Virat Kohli Career

Yash Mittal

King of Cricket: Virat Kohli (X.com/@mufaddal_vohra)King of Cricket: Virat Kohli (X.com/@mufaddal_vohra)

A run-machine like none other, Virat Kohli, it seems was born to break and create new records in international cricket. Having made his debut in 2008, Virat has gone to unprecedented heights both as batsman as well as captain across all formats of the game.

Every Virat Kohli fan’s nightmare came true when he announced his T20 retirement after India's victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup final against South Africa. Not only that, right before India’s Tour of England, Kohli called the curtains on his Test career on May 12, 2025, via an Instagram post. While, he still is available for ODIs, the King of cricket's absence in the 'Men in Blue' certainly tastes bitter. 

Virat Kohli Cricket Career

Young Virat Kohli (X.com/@_ShaanKhan)Young Virat Kohli (X.com/@_ShaanKhan)

Starting his cricketing journey at a young age of just 9 years old, Virat Kohli, encouraged by his father, joined the West Delhi Cricket Academy. This is where he met coach Rajkumar Sharma, who helped develop his skills. Kohli quickly rose through the ranks, playing for Delhi's Under-15, Under-17, and Under-19 teams. 

He showed remarkable dedication, especially when he played a Ranji Trophy match the day after his father's death. In 2008, he captained India to victory in the ICC Under-19 World Cup, which led to his selection for the national team. He made his international debut later that same year. And what came after that was a remarkable display of perseverance and immense hard work.

Virat Kohli's International Career​

Virat Kohli first stormed into prominence during the winter of 2006, when he showed immense mental strength to continue batting for his state team in a Ranji Trophy game despite having lost his father due to a massive cardiac arrest.

Two years later, he led the U19 Indian team to World Cup glory in Malaysia in 2008. The young Delhi cricketer showcased his leadership skills then and there only, as he led from the front both as a tactician as well as a batter. An IPL contract soon came calling for Virat from the Royal Challengers Bangalore ahead of the inaugural season of the cash-rich league.

And, on August 18th, 2008, Virat made an entry into the format that he would go on to own over the course of the next 15 years.

Virat Kohli's T20I Career

Virat Kohli after the most memorable chase vs Pakistan (X.com/@ViratFanTeam)Virat Kohli after the most memorable chase vs Pakistan (X.com/@ViratFanTeam)

Arguably the best T20 player for his nation, Kohli has been the man for the big tournaments. He was India's highest run-scorer in 2012, 2014, 2016, and 2022 editions of the T20 World Cup, and was also the Player of the Tournament in 2014 and 2016 editions.

Currently, he is the leading run-scorer in the history of T20Is (4037) and is also the highest run-getter in T20 World Cup history. His monumental knocks include the famous 82* against Australia in the 2016 World Cup, and the ever-green 82* against arch-rivals Pakistan in 2022. 

Having made his T20I debut in 2010 against the Zimbabwe team, Kohli has been a cornerstone for the Indian team, and has also led the T20I side 50 times, winning 30 games. However, the sun set on his T20I career very unexpectedly, when he announced his retirement from the format on 29 June 2024.  

Virat Kohli ODI Career

Kohli after reaching the 50 ODI centuries landmark [X] Kohli after reaching the 50 ODI centuries landmark [X]

Kohli did not have the best of starts to his ODI career - although he did score his maiden 50 - and he soon found himself out of the set-up after senior players like Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag returned.

However, Virat soon got another opportunity to showcase his credentials during the 2009 Champions Trophy, and this time, he didn't let the opportunity go.

Between December 2009-January 2010, Virat played plenty of brilliant knocks- especially in run-chases- to make him undroppable for the 2011 World Cup.  He started with a bang in the WC, becoming the first Indian to score a hundred on World Cup debut- vs Bangladesh. From 2012 onwards, Kohli was given the nickname ' The Chasemaster' as he mastered tricky run-chases for team India, including chasing down 330 against a formidable Pakistan attack.

Since then, he has broken numerous records and currently has the most number of centuries in ODI cricket (a feat he achieved against NZ in the World Cup 2023).

Virat Kohli Test Career

Virat Kohli Test career (X.com/@CricCrazyJohns)Virat Kohli Test career (X.com/@CricCrazyJohns)

Virat had a disastrous start to his Test career. He made his debut against the West Indies, post the 2011 World Cup, and struggled against the Windies bowlers.

It wasn't until the 3rd Test against Australia in Perth, that the world witnessed, Kohli the Test batter. He smacked a crucial 75, and followed it up with his maiden Test ton in Adelaide. Once Sachin Tendulkar retired in 2013, Kohli started batting at number 4, and has slammed centuries in every SENA country.

In January 2015, he became the permanent Test captain of India, taking over the mantle from MS Dhoni. By the time he stepped down from the post in 2022, Kohli was one of the most successful Test captain in history, with 40 wins in 68 matches.

All wonderful things comes to an end... When Virat Kohli, one of the fittest cricketers globally retired from Test cricket at the age of 36, that too right before the much anticipated India Test Tour of England, it shook the world. 

Virat Kohli IPL career

Kohli in action for RCB [AP]Kohli in action for RCB [AP]

Kohli was the star of the Under-19 World Cup in 2008. After he led the Indian side to glory, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) purchased him for the inaugural edition of IPL. It has been 18 years and Kohli still plays for RCB, and has also led them to the finals in 2016. 

He took over the captaincy in 2013, and relinquished it ahead of the 2022 season. Kohli is the leading run-getter in IPL history with 8661 runs, and interestingly, he also has the most number of centuries (8).

Not only that, Kohli stood there with the team until they finally won the IPL trophy after 18 years of its inception. The IPL 2025, finally saw RCB lift the trophy, Virat Kohli and Co. had been eyeing for so long. 

FAQs - Virat Kohli's Career

Q.1. What is the career of Virat Kohli?

Ans. Kohli was a member of the Indian team that won the 2011 Cricket World Cup, 2013 ICC Champions Trophy, 2024 T20 World Cup, and 2025 Champions Trophy. Further captained India to win the ICC Test mace three consecutive times in 2017, 2018, and 2019.

Q.2. Who saved the career of Virat Kohli?

Ans. With strong support from MS Dhoni, Kohli retained his place in the team and, following an impressive end to the Australian tour, secured his spot in the Test squad. He went on to score 30 Test centuries and eventually became the most successful Indian captain in red-ball cricket history.

Q.3. Who scored 9000 runs in IPL?

Ans. No batter has yet scored 9000 runs in the IPL. However, Virat Kohli is the highest run scorer in the history of the tournament with 8661 runs. 

Q.4. Is Virat Kohli loyal?

Ans. Virat Kohli's 18-year journey with RCB is a testament to unwavering loyalty.