When you think of modern-day cricket legends, one name instantly comes to mind—Virat Kohli. Known as the “King of Chase” and the “Run Machine,” Kohli has redefined consistency and passion in international cricket. From a fiery youngster in Delhi to becoming one of the most celebrated cricketers in the world, his journey is nothing short of inspiring.
In this detailed guide, let’s dive into Kohli’s age, career milestones, jaw-dropping stats, and why he remains the heartbeat of Indian cricket.
Virat Kohli: Quick Profile
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Full Name: Virat Kohli
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Born: November 5, 1988 (36 years old)
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Birthplace: Delhi, India
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Height: 175 cm
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Role: Batsman
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Batting Style: Right-handed
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Bowling Style: Right-arm medium
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Teams: India, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB in IPL)
Kohli’s Rise to Stardom
Virat Kohli first caught attention when he led India’s U-19 team to victory in the 2008 U-19 World Cup. Soon after, he made his ODI debut against Sri Lanka in August 2008. Back then, no one imagined this young Delhi boy would go on to break batting records left and right.
By the time he took over India’s captaincy in 2017, Kohli had already established himself as one of the world’s best batters. His aggressive style, unmatched fitness levels, and hunger for runs made him a role model for a new generation of cricketers.
Virat Kohli’s Batting Records
Kohli’s numbers speak for themselves. Here’s a breakdown of his career batting stats across formats:
Test Cricket
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Matches: 123
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Runs: 9,230
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Highest Score: 254
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Average: 46.85
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100s/50s: 30/31
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Double Hundreds: 7
Kohli has been India’s rock in Test cricket, especially overseas, with memorable knocks in England, Australia, and South Africa.
One-Day Internationals (ODIs)
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Matches: 302
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Runs: 14,181
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Highest Score: 183
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Average: 57.88
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100s/50s: 51/74
This is where Kohli truly earned the nickname King Kohli. He’s second only to Sachin Tendulkar in ODI centuries, and many believe he’ll surpass him soon.
T20 Internationals
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Matches: 125
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Runs: 4,188
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Highest Score: 122
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Average: 48.70
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Strike Rate: 137.05
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100s/50s: 1/38
Kohli’s T20 stats prove he’s not just consistent but also explosive when needed. He has been India’s go-to man in ICC T20 World Cups, often anchoring tricky chases.
Indian Premier League (IPL)
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Matches: 267
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Runs: 8,661
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Highest Score: 113
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Average: 39.55
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Strike Rate: 132.86
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100s/50s: 8/63
No surprises here—Kohli is the highest run-scorer in IPL history. His 2016 season, where he scored 973 runs in one edition, is still talked about as one of the greatest in T20 history.
Bowling Stats (Yes, Kohli Bowls Too!)
While Kohli isn’t known for his bowling, he has occasionally rolled his arm over. Here’s a quick look:
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ODIs: 5 wickets (best: 1/13)
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T20Is: 4 wickets (best: 1/13)
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Tests & IPL: Still searching for that first five-wicket haul!
Fun fact: Fans often cheer loudly when Kohli comes in to bowl—it’s more about the excitement than the expectation.
Virat Kohli’s Career Timeline
Let’s map out the major milestones of his journey so far:
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2008: ODI debut vs Sri Lanka
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2010: T20I debut vs Zimbabwe
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2011: Test debut vs West Indies
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2011: Played a crucial role in India’s World Cup-winning campaign
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2013-2017: Became India’s most reliable chaser in ODIs
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2017: Took over as India’s full-time captain across formats
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2018: Scored centuries in tough conditions in England & Australia
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2021: Stepped down from T20 captaincy, later ODI and Test too
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2023: Starred in India’s World Cup campaign, finishing as the highest run-scorer
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2025: Still breaking records and showing no signs of slowing down
What Makes Kohli Special?
Here are a few reasons why Virat Kohli stands out:
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Unmatched consistency – Rarely goes through long lean patches.
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Fitness revolution – Introduced a new culture of fitness in Indian cricket.
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Chase master – Arguably the best ODI chaser ever.
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Passion & aggression – Plays every game like it’s his last.
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Adaptability – Can play anchor or aggressor depending on the situation.
Kohli vs Tendulkar: The Debate
Cricket fans often compare Virat Kohli with Sachin Tendulkar. While Tendulkar is widely regarded as the greatest of all time, Kohli has carved out his own legacy with his phenomenal chasing ability and modern-day dominance.
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ODI Centuries: Tendulkar (49), Kohli (51 and counting)
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ODI Average: Kohli (57.88) vs Tendulkar (44.83)
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World Cup Performances: Both have been spectacular in their eras.
At the end of the day, both are legends—different eras, different challenges, but the same passion for runs.
Also Read : Kuldeep Yadav Profile – Age, Career Info & Stats
Kohli in IPL: The RCB Warrior
Though he hasn’t won an IPL trophy yet, Kohli has remained loyal to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) since the beginning. His bond with the team and the fans is unmatched, making him one of the most loved cricketers in franchise cricket.
Life Beyond Cricket
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Marriage: Kohli married Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma in 2017. The couple is often called “Virushka” by fans.
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Philanthropy: Runs the Virat Kohli Foundation for underprivileged children.
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Business: Owns fitness ventures like One8 and has multiple brand endorsements.
Legacy of the Run Machine
Virat Kohli isn’t just about numbers—he represents a mindset. His determination, self-belief, and ability to deliver under pressure have inspired millions. Whether it’s a packed stadium or a tense run chase, you know the game’s alive as long as Kohli is at the crease.
Final Thoughts
At 36, Virat Kohli is still going strong, and his hunger for runs hasn’t dimmed one bit. Whether he surpasses every record or not, he has already secured his place as one of cricket’s all-time greats.
So, next time you watch him walk out to bat, remember—you’re witnessing history in motion.
