Virat Kohli: A Cricketing Legend
Virat Kohli is a name that needs no introduction in the world of cricket. The Indian cricket team captain is one of the greatest batsmen of his generation and has achieved numerous milestones in his career. From leading the Indian team to victory in several international matches to breaking world records, Kohli has done it all. In this article, we will take a closer look at the life and career of this cricketing legend.
Early Life
Virat Kohli was born on November 5, 1988, in Delhi, India. His father, Prem Kohli, was a criminal lawyer, and his mother, Saroj Kohli, was a housewife. Kohli grew up in a middle-class family and was always passionate about cricket. He started playing cricket at a young age and showed immense talent from an early stage.
Kohli attended the West Delhi Cricket Academy, where he trained under the guidance of Rajkumar Sharma. He soon started making a name for himself in the Delhi cricket circuit and was soon selected to represent Delhi in the under-15 team.
Early Career
Kohli’s talent and hard work soon paid off, and he was selected to represent the Indian team in the under-19 World Cup in 2008. He played a vital role in helping India win the tournament, scoring 235 runs in 6 matches at an average of 47.
Kohli soon made his debut for the Indian cricket team in August 2008, in an ODI against Sri Lanka. He made an immediate impact, scoring 18 runs off 12 balls. However, it was in the 2011 World Cup that Kohli truly announced himself on the world stage. He scored 282 runs in 9 matches at an average of 35.25, helping India win the tournament.
International Career
Since his debut in 2008, Kohli has gone on to become one of the most successful batsmen in the world. He has scored over 12,000 runs in ODIs at an average of 59.07, with 43 centuries and 62 half-centuries. In Test cricket, he has scored over 7,500 runs at an average of 51.41, with 27 centuries and 25 half-centuries.
Kohli’s aggressive style of batting and his ability to score runs consistently have made him a feared opponent for any team. He has broken numerous records over the years, including the fastest to 8,000, 9,000, 10,000, and 11,000 ODI runs. He has also been named the ICC ODI Player of the Year three times, in 2012, 2017, and 2018.
Captaincy
Kohli was appointed the captain of the Indian cricket team in January 2017, taking over from MS Dhoni. Since then, he has led the team to numerous victories in both Tests and ODIs. Under his leadership, the Indian team has become a force to be reckoned with, and Kohli has been credited with bringing a new level of aggression and intensity to the team.
Kohli’s captaincy has not been without controversy, however. He has been criticized for his on-field behavior and for being too aggressive at times. However, his success as a captain cannot be denied, and he has led the Indian team to several historic victories, including a Test series win in Australia in 2018-19.
Off the Field
Kohli is not just a cricketing legend but also a role model for millions of people around the world. He is known for his fitness and discipline and has been credited with raising awareness about the importance of fitness in India.
