Virat Kohli

 VIRAT KOHLI

- Virat Kohli, born on 5th November 1988, is an esteemed Indian cricketer who has made a significant impact on the international stage. Having previously captained the Indian national cricket team, he currently represents the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL and Delhi in domestic cricket. Kohli's exceptional batting skills have earned him a reputation as one of the greatest batsmen in the history of cricket, particularly in the 21st century. He holds the record for being the highest run-scorer in T20 and IPL. Recognizing his remarkable achievements, the International Cricket Council honored him with the prestigious title of Male Cricketer of the Decade in 2020. Kohli currently stands as the fourth-highest run-scorer in international cricket and ranks second in terms of the most centuries scored. Notably, he also holds the record for the most centuries in one-day international cricket. Furthermore, Kohli played a pivotal role in India's victorious campaigns in the 2011 Cricket World Cup and the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy.

- In 2013, Kohli achieved the top spot in the ICC rankings for ODI batsmen. Five years later, he became the number one Test batsman, making him the sole Indian cricketer to hold the top position in all three formats of the game. Kohli's remarkable feat continued as he became the first player to score 20,000 runs in a single decade.

His exceptional performances in cricket have earned him numerous accolades. In 2012, he was honored as the ICC ODI Player of the Year, and he went on to win the prestigious Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy, awarded to the ICC Cricketer of the Year, in both 2017 and 2018. Kohli's dominance extended to the Test arena as well, as he clinched the ICC Test Player of the Year and ICC ODI Player of the Year Awards in 2018, becoming the first player to achieve this remarkable double in the same year. Additionally, he was recognized as the Wisden Leading Cricketer in the World for three consecutive years, from 2016 to 2018.

At the national level, Kohli received esteemed honors including the Arjuna Award in 2013, the Padma Shri under the sports category in 2017, and the Khel Ratna Award, India's highest sporting honor, in 2018.

Furthermore, in 2018, Time Magazine acknowledged his greatness by including him in its prestigious list.

- In the year 2024, Kohli was recognized by Time magazine as one of the 100 most influential individuals worldwide. Additionally, he has been acknowledged as one of the most financially lucrative athletes, with an estimated income of US$126 million.

 

Childhood and upbringing

- Virat Kohli, born on 5 November 1988 in Delhi, comes from a Punjabi-Hindu family. His father, Prem Kohli, worked as a criminal lawyer, while his mother, Saroj Kohli, dedicated her time as a housewife. Growing up in Uttam Nagar, Kohli attended Vishal Bharti Public School for his early education. Even at the tender age of three, Kohli displayed a natural affinity for cricket, often picking up a bat and requesting his father to bowl to him.

In 1998, the West Delhi Cricket Academy (WCDA) was established. It was during this time that Prem Kohli, recognizing his son's passion for cricket, arranged for a meeting between nine-year-old Kohli and Rajkumar Sharma. Initially, Sharma saw Kohli as just another enthusiastic young boy, but within two weeks, he was impressed by Kohli's throwing accuracy and power. Encouraged by their neighbors, Kohli's father decided to enroll him in a professional cricket academy, believing that his talent deserved more than just playing street cricket.

Despite facing obstacles, such as being unable to secure a place in the under- 14 Delhi team due to external factors, Kohli's determination remained unwavering. Offers from influential clubs to ensure his selection came his way, but his father declined them, firmly believing that Kohli should earn recognition based on his own merit and not through nepotism or deceit. Eventually, Kohli found his way into the under- 15 Delhi team and received training at the academy while also participating in matches at the Sumeet Dogra Academy in Vasundhara Enclave.

According to Sharma's recollection of Kohli's early days at the academy, his talent was undeniable, making it challenging for the coach to contain his enthusiasm.

°external presentation and media

- The earnings of Kohli, estimated at $25 million, are divided into $21 million from endorsements and the remaining amount from salary and tournament winnings. Additionally, in March 2019, Kohli was appointed as the brand ambassador of the mobile esports- platform, Mobile Premier League. Kohli's earning potential continued to rise, and in 2020, he secured the 66th position in Forbes' list of the top 100 highest-paid athletes in the world for the year 2020, with estimated earnings surpassing $26 million. In April 2021, Vivo selected Kohli as their brand ambassador for the Indian Premier League.

In 2012, Kohli was acknowledged as one of the best-dressed men by the fashion magazine GQ, featuring on their annual list alongside notable figures like Barack Obama. Six years later, in 2018, a documentary showcasing Kohli's cricketing career was released on the National Geographic Channel. The film aimed to commemorate his achievements in the sport. The following year, on the eve of the 2019 Cricket World Cup, a tribute was bestowed upon Kohli. Madame Tussauds, renowned for their lifelike wax figures, unveiled an exquisite creation of Kohli in London. Continuing the series of accolades, in 2019, on the eleventh anniversary of his international debut, Kohli was honored with a stand named after him at the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium in Delhi, making him the youngest cricketer to receive such recognition. In November of the same year, an Indian animated superhero television series titled Super V premiered, featuring a fictionalized portrayal of Kohli's teenage years and his discovery of superpowers.

° Player biography.

- Kohli is widely regarded as a proactive batsman, possessing exceptional technical skills and a dynamic playing style. In ODl cricket, he typically bats at number three with a slightly open-chested stance and a firm grip on the bottom handle of his bat. Known for his nimble footwork and extensive range of shots, Kohli excels in orchestrating innings under high-pressure situations. Rather than going for big hits, he prefers playing grounded shots, showcasing his ability to execute wrist shots and consistently perform in the mid-wicket and cover region.

One of Kohli's favorite shots is the cover drive, which he considers his signature stroke. He also has a natural talent for the flick shot, especially when facing deliveries aimed towards the leg stump. While he doesn't heavily rely on the sweep shot, Kohli's batting technique emphasizes ground shots that yield runs between deep square leg and mid-on. His composed approach and versatility in play make him a formidable batsman. With his bat-speed and supple wrist movements, he can create innovative angles that disrupt traditional field placements. Additionally, Kohli is recognized for his quick reflexes and sure-handedness as a proficient fielder.

However, Kohli does have a vulnerability to deliveries that are wide of the off-stump. Bowlers often exploit this weakness, particularly in Test and ODl matches, resulting in his dismissal on numerous occasions. Cricket experts like VVS Laxman, Sanjay Manjrekar, and Richard Hadlee have acknowledged this weakness, highlighting the need for Kohli to address it.

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