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 national team. A right-handed batsman and occasional bowler, he represents Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL and Delhi domestically. Widely considered one of cricket's greatest batsmen, he holds the record for most ODI centuries and is the highest run-scorer in the IPL. Kohli contributed to India's victories in the 2011 Cricket World Cup and 2013 ICC Champions Trophy. As captain, India held the ICC World Test Championship Mace from 2016-2020, winning the end-of-season prize three times.

Sections (4)

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

November 1988: Virat Kohli's birth

In November 1988, Virat Kohli was born in Delhi to a Punjabi Hindu family. His father, Prem Nath Kohli, was a criminal lawyer, and his mother, Saroj Kohli, is a homemaker. He spent his early years in Uttam Nagar.

1998: West Delhi Cricket Academy

In 1998, the West Delhi Cricket Academy was created. In May, Virat Kohli's father arranged for him to meet Rajkumar Sharma, later enrolling him in the academy due to his evident talent.

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

In November 2006, Virat Kohli made his first-class debut in the Ranji Trophy against Tamil Nadu. During the match against Karnataka, his father passed away, but Kohli returned to score 90 runs, helping Delhi avoid a follow-on.

December 2006: Death of Virat Kohli's Father

On December 18, 2006, Virat Kohli's father passed away due to a cerebral attack. This event profoundly impacted Kohli, leading him to dedicate himself fully to cricket.

2008: Signed by 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. After being recommended by Yuvraj Singh, Kohli was signed to Cornerstone Sport and Entertainment.

2012: Recognized by GQ as one of the best-dressed men

In 2012, Virat Kohli was recognized as one of the best-dressed men by the fashion magazine GQ, appearing on their annual list alongside figures such as Barack Obama.

2012: Wearing 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.

2013: Tendulkar's retirement and Kohli's tribute

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

2013: Romantic Association with Anushka Sharma

In 2013, Virat Kohli began his romantic association with Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma, earning them the moniker "Virushka".

2013: Establishment of Virat Kohli Foundation

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

2014: Initial Business Foray

In 2014, Virat Kohli became a co-owner of the Indian Super League club FC Goa. He launched WROGN, a brand focused on men's casual wear and became a shareholder and brand ambassador for Sport Convo.

2014: Participation in Charity Auction

In 2014, the Virat Kohli Foundation participated in a charity auction organized by eBay and Save the Children India.

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 aiming to encourage children to adopt healthy lifestyles.

2016: Partnership with Smile Foundation and ABIL Foundation

In 2016, the Virat Kohli Foundation partnered with the Smile Foundation to support education for underprivileged children, hosting a charity dinner at the Grand Hyatt in Mumbai. Kohli also partnered with the ABIL Foundation to aid senior citizens in old-age homes.

December 2017: Marriage to Anushka Sharma

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

2017: International Gala and Establishment of ADP

In 2017, Virat Kohli hosted a gala dinner in London to support the Justice and Care organization. The Athlete Development Programme (ADP) was established to support young athletes with guidance in coaching, training, fitness, and nutrition.

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: Adoption of Vegetarian Diet

In 2018, Virat Kohli disclosed that he had made the decision to adopt a vegetarian diet in an effort to alleviate the symptoms of a cervical spine issue caused by elevated levels of uric acid.

2018: Documentary Released on National Geographic Channel

In 2018, a documentary highlighting Virat Kohli's cricketing career was released on National Geographic channel. The film aimed to celebrate his accomplishments in the sport.

2019: Investment in Mobile Premier League

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

2019: Wax Figure Unveiled at Madame Tussauds London

In 2019, on the eve of the 2019 Cricket World Cup, Madame Tussauds unveiled a wax figure of Virat Kohli in London. In 2019, on the eleventh anniversary of his international debut, Kohli was honoured with a stand named after him at the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium in Delhi. Also in 2019, an Indian animated superhero television series entitled Super V premiered, featuring a fictionalized portrayal of Kohli's teenage years and his discovery of superpowers.

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2020: Donations to COVID-19 Relief Funds

In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Virat Kohli and his wife, Anushka Sharma, pledged donations to the PM CARES Fund and the Maharashtra Chief Minister's Relief Fund.

2020: Investment in Digit

In early 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 had their first child, a daughter named Vamika.

2021: Athlete-Investor and Ambassador for Hyperice, Blue Tribe, and Rage Coffee

In 2021, Virat Kohli became an athlete-investor and ambassador for Hyperice, a wellness brand. He extended his support to Blue Tribe, a startup specializing in plant-based meat products and invested in Rage Coffee, a coffee brand, and was appointed its brand ambassador.

2021: Fundraising Campaign and Animal Rehabilitation Center

In 2021, amidst India's severe second wave, Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma organized a fundraising campaign on Ketto titled '#InThisTogether', raising over ₹11 crore for COVID relief efforts. Also in 2021, the Virat Kohli foundation collaborated with the Awaaz Foundation to establish a rehabilitation center for stray animals in Mumbai.

2022: Earnings of ₹634 crore

In 2022, Virat Kohli's estimated earnings were ₹634 crore (US$75 million), making him one of the most commercially viable athletes.

February 2024: Birth of Son Akaay

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

May 2025: Investment in Agilitas and World Bowling League

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

May 2025: Retirement from Test cricket announced

On 12 May 2025, Virat Kohli announced that the Test-series would be his last, marking his retirement from Test cricket after poor Border-Gavaskar Trophy performances.