Born on November 5, 1988, Virat Kohli is not just a name in Indian cricket but an emotion for millions of cricket lovers. Known for his passion, determination, aggressive playing style and remarkable consistency, Kohli has established himself as one of the greatest cricketers of his generation. As he celebrates his 38th birthday on November 5, 2026, fans across the world are celebrating the remarkable journey of a boy from Delhi who became a global cricket icon.
Virat Kohli was born in Delhi to Prem Nath Kohli and Saroj Kohli. From an early age, he showed a keen interest in cricket, and his family supported his passion for the sport. He began his formal cricket training at the West Delhi Cricket Academy under coach Rajkumar Sharma. Years of practice, dedication and hard work gradually transformed him into a promising young cricketer.
A major turning point came in 2008 when Kohli captained the Indian Under-19 team to victory in the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup in Malaysia. His leadership and batting performances brought him into the spotlight. The same year, he made his international debut in an ODI against Sri Lanka, marking the beginning of an extraordinary career. He made his Test debut against the West Indies in 2011.
Kohli’s ability to perform under pressure, chase difficult targets and deliver match-winning innings soon made him one of India’s most dependable batters. His consistency across formats earned him the popular title of the ‘King of Chases’. One of the memorable moments of his early career came during the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup, when India lifted the trophy after 28 years. Kohli scored a century against Bangladesh in his World Cup debut and played an important role in India’s successful campaign. He was also part of India’s victorious ICC Champions Trophy team in 2013.
In December 2014, Kohli was appointed India’s Test captain, beginning a significant chapter in his career. Under his leadership, the Indian team developed a strong competitive approach, with greater emphasis on fitness, discipline and aggressive cricket. One of his biggest achievements as captain came during the 2018-19 tour of Australia, when India secured its first-ever Test series victory on Australian soil. Kohli finished his Test captaincy with 40 victories in 68 matches, making him India’s most successful Test captain.
His individual achievements have been equally remarkable. During the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, Kohli scored 765 runs, becoming the highest run-scorer of the tournament and earning the Player of the Tournament award. In the semi-final against New Zealand, he scored his 50th ODI century, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 49 centuries in the format.
Another unforgettable chapter came in June 2024, when India won the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup after a 17-year wait. Kohli delivered a crucial performance in the final against South Africa, scoring 76 runs and earning the Player of the Match award. Following the victory, he announced his retirement from T20 international cricket. In May 2025, he also announced his retirement from Test cricket, bringing an end to a remarkable 14-year career in the longest format.
The year 2025 brought another historic achievement when Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), the franchise Kohli had represented since the inaugural Indian Premier League season in 2008, finally won its maiden IPL title. The victory ended an 18-year wait and was particularly emotional for Kohli and millions of RCB supporters. He also played an important role in India’s successful ICC Champions Trophy campaign in 2025.
Kohli continues to remain active in international cricket through the ODI format. In September 2026, he confirmed that the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, scheduled to be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, would be his final World Cup appearance for India. On the eve of his 38th birthday, he also delighted fans with a fluent 74 off 51 balls against New Zealand in Auckland on November 4, helping India secure victory in the opening ODI of the series.
Beyond cricket, Kohli is admired for his fitness, discipline and commitment to maintaining high standards. His transformation into one of the fittest cricketers in the world has influenced a new generation of Indian players. He is married to Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma, and together they are among India’s most recognised public figures. He has also supported charitable initiatives and causes related to children’s welfare and social development.
Over the years, Kohli has received several prestigious honours, including the Arjuna Award in 2013, the Padma Shri in 2017 and the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award in 2018. His numerous ICC honours further reflect his extraordinary contribution to international cricket.
As Virat Kohli celebrates his 38th birthday, his journey continues to inspire millions. From a passionate young boy in Delhi to a global cricket superstar, his story is a powerful example of what determination, hard work and self-belief can achieve. While his records define his greatness, his fighting spirit, consistency and contribution to Indian cricket make his legacy truly unforgettable.