Childhood and Education Journey of Virat Kohli in Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Virat Kohli. A timeline of key moments.

Virat Kohli is a prominent Indian international cricketer, formerly captaining the Indian national team. A right-handed batsman and occasional bowler, he represents Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL and Delhi domestically. Celebrated as one of the greatest limited-overs batsmen ever, he holds the record for most ODI centuries and is second for international centuries and is the highest run-scorer in the IPL. Kohli contributed to India's victories in the 2011 Cricket World Cup, 2013 ICC Champions Trophy, 2024 T20 World Cup and 2025 Champions Trophy. As captain, India held the ICC World Test Championship Mace from 2016-2020, winning the season prize three times.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

November 1988: Virat Kohli's Birth in Delhi

In November 1988, Virat Kohli was born into a Punjabi Hindu family in Delhi. His mother, Saroj Kohli, is a housewife, and his father, Prem Nath Kohli, worked as a criminal lawyer.

1998: Enrollment in Cricket Academy

In 1998, the West Delhi Cricket Academy was created. In May of 1998, Virat Kohli's father arranged for him to meet Rajkumar Sharma, and Kohli was enrolled in a professional cricket academy.

November 2006: First-Class Debut and Father's Death

In November 2006, Virat Kohli made his first-class debut during the Ranji Trophy season against Tamil Nadu, scoring ten runs. Later in the same match, his father passed away, but Kohli returned to score 90 runs, demonstrating immense determination.

December 2006: Death of Virat Kohli's Father

On December 18, 2006, Virat Kohli's father passed away due to a cerebral attack, leading to a noticeable shift in Kohli's demeanor and a newfound seriousness towards cricket.

June 2008: Awarded Border-Gavaskar Scholarship

In June 2008, Virat Kohli, along with his U-19 teammates Pradeep Sangwan and Tanmay Srivastava, was awarded the Border–Gavaskar scholarship, providing an opportunity to train at Cricket Australia's Centre of Excellence in Brisbane.

2008: Signed to Cornerstone Sport and Entertainment

In 2008, Virat Kohli was approached by Bunty Sajdeh of Cornerstone Sport and Entertainment after his performance in the ICC Under-19 World Cup and signed to the agency after a recommendation from Yuvraj Singh.

2012: Kara on right arm

Since 2012, Virat Kohli has been observed sporting a kara, a traditional bangle often worn for religious or spiritual purposes, on his right arm since 2012.

2013: Tendulkar's Retirement and Kohli's Honour

In 2013, Sachin Tendulkar retired from international cricket. Kohli, who played alongside Tendulkar in the team, honored him by presenting him with a sacred thread that had been gifted to him by his late father.

2013: Established Virat Kohli Foundation

In 2013, Virat Kohli established the "Virat Kohli Foundation," a philanthropic organization dedicated to supporting underprivileged children.

2013: Relationship with Anushka Sharma Began

In 2013, Virat Kohli's romantic association with Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma commenced, and they became known as "Virushka".

2014: Business Ventures

In 2014, Virat Kohli became a co-owner of the Indian Super League club FC Goa and launched WROGN, a men's casual wear brand, in partnership with Universal Sportsbiz. Additionally, he became a shareholder and brand ambassador for Sport Convo, a social networking platform for sports fans.

2015: Family Relocation to Gurgaon

In 2015, Virat Kohli's family relocated from Meera Bagh, Paschim Vihar, to Gurgaon.

2016: Launch of Stepathlon Kids

In 2016, Virat Kohli helped launch Stepathlon Kids, an initiative to encourage children to adopt healthy lifestyles.

December 2017: Marriage to Anushka Sharma

On 11 December 2017, Virat Kohli married Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma in an intimate ceremony held in Florence, Italy.

2017: Partnership with Puma and Establishment of Nueva

In 2017, Virat Kohli partnered with Puma to introduce his athletic lifestyle brand, One8. He also established Nueva, a fine-dining restaurant in New Delhi, and launched One8 Commune, a chain of restaurant bars.

2018: Adopted Vegetarian Diet

In 2018, Virat Kohli adopted a vegetarian diet to alleviate symptoms of a cervical spine issue caused by elevated uric acid, which was affecting his finger movements as a batsman.

2019: Wax Figure Unveiled at Madame Tussauds London

In 2019, Madame Tussauds unveiled a wax figure of Virat Kohli in London, on the eve of the 2019 Cricket World Cup.

2019: Investment in Mobile Premier League (MPL)

In 2019, Virat Kohli invested in Galactus Funware Technology Pvt Ltd, the parent company of Mobile Premier League (MPL).

2020: Investment in Digit

Early in 2020, Virat Kohli and his spouse, jointly invested ₹2.5 crore in Digit, an insurance-based startup.

January 2021: Birth of Daughter Vamika

On 11 January 2021, Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma welcomed their first child, a daughter named Vamika.

2021: Investments in Hyperice, Blue Tribe, and Rage Coffee

In 2021, Virat Kohli became an athlete-investor and ambassador for Hyperice, a wellness brand. He also invested in Blue Tribe, a plant-based meat startup, and Rage Coffee, a coffee brand, becoming its brand ambassador.

February 2024: Birth of Son Akaay

On 15 February 2024, Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma welcomed their second child, a boy named Akaay.

May 2025: Investment in Agilitas and World Bowling League

In May 2025, Virat Kohli joined sports athleisure brand Agilitas as an investor, concluding his eight-year contract with Puma. He also became a Strategic Investor in the World Bowling League (WBL).