Who is Virat Kohli? Know About His Relationships, Family, Career, Stats, and More

Virat Kohli has been the greatest ODI batter of all time. He is the ‘modern master’ of cricket; he sits at the top of the most ODI hundreds list. The former India captain has scored 51 centuries in the 50-over format of the game. Especially after getting married to Anushka Sharma, he has often been spotted visiting temples or engaging in rituals, especially before important matches or milestones. ​
The ‘chase master’ made headlines in 2008 after he led India to victory in the ICC U-19 World Cup in Malaysia. This marked the beginning of a phenomenal journey. Over the years, Virat Kohli has broken multiple records in all formats of the game. He adds a brand value to his name and has established himself as one of the most followed athletes in the world.
He is currently the richest cricketer in world cricket and is the most handsome cricketer in India as well. He holds the record for the most double centuries in Test cricket as captain, with a total of 7. Under his captaincy, India defeated Australia down under for the first time back in 2018-19.

Virat Kohli Biography

Virat Kohli was born on November 5, 1988, in New Delhi, India. The 36-year-old has recently retired from test cricket right ahead of India's tour to England. Despite his retirement from test cricket and previously from T20I, his cricketing legacy continues to grow, both statistically and emotionally, for fans worldwide.

With a height of 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) and maintaining a fit and athletic weight of approximately 70 kg (154 lbs), Kohli is known for his supreme fitness levels and unmatched intensity on the field. He has set a benchmark in the world of sports for fitness transformation and professionalism. Virat Kohli has been credited for changing India’s cricketing culture in terms of athletic discipline and food habits. Virat Kohli was raised in a Punjabi Hindu family.

Virat Kohli Religion & Caste

Virat Kohli was born in a Punjabi Hindu Family. He comes from the Khatri caste, a prominent community traditionally known for its administrative and warrior roles in Indian society, particularly in the northwestern states like Punjab and Delhi. The clan belongs to the Khukhrain family of the Punjabi Khatris. Virat Kohli respects traditional values and has often visited temples and spiritual centers with his wife, Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma.

The couple is known for leading a spiritually inclined and balanced lifestyle, often practicing yoga and meditation as part of their daily routine. His spiritual values and cultural identity also influence his personal discipline, work ethic, and overall demeanor, contributing to his success as one of cricket’s greatest icons.

Virat Kohli Family

Virat Kohli Family comes from a Punjabi background, and he is the youngest of three siblings. Kohli’s late father, Prem Kohli, was a criminal lawyer by profession. He was not just a dedicated legal professional but also a pillar of strength in Virat’s early cricketing journey. He was away for his Ranji match for Delhi while his father passed away. Saroj Kohli later became the emotional anchor of the family. She managed Virat along with Vikas and Bhawna.

Vikas Kohli is a businessman and has largely stayed away from the media spotlight. Bhawna Kohli Dhingra also maintains a private life and is married and lives in Delhi with her family. His father was the first person to notice Virat's cricketing talent. All of them have been a constant support to the former India skipper to achieve what he has achieved currently. Virat Kohli married Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma back in 2017. It has been a hard journey for a middle-class young boy to become the best cricketer in world cricket.

Virat Kohli Father

Virat Kohli father, Prem Kohli, had a key role in shaping the former India captain's life and career. A criminal lawyer by profession, Prem Kohli was a disciplined and principled man who believed in hard work and dedication. Despite having no direct connection to sports, he was the one who first recognized Virat's raw cricketing talent at a very young age. Virat Kohli's father took it upon himself to ensure his son had every opportunity to succeed.

Prem Kohli enrolled Virat at the West Delhi Cricket Academy when he was just nine years old. Prem Kohli passed away on December 18, 2006, due to a brain stroke. At that time, Virat was just 18 years old and in the early stages of his domestic cricket career. In a remarkable display of commitment and mental strength, Virat chose to play a Ranji Trophy match for Delhi the very next day. In this game, a young Virat Kohli scored 90 runs, which helped save the match for his team, despite having lost his father just hours earlier.

Virat Kohli Mother

Virat Kohli mother, Saroj Kohli, has been his rock since birth. A homemaker, Saroj has taken care of the Kohli household and family members’ balance of emotional and mental fortitude. She has provided emotional support during his toughest and most stressful times personally and professionally. Saroj and Prem have three children named Vikas, Bhavna, and the youngest, Virat. The loss of her husband in 2006 was a deeply painful moment for Saroj and the family. Despite the tragedy, she stood firm for her children, particularly Virat, who was just beginning to find his footing in first-class cricket at the time.

Virat Kohli Sister

Bhawna Kohli Dhingra is the elder sister of Indian cricket legend Virat Kohli. As the only daughter in the Kohli family, Bhawna has shared a close-knit relationship with both her brothers. Bhawna Kohli Dhingra is married to Sanjay Dhingra, and they have two children. One of her children, a daughter named Mehak Dhingra, and Ayush Dhingra have occasionally appeared in public posts shared by family members, including Virat Kohli. Virat shares a warm bond with his niece and nephew and is known to be a doting uncle. Though not a famous figure, Bhawna has a modest social media presence where she sometimes shares family photos and moments, especially on festive occasions or birthdays.

Virat Kohli Brother

Vikas Kohli, the elder brother of Virat Kohli. Vikas always shared a close bond with Virat and has played the role of a guide and motivator during Virat’s formative years. He was particularly involved when Virat began taking cricket seriously and needed the family’s emotional and logistical support to pursue it professionally. Vikas often draws notice to his excellent training images. In addition, Vikas is a big fan of cricket. The great cricketer's elder brother also attends international cricket and IPL games to support his brother's team Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Vikas is married to Chetna, and together they have a son named Aarav Kohli.

