Virat Kohli is an Indian international cricketer and former captain of the Indian national cricket team. Born on November 5, 1988, he is a right-handed batsman and occasional medium-fast bowler. He represents Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL and Delhi in domestic cricket. Kohli is widely regarded as one of the greatest batsmen of all time, holding numerous records in IPL, T20I, ODI, and international cricket. He was a key member of India’s 2011 World Cup-winning team, the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy, and led India to win the ICC Test mace three consecutive times in 2017, 2018, and 2019. Kohli has received many accolades, including the ICC ODI Player of the Year award four times, the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy twice, and national honours like the Arjuna Award, Padma Shri, and Khel Ratna. In 2018, Time magazine named him one of the 100 most influential people in the world. Kohli is also known for his commercial viability and ranks among the highest-paid athletes globally.

Early Life:

Virat Kohli was born on November 5, 1988, in Delhi into a Punjabi Hindu family. His father, Prem Nath Kohli, was a criminal lawyer, and his mother, Saroj Kohli, was a housewife. He has an older brother, Vikas, and an older sister, Bhawna. Kohli spent his formative years in Uttam Nagar and started his early education at Vishal Bharti Public School. He showed an early interest in cricket at the age of three. In 1998, he joined the West Delhi Cricket Academy (WDCA), where he was trained by Rajkumar Sharma. Despite early setbacks, including not securing a place in the under-14 Delhi team, Kohli persisted and eventually made it to the under-15 Delhi team. He trained at the WDCA and played matches at the Sumeet Dogra Academy. He later moved to Saviour Convent School during ninth grade to further his cricketing career. Kohli’s father passed away on December 18, 2006, which deeply affected him and intensified his dedication to cricket. His family lived in Meera Bagh, Paschim Vihar until 2015, after which they moved to Gurgaon.

Public Image and in Media:

Virat Kohli’s public image and media presence have been pivotal in shaping his career, making him one of the most recognized and followed athletes globally.

Public Image

1. Aggressive and Passionate:
   • Kohli is known for his aggressive and passionate approach to the game.
2. Fitness Icon:
   • Kohli’s commitment to fitness is widely acknowledged. He revolutionized the fitness culture within the Indian cricket team, emphasizing the importance of physical conditioning and a disciplined lifestyle.
3. Fashion and Style:
   • Kohli is considered a style icon, frequently appearing in fashion magazines and endorsing various clothing brands. His grooming and fashion sense have made him a trendsetter in India. In 2012, he was recognized as one of the best-dressed men by the fashion magazine GQ, appearing on their annual list alongside prominent figures such as Barack Obama.
4. Philanthropy and Social Initiatives:
   • Kohli is actively involved in various charitable activities. He has a foundation, the Virat Kohli Foundation, which aims to support underprivileged children and promote sports. He has participated in numerous campaigns promoting education, health, and social causes.

Media Presence

1. Social Media:
   • Kohli has a massive following on social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. His posts often go viral, and he engages regularly with his fans. He is the most followed Asian individual on Instagram, boasting over 266 million followers. Reports indicate that he can command a fee of ₹8.9 crore (equivalent to ₹9.4 crore or US$1.1 million in 2023) for each sponsored post on the platform.
2. Endorsements:
   • Kohli is one of the highest-paid athletes in terms of endorsements. He has been associated with numerous high-profile brands, including Puma, Audi, MRF, and many others. His bat deal with MRF is regarded as one of the most financially rewarding deals in cricket history. In 2017, he entered into a notable endorsement agreement with Puma valued at around ₹1.1 billion (US$13 million), making him the first Indian athlete to sign a brand endorsement contract valued at ₹100 crore. As of January 2023, his annual earnings from endorsements were estimated at ₹165 crore (US$21 million).
3. Media Coverage:
   • Kohli’s performances, both on and off the field, are extensively covered by the media. His statements, decisions, and personal life often make headlines. He has been featured in various international publications and has appeared on numerous television shows and interviews.
4. Controversies:
   • Kohli’s aggressive demeanor has occasionally led to controversies. His confrontations with players, umpires, and even the media have sparked debates. Despite this, he has maintained a strong fan base and continues to be a respected figure in the cricketing world.

Influence and Legacy

• Inspiring the Next Generation:
  • Kohli’s journey from a promising young cricketer to one of the world’s best has inspired many aspiring athletes. His emphasis on fitness, discipline, and hard work resonates with young sports enthusiasts.
• Cultural Impact:
  • Beyond cricket, Kohli has had a significant impact on popular culture in India. His influence extends to fashion, fitness, and lifestyle, making him a multifaceted public figure.

International Acclaim and Recognition

• Brand Value and Endorsements:
  • In 2008, after his notable performance in the ICC Under-19 World Cup, Kohli was approached by sports agent Bunty Sajdeh of Cornerstone Sport and Entertainment. Over the years, his brand endorsement portfolio has grown significantly. In 2013, his endorsements were valued at over ₹1 billion (US$12 million). By 2023, his brand value reached ₹1,000 crore (US$120 million).
• Global Rankings and Awards:
  • In 2014, Kohli’s brand value was evaluated at $56.4 million, placing him fourth among India’s most valued celebrity brands. By 2016, his brand value had increased to $92 million, second only to Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan. In 2017, he was recognized by Forbes as the seventh “Most Valuable Brand among Athletes,” surpassing sports figures like Lionel Messi and Stephen Curry, with a brand estimation of $14.5 million. He was also the only cricketer included in Forbes’ list of “World’s 100 Highest-Paid Athletes” in 2019, ranked 100th with earnings estimated at $25 million.
• Influence and Media Features:
  • In 2018, Kohli was featured on Time magazine’s annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world. He was also the subject of a documentary on National Geographic channel highlighting his cricketing career. In 2019, he was honored with a stand named after him at the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium in Delhi. Additionally, an Indian animated superhero television series, Super V, premiered, featuring a fictionalized portrayal of Kohli’s teenage years and his discovery of superpowers.

Kohli’s public image and media presence reflect his multifaceted personality. His influence extends beyond the cricket field, making him a prominent figure in sports and popular culture.

Personal Life:

Relationship with Anushka Sharma

Virat Kohli’s romantic association with Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma began in 2013. The couple, often referred to as “Virushka” by the media and their fans, first met during a promotional shoot for Clear shampoo. Their relationship attracted significant media interest, and despite persistent rumors and speculations, both maintained a degree of privacy about their romance.

• Marriage: Kohli and Sharma got married on December 11, 2017, in an intimate ceremony in Florence, Italy. The wedding was one of the most talked-about celebrity events in India.
• Children: On January 11, 2021, the couple had their first child, a daughter named Vamika. The name Vamika is derived from Sanskrit, meaning “little goddess”. On February 15, 2024, they welcomed their second child, a boy named Akaay.

Outside Cricket: