Virat Kohli, one of the most iconic cricketers of the modern era, is set to continue his journey with the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) for the IPL 2025 season. Known for his relentless drive and impeccable batting skills, Kohli remains a cornerstone of RCB and the Indian cricket team. As the 14th edition of the IPL approaches, fans are eagerly anticipating his performances, with the seasoned player announcing that he would no longer captain RCB but will continue to represent the franchise with utmost loyalty.
Personal and Professional Overview
- Full Name: Virat Kohli
- Nickname: Cheeku, King Kohli
- Date of Birth: 5th November 1988
- Nationality: Indian
- Batting Style: Right-handed
- Bowling Style: Right-arm medium, Right-arm off-break
- Height: 5 ft 9 in (175 cm)
- Role: Top-order batter
- IPL Debut: 2008
- IPL Team: Royal Challengers Bangalore
- Net Worth: $115 million (approx.)
Early Life and Cricketing Journey
Virat Kohli’s cricketing journey began early, with the Delhi-born cricketer showing promise as a young child. His father, Prem Nath Kohli, a criminal lawyer, supported his passion for cricket, and Kohli’s early years in cricket were spent at the West Delhi Cricket Academy. Despite setbacks early on, including not making the under-14 Delhi team initially, Kohli’s dedication paid off. He eventually made it into the under-15 Delhi team and started climbing the ranks in the cricket world. His big break came in 2008, when he made his debut for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the IPL, marking the beginning of a long and illustrious career in the league.
Virat Kohli’s IPL Legacy
Virat Kohli’s journey in the IPL is nothing short of extraordinary. He has been a part of RCB since 2008 and became the team’s captain in 2013. Over the years, Kohli has been known for his remarkable consistency and incredible batting records. He holds numerous IPL records, including:
- Most Runs in IPL History: 8,004 runs
- Most Runs in a Single Edition: 973 runs in 2016
- Most Hundreds in IPL: 8 hundreds
- Most Runs Against Delhi Capitals: 1,030 runs
Kohli’s best season came in 2016 when he scored a record 973 runs in a single season, taking home the prestigious Orange Cap. His ability to score big runs and maintain a high strike rate has made him one of the most consistent and dangerous batters in the IPL. Despite not winning an IPL title with RCB, his leadership and performances have been crucial to the team’s success over the years.
Captaincy and Leadership
Kohli’s leadership of RCB was a significant part of his IPL career. Taking over as captain in 2013, Kohli led the team in 140 matches, winning 66 and losing 70. His aggressive style of captaincy and determination to take RCB to the top were evident, even though the elusive IPL trophy has been out of reach for the team. In a move that shocked many, Kohli announced before the start of the 2021 IPL season that it would be his last as RCB’s captain, though he would continue to play for the team.
His tenure as captain will be remembered for his intense passion, his fiery attitude on the field, and his ability to lead from the front with the bat.
Personal Life: Virushka and Beyond
Off the field, Virat Kohli’s personal life has been equally captivating. His high-profile relationship with Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma, affectionately known as “Virushka,” has garnered immense media attention. The couple married in December 2017 in a private ceremony in Florence, Italy. Their daughter, Vamika, was born in January 2021, followed by the birth of their second child, a son named Akaay, in February 2024.
Kohli is also a fitness enthusiast, known for his strict diet and workout regime. In 2018, he adopted a vegetarian diet to improve his overall health and performance on the field, despite clarifying that he is not fully vegan. His disciplined approach to fitness has earned him the reputation of being one of the fittest cricketers globally.
Records and Achievements
Virat Kohli’s cricketing accolades are a testament to his dedication and hard work. Some of his notable achievements include:
- 81 International Centuries, including 7 double centuries in Test cricket.
- ICC Cricketer of the Decade (2011–2020).
- Arjuna Award (2013) – India’s second-highest sporting honor.
- Padma Shri (2017) – India’s fourth-highest civilian award.
- Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna (2018) – India’s highest sporting honor.
In IPL, he holds the record for the most runs (8,004) and has been one of the most consistent performers in the tournament’s history. His ability to score centuries, maintain a high strike rate, and anchor the innings has made him a key figure in RCB’s batting lineup.
IPL 2025: What to Expect from Virat Kohli
As IPL 2025 approaches, all eyes will be on Virat Kohli to continue his legacy with RCB. With his vast experience and proven track record, Kohli is expected to lead the charge for RCB once again. Though he is no longer the captain, his influence and batting prowess will remain vital for the team’s success. RCB fans are hopeful that with a more focused approach, Kohli can help RCB clinch the much-coveted IPL trophy in the coming season.
IPL 2025 Batting and Fielding Stats
Career Stats
| Year | Matches | Runs | High Score | Average | Strike Rate | 100s | 50s | 4s | 6s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career | 252 | 8,004 | 113 | 38.67 | 131.97 | 8 | 55 | 705 | 272 |
2024 IPL Stats
| Year | Matches | Runs | High Score | Average | Strike Rate | 100s | 50s | 4s | 6s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 15 | 741 | 113* | 61.75 | 154.70 | 1 | 5 | 62 | 38 |
Bowling Career Stats
| Year | Matches | Balls | Runs | Wickets | Best Bowling | Average | Economy Rate | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career | 252 | 251 | 368 | 4 | 2/25 | 92.00 | 8.80 | 62.75 |
Conclusion
Virat Kohli’s IPL journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. With his unmatched batting prowess and leadership qualities, he has established himself as one of the greatest cricketers in the history of the tournament. As IPL 2025 approaches, fans and experts alike will be watching closely to see how Kohli continues to dominate with the bat and inspire his team. Whether or not RCB secures their first IPL title, Kohli’s impact on the league and his franchise is undeniable.