As the calendar flips to November 5, cricket enthusiasts across the globe celebrate the birthday of one of the sport’s greatest icons—Virat Kohli.
Born in 1988, Kohli’s journey from a young cricket prodigy in Delhi to a worldwide sensation has been nothing short of inspirational. Renowned for his ferocious batting, relentless work ethic, and exemplary leadership, Kohli has etched his name among the legends of cricket. His appeal, however, transcends the boundaries of the game. Beyond the pitch, he is a brand magnet, a successful entrepreneur, and a socially conscious leader.
Here’s a deeper look at Kohli’s journey, his unprecedented success, and his enduring impact on cricket and beyond.
Kohli’s Cricketing Legacy
Virat Kohli’s cricketing prowess is legendary. Known for his bold, aggressive playing style and his ability to chase down the toughest targets, he has redefined batting standards across formats. A glance at his statistics reveals a remarkable consistency and a hunger for runs that only a few cricketers can claim to match:
| Format | Mts | Inning | Runs | HS | Avg | SR | 100s | 50s |
| Test | 118 | 201 | 9040 | 254 | 47.83 | 55.76 | 29 | 31 |
| ODI | 295 | 283 | 13906 | 183 | 58.18 | 93.54 | 50 | 72 |
| T20I | 125 | 117 | 4188 | 122 | 48.7 | 137.04 | 1 | 38 |
| IPL | 252 | 244 | 8004 | 113 | 38.67 | 131.97 | 8 | 55 |
As the former captain of the Indian team, Kohli led his squad with determination and a fearless approach that inspired a generation. His leadership wasn’t just about strategy—it was about infusing a sense of confidence and commitment into every member of the team. Under his captaincy, India achieved several historic victories, and Kohli’s legacy as a leader continues to inspire young cricketers worldwide.
A Lifestyle of Excellence and Family Values
Married to Bollywood actress, Anushka Sharma since December 2017, Kohli exemplifies the modern-day family man. With their daughter Vamika and son Akaay, the couple is one of India’s most popular power couples.
Off the field, Kohli’s disciplined lifestyle, devotion to fitness, and commitment to family life set a remarkable example for fans. Despite his demanding schedule, he ensures quality family time and upholds a clean, vegan lifestyle, which keeps him in peak physical form and among the world’s top fielders even today.
Luxury, Lavish Cars, and Real Estate
Kohli’s taste in luxury extends to real estate and automobiles. His Mumbai apartment, perched in the prestigious Worli area, offers breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea. In addition, his Gurgaon bungalow and a holiday retreat in Alibaug serve as serene escapes from his hectic schedule. His car collection includes top models from Bentley, Audi, Range Rover, and more—a reflection of his penchant for elegance and performance both on and off the field.
Kohli’s Business Ventures and Investment Acumen
Kohli’s astute business sense has turned him into a brand magnet and a strategic investor. As one of four cricketers in the BCCI’s Grade A+ contract category, he earns about INR 7 crore annually. His IPL contract with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), for which he’s been the face since the league’s inception, recently extended at a whopping INR 21 crore.
His marketability has positioned him as a global brand, with the likes of MRF and Puma investing in multi-crore endorsement deals. His association with MRF alone is worth INR 100 crore, while Puma signed him in 2017 for INR 110 crore, underscoring his worldwide appeal. In 2024, Kroll’s Celebrity Brand Valuation Study rated Kohli as the top celebrity endorser in India, with a brand value of $227.9 million.
Additionally, Kohli’s strategic investments have fortified his presence in diverse industries. His stakes in ventures like Digit Insurance, One8 (his lifestyle brand), and Blue Tribe showcase his forward-thinking investment philosophy. He has also invested in companies like Galactus Funware Technology (which developed the Mobile Premier League), Universal SportsBiz, and multiple fitness centres and restaurants across India. His restaurant Nueva, in Delhi, and his fitness brand Chisel, further contribute to his entrepreneurial portfolio.
On the sporting front, Kohli’s influence extends beyond cricket. He owns the Indian Super League club, FC Goa, and is a partner in Blue Rising, a team competing in the UIM E1 World Championship. His investments in these ventures showcase his passion for sports and his desire to contribute to the growth of Indian sports.
The Unstoppable Social Media Icon
Virat Kohli’s fan base is one of the largest in the sporting world, and his social media reach is staggering. With over 270 million followers on Instagram, he ranks as the third most-followed athlete after global football icons, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. On X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook, he has over 65 million and 51 million followers, respectively. His posts command immense influence and are worth over INR 11.45 crore per Instagram post, underscoring his popularity and brand value.
Endorsements Galore: The Face of Top Brands
Kohli’s influence extends far beyond the cricket field. His endorsement portfolio boasts a diverse range of brands, including global giants like Audi, Pepsi, and Myntra, as well as emerging players such as Noise, Essilor, and Toothsi. His strong association with established brands like TIDL and Colgate further solidifies his credibility.
His endorsement roster also includes HSBC, Asian Paints, Amaze, Philips, BlueStar, Google Duo, Vivo, Hero MotoCorp, Toyota, Manyavar, Head & Shoulders, Nestle India, Digit Insurance, Wrogn, Mobile Premier League, Royal Challenge Alcohol, and American Tourister.
Social Impact and Philanthropy: Giving Back
Beyond his commercial ventures, Kohli has a strong sense of social responsibility. His Virat Kohli Foundation focuses on providing education, healthcare, and sports programs to underprivileged children, aiming to create a better future for those in need. He is actively involved in disaster relief and health initiatives, demonstrating that his success goes hand-in-hand with a commitment to making a difference. Kohli also champions animal welfare, supporting animal adoption drives and related projects.
A Lasting Legacy
At 36, Virat Kohli is more than just a cricketer; he is a multifaceted brand, a savvy entrepreneur, and a cultural icon. From redefining the boundaries of batting to pioneering successful business ventures, his legacy is one of unwavering excellence. As he celebrates another year, Kohli stands as an inspiration, embodying the power of hard work, dedication, and vision both on and off the field.
In an era where cricket and commercial success often overlap, Kohli exemplifies how passion and perseverance can drive excellence across spheres. Here’s to Virat Kohli—cricketer, business icon, and a true legend in every sense.