Virat Kohli, born on 5 November 1988, is an acclaimed Indian cricketer renowned for his exceptional talent and achievements in the sport. He has made significant contributions as a former captain of the Indian national cricket team and currently represents Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL and Delhi in domestic cricket.
Known as "The King" for his dominant playing style and widespread popularity, Kohli has established himself as one of the finest batsmen in cricket history. His remarkable career is adorned with numerous records across all formats. In 2020, the International Cricket Council honored him as the male cricketer of the decade. Kohli led India to victory in the 2011 World Cup and the 2013 Champions Trophy during his captaincy from 2014 to 2022. He stands among the four Indian cricketers to have played over 500 matches for India.
Kohli's journey began in New Delhi, where he trained at the West Delhi Cricket Academy and started playing for the Delhi Under-15 team. His international debut was in 2008, and he swiftly became a key player in the ODI team, later making his Test debut in 2011. Kohli's prowess led him to the number one spot in the ICC rankings for ODI batsmen in 2013. His achievements continued, setting a record for the most runs in the 2014 T20 World Cup and becoming the world's top-ranked Test batsman in 2018, a unique feat for an Indian cricketer.
In 2019, he became the first player to score 20,000 international runs in a single decade. Despite his stellar career, Kohli stepped down as the captain of the Indian national team for T20Is in 2021 and later resigned as the Test team captain in early 2022.
Kohli's exceptional performances have earned him several accolades, including the ICC ODI Player of the Year in 2012 and the prestigious Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for ICC Cricketer of the Year in 2017 and 2018. He also clinched the ICC Test Player of the Year and ICC ODI Player of the Year awards in 2018, a remarkable double achievement. His outstanding achievements have been recognized at the national level, receiving honors such as the Arjuna Award in 2013, the Padma Shri in 2017, and the Khel Ratna award, India's highest sporting honor, in 2018.
Beyond the cricket field, Kohli's influence extends globally. He was listed among the world's most famous athletes by ESPN in 2016 and featured in Time magazine's 100 most influential people in the world in 2018. Furthermore, he was ranked 66th in Forbes' list of the top 100 highest-paid athletes in 2020, with estimated earnings exceeding $26 million. Kohli's commercial viability is evidenced by his substantial earnings, reaching ₹165 crore (US$21 million) in 2022.
Kohli's journey is not only a testament to his exceptional talent but also to his determination and resilience, making him a celebrated icon in the world of cricket.
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