50 Lesser-Known Facts About Virat Kohli: Unveiling a Glorious Career
Top 50 Lesser Known Facts: Virat Kohli stands as a colossus in the cricketing world, his prowess on the field and charisma off it have made him a household name globally.
While his cricketing achievements are well-documented, there exist numerous facets of his life that often escape the limelight. Delving into the lesser-known aspects of Kohli’s persona sheds light on the journey of the man behind the legend.
Early Bloomer: Kohli’s passion for cricket ignited at a tender age of three when he grabbed a bat for the first time.
Delhi Boy: Born on November 5, 1988, in Delhi, Kohli spent his formative years in the bustling lanes of Uttam Nagar.
Nickname: Known as Cheeku among his family and close friends, a moniker that has stuck with him since childhood.
Cricketing Roots: Kohli’s father, Prem Kohli, was a criminal lawyer, and his mother, Saroj Kohli, a homemaker. Neither had a cricketing background.
Academics: Despite his cricketing prowess, Kohli pursued his studies diligently. He attended Vishal Bharti Public School in Delhi.
Under-15 Debut: At the age of 15, Kohli represented Delhi in the U-15 Polly Umrigar Trophy in 2002.
U-19 Captaincy: Kohli captained the Indian U-19 team to victory in the 2008 ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup held in Malaysia.
Test Debut: Kohli made his Test debut against the West Indies in 2011 in Kingston, Jamaica, replacing the injured Yuvraj Singh.
ODI Debut: He made his One Day International (ODI) debut against Sri Lanka on August 18, 2008.
Tattoo Enthusiast: Kohli is an avid tattoo enthusiast. He has multiple tattoos, each with a significant personal meaning.
Jersey Number: His jersey number 18 holds special significance as it was his father’s birthdate (18th).
Fondness for Fitness: Renowned for his dedication to fitness, Kohli follows a strict workout regimen and diet plan.
Vegetarianism: Kohli turned vegetarian in 2018. His decision was influenced by his wife, Anushka Sharma, who is also a vegetarian.
Philanthropy: Kohli actively engages in charitable endeavors. He established the Virat Kohli Foundation in 2013, focusing on supporting underprivileged children and promoting sports.
Rapid Rise to Captaincy: Kohli became the captain of the Indian cricket team across all formats in 2017 after MS Dhoni stepped down.
Social Media Influence: With millions of followers across various social media platforms, Kohli wields significant influence off the field.
Entrepreneurial Ventures: Kohli has ventured into business, with investments in fashion, fitness, and tech startups.
Anushka Sharma Connection: Kohli tied the knot with Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma in a lavish ceremony in Tuscany, Italy, in 2017.
Love for Football: Apart from cricket, Kohli is passionate about football and co-owns the Indian Super League (ISL) team FC Goa.
Music Lover: Kohli is an ardent music lover and enjoys listening to diverse genres, including hip-hop and Punjabi folk.
Virushka: The couple’s fans fondly refer to them as ‘Virushka’, a portmanteau of Virat and Anushka.
Sibling Bond: Kohli shares a close bond with his elder brother, Vikas Kohli, who has been a pillar of support throughout his life.
Spirituality: Despite his busy schedule, Kohli finds solace in spirituality and meditation.
Multilingual: Kohli is fluent in multiple languages, including Hindi, Punjabi, and English.
Fashion Icon: Renowned for his impeccable sense of style, Kohli is a trendsetter both on and off the field.
Dedication to the Game: Kohli’s commitment to cricket is unparalleled, often spending hours analyzing his game and strategizing.
Awards and Accolades: Kohli has received numerous awards, including the prestigious Padma Shri and Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna.
Inspirational Leader: He is admired for his leadership skills, motivating his team through both victories and defeats.
FIFA Under-17 World Cup: Kohli was an ambassador for the FIFA Under-17 World Cup held in India in 2017.
Role Model: Kohli serves as a role model for aspiring cricketers worldwide, inspiring them to pursue excellence.
Love for Dogs: Kohli is a dog lover and often shares pictures and videos of his pet dogs on social media.
Charismatic Personality: Known for his charismatic persona, Kohli effortlessly captivates audiences with his charm.
Emotional Depth: Despite his aggressive on-field demeanor, Kohli is emotionally invested in the game, wearing his heart on his sleeve.
Yoga Practitioner: Kohli incorporates yoga into his fitness routine, emphasizing the importance of mental and physical well-being.
Humility: Despite his fame and success, Kohli remains grounded, acknowledging the role of his coaches, teammates, and fans in his journey.
Love for Adventure: Kohli enjoys adrenaline-pumping activities like skydiving and bungee jumping in his leisure time.
Childhood Idol: Growing up, Kohli idolized cricketing legends such as Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid.
Resilience: Kohli’s journey is marked by resilience, overcoming setbacks and criticism with unwavering determination.
Environmental Activism: Kohli is an advocate for environmental conservation and actively promotes sustainability initiatives.
Public Speaking: Kohli is a captivating orator, often delivering motivational speeches and addressing important societal issues.
Fitness Icon: He is hailed as a fitness icon, inspiring millions to adopt a healthier lifestyle through his social media posts.
Sportsmanship: Kohli embodies the spirit of sportsmanship, displaying grace and respect towards opponents both on and off the field.
Love for Cooking: Kohli enjoys experimenting with cooking and often shares glimpses of his culinary skills on social media.
Fashion Collaborations: He has collaborated with leading fashion brands, showcasing his distinctive style through exclusive collections.
Tech-Savvy: Kohli is tech-savvy and keeps abreast of the latest developments in the digital world.
Art Enthusiast: Kohli has an appreciation for art and frequently visits galleries and exhibitions during his travels.
Travel Bug: He has a penchant for travel and enjoys exploring new destinations whenever time permits.
Nature Lover: Kohli finds solace in nature, often indulging in outdoor activities like hiking and camping.
Culinary Skills: Kohli enjoys experimenting with cooking and often shares his culinary creations on social media, showcasing his culinary prowess.
Sartorial Elegance: Renowned for his impeccable sense of style, Kohli’s fashion statements exude sophistication and panache, setting trends both on and off the cricket field.
