfie with his mother and said that he wishes he had his mother's eyes
His T20I debut came in 2010 against Zimbabwe, where he contributed 26 runs off 21 balls. Virat’s Test debut followed in 2011 against the West Indies, although his first innings was underwhelming, managing just 4 runs from 10 balls. In picture: Virat Kohli with his family at Wagah border
From those early beginnings, Virat Kohli has gone on to become one of the game's most prolific and consistent batsmen. A veteran of 118 Tests with 9040 runs, Kohli's last Test century came in 2023 against the West Indies in Port of Spain.
In the IPL, Kohli has established himself as a dominant force, scoring 8,004 runs at an average of 38.66 and a strike rate of 131.97 across 252 matches
In picture: Virat Kohli with his sister Bhavna during Raksha Bandhan
In picture: Virat Kohli with his sister Bhavna, nephew, mother Saroj and brother Vikash during Diwali celebrations at home
Off the field, Kohli's personal life has garnered as much attention as his cricketing exploits. He often expresses his gratitude to the influential women in his life, including his mother and wife, Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma.
Virat and Anushka, who had been in a relationship for some time before confirming it publicly, tied the knot in a private ceremony in Italy in December 2017.
Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma often show immense support for each other in their respective careers as well. The cricketer and his actress wife are one of the biggest celebrity star couples in the country
In August 2020, Virat and Anushka Sharma took to social media to announce that they were expecting a baby in January 2021
On January 11, 2021, Virat Kohli and Anushka welcomed a baby girl and named her Vamika
In picture: Virat Kohli shared a candid moment with former cricketer and skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni on one of the latter's birthdays
Virat Kohli and Chris Gayle became close friends during their time at the IPL franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore and things have stayed that way to this day
In picture: Virat Kohli with Mohammed Shami, Kedar Jadhav, Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Ravindra Jadeja in Birmingham
In picture: Virat Kohli with MS Dhoni, Ajinkya Rahane, Kedar Jadhav, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Umesh Yadav and Sanjay Bangar during a dinner outing
In picture: Virat Kohli with his buddies and former cricketers Yuvraj Singh, MS Dhoni and Ashish Nehra
Virat Kohli with Yuvraj Singh. The two shared great chemistry when on the cricket field as well as a great friendship off it
In picture: Virat Kohli with batsman KL Rahul during one of the team tours
Even though Kohli is considered one of the finest captains in international cricket and IPL, he has not been able to lead Team India and Royal Challengers Bangalore to an ICC World Cup title and an IPL title respectively
In addition to his cricketing achievements, Virat is known for his commitment to fitness, often sharing his workout routines and dietary tips with his fans on social media.
Kohli's dedication to maintaining peak physical condition has been a key factor in his longevity and success on the field.
In picture: Virat Kohli poses besides his Audi Q7 car.
Virat is also a recognized style icon, admired for his impeccable fashion sense. From his signature trimmed beard to his varied hairstyles, he is frequently imitated by the youth of the country. His style, both on and off the field, has cemented his place as one of the most influential athletes in the world.
