Virat Kohli family [Source: @bhawna_kohli_dhingra/Instagram]
Virat Kohli is unarguably one of the greatest modern-day cricketers to serve Indian cricket. He initially rose through the ranks after leading India to victory in the 2008 ICC U19 Cricket World Cup. After his international debut in the same year, the star cricketer accumulated over 27,000 runs and 81 centuries across three formats i.e Test, ODI and T20I.
Moreover, under Kohli's captaincy, India achieved a historic Test series win in Australia in 2018-19 and qualified for the ICC World Test Championship final in 2021. Moreover, he is the only batter to average over 50 in all three formats of the game for an extended period.
That being said, Virat Kohli's family has played a significant role in shaping his journey, providing support and motivation throughout his career. He was born into a nuclear family in Delhi and often credits his upbringing and family values for his resilience and determination on the cricket field.
Virat Kohli's family members
Virat Kohli's parents
Father: Prem Kohli
Virat Kohli's father [Source: @SiliconKohli/X.com]
Prem Kohli, a criminal lawyer by profession, played an important role in Kohli's career. He was a strong supporter of Virat's cricket aspirations, ensuring he received professional training from a young age. However, he tragically passed away in 2006 due to a stroke when Virat was just 18 years old. Despite the loss, Virat showed immense determination by playing a Ranji Trophy match for Delhi the day of his father's demise. However, that incident transformed Kohli into a mature person overnight. He took his aspirations towards the sport more seriously and vowed to fulfil his father's dream.
Mother: Saroj Kohli
Virat Kohli's mother [Source: @imVkohli/X.com]
Saroj is a homemaker and has been a pillar of strength for Virat Kohli. After her husband's passing, she played a critical role in maintaining the family's morale and supporting Virat's cricketing ambitions. She never stopped her son from pursuing his passion and managed financial constraints to support Virat.
Virat Kohli's brother & sister: Vikas Kohli & Bhawna Dhingra
Virat Kohli's brother & Sister [Source: @bhawna_kohli_dhingra/Instagram]
Kohli has an elder brother Vikas who is involved in business ventures and keeps a low profile. He also has an elder sister Bhawna who is married and has been a source of emotional support for Virat. The siblings also supported Virat through tough times and stood by him at crucial phases of his life.
Virat Kohli's wife: Anushka Sharma
Virat Kohli's wife [Source: @Trend_VKohli/X.com]
Who is Anushka Sharma?
Virat Kohli married prominent Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma in 2017. After dating secretly for several years, the high-profile couple tied the knot at a private ceremony in Italy. She starred in blockbuster films like Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, PK, Band Baaja Baaraat, and NH10. The actress also co-founded the production house Clean Slate Filmz.
Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma's love story
The couple met in 2013 while shooting for a TV commercial for a shampoo brand. Their chemistry blossomed into a life-long commitment. The couple kept their relationship private initially but made it public in 2014 when Virat blew a kiss to Anushka in the stands during a match.
Anushka's support in Virat's life
Though the couple has always been under scrutiny, Anushka has stayed a constant source of support for Virat, often seen cheering for him during matches. She stood by him during difficult moments and redefined couple goals. Both share a passion for fitness, spirituality, and environmental causes. Virat and Anushka, often referred to as "Virushka," are one of India's most celebrated power couples.
Virat Kohli's kids
Virat Kohli's kids [Source: @Osamahunyr, @mufaddal_vohra/X.com]
Birth of both kids
Virat Kohli has two kids, a daughter named Vamika and a son named Akaay. Vamika was born in January 2021, and the actress gave birth to Akaay in February 2024.
Virat Kohli's bond with his kids
The Indian cricketer shares a deep bond with both his kids. As vocal advocates of privacy, the couple has decided to keep their kids away from the public eye. Both their identities are hidden from the media as they wish a normal life for their kids. Kohli and Anushka are raising their kids in London, away from media lenses. Though they visit India often, the kids' identity remains undisclosed.
Family's role in Virat Kohli's career
The early struggles of the family
Virat Kohli had a difficult childhood. Though he was raised by loving and supportive parents, his father's death tragically changed the family's lives. According to the information available, the family suffered from a severe financial crisis. Virat was just 18 years old, and after support from coach Rajkumar Sharma, he delayed his dad's funeral to save a match for Delhi in the Ranji Trophy. However, despite the struggles, his mother and siblings never forced Virat to quit his passion. His mother, brother, and sister took charge of the house and allowed free will for the youngest child to pursue his passion and fulfil his dad's dream.
Family's support during tough times
Virat Kohli faced many challenging phases in his career. In 2014, he had a disastrous England tour where he failed to score a single half century. That marked the lowest phase of his career. However, his family kept him motivated throughout the tough period. He returned home after the tour and spent quality time with his family. Virat's mother and siblings pushed him to keep fighting and not give up.
He has been rarely injured in his career. But whenever Kohli needed his family by his side, they were always there. Moreover, Anushka Sharma's entry changed Kohli's life completely. His perspective towards life and career at large changed dramatically.
Celebrating success together
Virat Kohli with wife Anushka Sharma [Source: @ImTanujSingh/X.com]
Though his mother likes to live a quiet life, Virat Kohli's siblings are often present in stadiums to witness his highs. Anushka Sharma accompanies him on various tours. While her presence has garnered some negative attention as well, Anushka's love and support for her husband stayed unaffected by outside criticism.
She celebrated his triumphs wholeheartedly. When Kohli was honoured for playing 100 Tests for India, Anushka stood by him during the felicitation ceremony. In IPL, the actress cheers for her husband with the same enthusiasm.
FAQs about Virat Kohli's family
Q.1. How many children does Virat Kohli have?
Answer: Virat Kohli had two children. Daughter Vamika was born on January 11, 2021 in Mumbai. On February 15, 2024, Anushka give birth to the couple's second child, Akaay in London.
Q.2. Who is the first wife of Virat Kohli?
Answer: Virat Kohli has been married only once to Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma. The high-profile couple dated secretly for several years before tying the knot in 2017. Their wedding took place in Italy with immediate family and friends.
Q.3. What is the family background of Virat Kohli?
Answer: Virat Kohli was born in a middle-class family in Delhi. His father, Prem Kohli was a criminal lawyer while his mother is a homemaker. His elder brother, Vikas Kohli is a businessman and sister, Bhawna is happily married.
Q.4. Does Virat Kohli have a sister?
Answer: Yes, Virat Kohli has an elder sister named Bhawna Kohli Dhingra. She supported her brother through their difficult childhood. Bhawna is married to a businessman from Delhi and has a daughter, Mahek.
Q.5. Who is Virat Kohli's ex-lover?
Answer: Before he met Anushka Sharma, Virat Kohli had rumoured relationship with actress Izabelle Leite. They reportedly dated for two years before breaking up in 2014. Besides, Kohli was also linked to actresses Sarah-Jane Dias and Tamannaah Bhatia.