Virat Kohli Instagram

Virat Kohli is one of the most followed athletes in the world on Instagram. His official handle is @virat.kohli, and as of 2025, he boasts over 272 million followers, making him the most followed Indian on the platform. The former India skipper posts on Instagram match highlights and connects with fans by sharing pictures of his professional and personal life. His profile features a blend of cricketing milestones, brand collaborations, fitness routines, travel diaries, and heartwarming family moments with his wife, Anushka Sharma.

Virat Kohli Twitter

Virat Kohli is very active on Twitter. However, here he mainly posts about his brand endorsements and about the brands owned by him. Kohli also uses Twitter for motivational quotes, birthday wishes to fellow cricketers, social causes, and interactions with fans. He currently has 67.8 million followers, and his handle is @imVkohli.

Virat Kohli Facebook

Virat Kohli has a verified Facebook page with 51 million followers. His Facebook content typically mirrors his posts on Instagram and Twitter, including cricketing achievements, brand videos. Here, he has not been very active as he is on Instagram. His official Facebook handle is @ViratKohli.

Virat Kohli Jersey Number

Virat Kohli wears jersey number 18 in all formats of the game for India as well as in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The number holds deep personal significance for him as his father passed away on December 18. Virat Kohli has worn this number ever since in his memory. Over time, the number 18 has become iconic and closely associated with Kohli’s cricketing identity.

Virat Kohli Relationships

Virat Kohli was occasionally linked to other celebrities, including Izabelle Leite, a Brazilian model and actress, for about two years. It was not widely publicised until she confirmed it in 2014. He then started dating Anushka Sharma when they met during an advertisement shoot. They started dating in 2013 and got married in 2017.

Virat Kohli Wife

Virat Kohli is married to the famous Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma. The couple tied the knot in a private ceremony in Italy on December 11, 2017, after dating for several years. The couple welcomed their daughter Vamika Kohli in January 2021 and then their son Akaay on February 15, 2024. But their identity away from public view and media attention, and emphasising the importance of privacy for children.

Virat Kohli Net Worth & Salary

Virat Kohli is currently the richest cricketer in the world. Virat Kohli net worth is around INR 1060 crore, and he has been the face of many brands, like MRF, Blue Star, and Wrogn. He also owns a chain of restaurants named One 8, which is also a fitness and fashion brand. Virat Kohli is in the A+ category of the BCCI's central contracts, earning an annual salary of ₹7 crore. His IPL salary for 2025 is ₹21 crore.

From brand endorsements, he reportedly earns between ₹7 to ₹10 crore per endorsement, contributing to an annual endorsement income of approximately ₹200 crore. As per a report, he commands approximately ₹11.45 crore per sponsored post, making his social media platforms significant sources of income. He is also the co-owner of a football club named FC Goa. Virat's rise in wealth showcases his prowess both on and off the cricket field. Making him the most famous cricketer in world cricket.

Virat Kohli Career

Virat Kohli started his career at an early age. He made his debut in List A cricket in 2006, playing against Services in the Ranji One-Day Trophy. In July 2006, Kohli was selected in the India Under-19 squad on its tour of England. He came into the limelight in 2008 when he led the team to victory at the 2008 U19 World Cup held in Malaysia. He scored 235 runs at an average of 47. This made him rank as the tournament's third-highest scorer and one of three cricketers to score a century.

Kohli made his international debut in August 2008 at the age of 19 against Sri Lanka. He cemented his place in the Indian team with a string of consistent performances, especially during the 2010–2011 period, which earned him a spot in the 2011 ICC World Cup squad. Kohli played a vital role in helping India win the title, contributing a crucial innings in the final as he stitched a partnership with Gautam Gambhir when India were struggling after losing both the openers.

International Career

Later on in 2014, he was named as the captain for the Men in Blue in the red ball format. He took over the captaincy from MS Dhoni in the ODI and T20I formats in 2017. Under his captaincy, India became the No.1 Test team for over five years and reached the final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 and WTC Final 2021. They also won their first-ever Test series in Australia in 2018–19.

He is the captain to score the most double hundreds in Test cricket. The former skipper has scored 7 double hundreds while captaining the country. Virat Kohli is the fastest player to score 8000, 9000, 10000, 11000, and 12000 runs in ODIs. In October 2023, he broke Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 49 ODI hundreds by scoring his 50th century in the ICC Cricket World Cup semifinal against New Zealand. Kohli is the active player with the most international centuries in cricket. The 36-year-old batter has 82 centuries, which is 18 less than his idol Sachin Tendulkar. Here are the complete Virat Kohli stats in international cricket.

IPL Career

Virat Kohli is the highest run scorer in the history of the IPL. He is the only player to have played with a single franchise and has shown loyalty to his franchise Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), since joining them in 2008. He continues to be the face of the team despite leaving captaincy, he has been a consistent performer for the side. Though he is yet to win the IPL trophy with them. In 2016, he scored 973 runs, which is the highest run total in a single season that still stands in IPL history. He was bought under the U-19 Draft after the World Cup win for a price of ₹12 lakh, and currently, he has been getting ₹21 crore. This showcases his prowess and the impact he had in the tournament and the game of cricket as well.

Virat Kohli Achievements & Awards

Virat Kohli's contributions to Indian cricket have been recognised by popular national honours and many other awards as well. This showcases his dedication, discipline, and exceptional on-and off-field ability. Apart from winning awards, he has worked with some big brands as an influencer, making him even more popular among fans. He is being recognised for his commitment, sportsmanship, and legacy, which he is creating for future generations. He has also achieved several milestones while playing for India and in the IPL as well. Here is the complete list of Virat Kohli Awards and Achievements.