Virat Kohli, one of the most celebrated figures in modern cricket, has amassed a net worth of $70 million. He plays for the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League and represents Delhi in domestic cricket. From 2013 to 2022, he captained the Indian national cricket team, leading them to 40 wins in 68 matches. Kohli’s immense cricketing skills have earned him accolades like the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy and the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award, positioning him as one of the greatest batsmen of his era.
Virat Kohli’s Earnings Among Top Athletes
Virat Kohli has consistently ranked among the highest-paid athletes worldwide. For instance, between June 2017 and June 2018, Kohli earned $24 million from salary and endorsements. A significant portion, $20 million, came from endorsements, which highlights his popularity not just in cricket but also in the business world.
Virat Kohli was born on November 5, 1988, in New Delhi, India, to Punjabi Hindu parents, Prem and Saroj. He grew up with an older sister, Bhavna, and an older brother, Vikash. Raised in Uttam Nagar, he attended Vishal Bharti Public School before enrolling in the West Delhi Cricket Academy in 1998. Kohli’s life took a dramatic turn when his father passed away from a stroke in late 2006, leaving a deep emotional impact on him.
Starting His Cricket Journey
Virat Kohli’s journey into cricket began in 2002 when he joined the Delhi Under-15 team for the Polly Umrigar Trophy. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming the captain of the Under-15 team. By the 2004-05 season, Kohli had secured a spot with the Delhi Under-17 team and helped them win the Vijay Merchant Trophy. His first-class debut came in 2006, where he scored 257 runs, marking the beginning of a promising career.
In 2006, Virat Kohli joined the India Under-19 team for its tour of England. The team won both of its series, marking a strong start for Kohli in international youth cricket. The following year, he made his Twenty20 debut and joined the India Under-19s on their tour to Sri Lanka. Kohli led India to victory in the 2008 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup, a turning point in his career.
First Steps into International Cricket
Kohli’s international debut came in 2008 during India’s tour of Sri Lanka. India won the series 3-2, with Kohli making his mark. After recovering from a shoulder injury, Kohli made a strong comeback in the 2009 ICC Champions Trophy. His impressive performances continued in subsequent home series against Australia and Sri Lanka, solidifying his position in the national squad. Kohli’s consistency earned him recognition, especially after his stellar performance in Bangladesh in 2010, where he emerged as the leading run-scorer.
Rising to the Top
Kohli’s international career continued to rise. He became the fastest Indian player to score 1,000 runs in ODI cricket during a tri-series in Zimbabwe. He topped the year’s ODI run-scoring chart with 995 runs and achieved another milestone by becoming the leading run-scorer in ODI cricket. His performances were integral to India’s successful 2011 World Cup campaign, where India won its first title since 1983. Kohli played a crucial role throughout the tournament, scoring an unbeaten 100 in one of the matches.
Kohli’s growth continued as he took on more leadership responsibilities. In 2012, he was named vice-captain of India’s team for the Asia Cup in Bangladesh, where he finished as the tournament’s top run-scorer. His leadership qualities were evident as he guided the team in several successful series, including a dominant 5-0 win over New Zealand in a home ODI series. Kohli’s growing influence on the team continued as he led India in various tours and series, further cementing his legacy.
Climbing to Captaincy
In early 2013, India dominated Australia in a home Test series, and later that year, they won the ICC Champions Trophy. Kohli’s leadership was in full swing as he took over the captaincy of the Indian team for the triangular series in the West Indies. Kohli then led India to a clean sweep against Zimbabwe in a 5-0 ODI series win. Later, in 2014, he took on his first major Test series as captain during India’s tour of Australia, marking the start of his Test captaincy journey.
Continued Success in International Cricket
Under Kohli’s captaincy, India achieved significant success. In 2015, Kohli led India to victory in the Asia Cup, and in 2017, he recorded the third-highest number of international runs in a single year, accumulating 2,818 runs. His efforts in the 2018 South Africa tour were also pivotal, where India won the ODI series 5-1. The team continued its winning streak in the 2018 tours of England and Australia, showcasing Kohli’s leadership skills.
World Cup and Further Leadership Milestones
In 2019, Kohli captained India in the Cricket World Cup. Despite an early exit, his leadership remained strong as he captained the team in the 2021 ICC World Test Championship Final and the 2021 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. After the T20 World Cup, Kohli announced his decision to step down as the ODI captain. In early 2022, Kohli also resigned as Test captain, marking the end of an era.
IPL Journey with Royal Challengers Bangalore
Virat Kohli has been an integral part of the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the Indian Premier League. After starting off with some challenges, he grew into one of the team’s most prolific run-scorers. His leadership skills came to the fore in the 2015 IPL when he guided RCB to the playoffs. The following year, in 2016, he helped the team reach second place, while also breaking the record for the most runs in a single IPL season, with 973 runs. In 2021, Kohli became the first player to score over 6,000 IPL runs, cementing his legacy in the tournament.
Kohli’s Personal Life and Ventures
Virat Kohli’s personal life gained significant attention when he began dating Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma in 2013. The couple married in late 2017, and they welcomed their daughter, Vamika, in early 2021. Outside of cricket, Kohli is actively involved in charitable work. He launched his own charity foundation in 2013 to support underprivileged children. Additionally, he co-owns the Indian Super League football club FC Goa and is involved with the Pro Wrestling League franchise Bengaluru Yodhas and the UAE Royals of the International Premier Tennis League.
Virat Kohli’s career is a testament to hard work, leadership, and determination. From his early days in the Delhi cricket scene to becoming one of the most respected cricketers worldwide, Kohli’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable. His legacy extends beyond cricket, with his ventures in business and philanthropy adding to his influence.
