Virat Kohli's journey to cricketing greatness is a tale of resilience, determination, and unmatched talent.

Despite facing criticism at every turn, he has consistently risen above the challenges, delivering performances that have made him one of the greatest cricketers of his generation.

The iconic armband, the MRF logo on his bat, the Lord Shiva tattoo, and his number 18 jersey have all become symbols of his leadership and prowess. Kohli's brilliance with the bat is undeniable, breaking records and leading India to countless victories, but his story is not just about success—it's about the struggle that forged him into the champion he is today.

Early Career and Struggles

Starting at West Delhi Cricket Academy

Dear Lykkers, from the very beginning, it was clear that Virat Kohli was destined for greatness. His journey started at the West Delhi Cricket Academy, where his performances stood out. He made his debut for the Delhi U-15 team in 2002, followed by a stellar showing for the Delhi U-17s, leading them to victory in the 2003-04 Vijay Merchant Trophy. Kohli’s performance was exceptional, scoring 757 runs in 7 matches at an average of 84.11, including two match-winning centuries.

Watch: Virat Kohli batting practice at the nets of Sydney

Video by Sandipan Banerjee

First Breakthrough: India U-19

Virat Kohli’s talent was undeniable, but luck had to play its part. After a difficult start, he finally got the opportunity to represent India U-19 on their tour to England. His performance in the series was stellar, averaging 105 in the three-match series against England U-19 and continuing his strong form. This solidified his position as one of the brightest young talents in Indian cricket.

The Making of a Superstar

2008 ICC U-19 World Cup

Virat Kohli was appointed captain of the Indian team for the 2008 ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup in Malaysia. Under his leadership, India won the tournament, and Kohli’s performances with the bat were pivotal in their success. His leadership and contributions on the field demonstrated that he was more than just a talented player—he was a leader in the making.

Making His Mark in the Indian Team

After his success in the U-19 World Cup, Kohli made his debut for the Indian national team in 2008 during the Sri Lanka tour. Initially, it was a tough start, with Kohli scoring just 12 runs on his debut. However, his consistency and determination soon shone through as he began contributing crucial runs in the ODI format. It was during the 2009 ICC Champions Trophy that Kohli earned his first Man of the Match award with a 79-run innings against the West Indies. His performances continued to improve, and he scored his first century in December 2009 against Sri Lanka.

Virat Kohli’s Journey to Captaincy

Becoming India’s Vice-Captain

By 2011, Kohli was no longer just a regular in the Indian team; he was a key figure in the squad. He made a massive impact during the World Cup, becoming the first Indian to score a century on his World Cup debut. His rise continued, and by 2014, he was named vice-captain of the Indian team. He was ready to take on more responsibility, especially after MS Dhoni’s injury during the 2014 tour of Australia, when Kohli captained India for the first time in a Test series.

From Vice-Captain to Captain

The next year, MS Dhoni passed the baton to Virat Kohli, and Kohli became the permanent captain of India’s Test team. By 2017, he had also taken over the captaincy in limited-overs formats, including ODIs and T20Is. Under his leadership, India reached new heights, with Kohli guiding the team to the top position in both the ODI and Test rankings. His aggressive, no-nonsense approach to captaincy and his ability to lead from the front have made him one of India’s most successful and beloved captains.

Comparisons with Legends

The Sachin Tendulkar Debate

Virat Kohli has often been compared to the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, with many fans and experts debating whether Kohli can surpass Tendulkar’s records. While Kohli's numbers continue to impress, some analysts believe he could come close to Tendulkar’s records but may not surpass them entirely. Regardless of these comparisons, Kohli’s place among the cricketing elite is undeniable.

MS Dhoni: A Different Kind of Comparison

Another comparison Kohli often faces is with MS Dhoni, one of India’s most successful captains. Kohli’s aggressive style contrasts with Dhoni’s calm demeanor, but both have earned their places in history. Kohli’s captaincy has been successful, though his record is still compared to Dhoni’s, and he is yet to win a World Cup, T20 World Cup, and Champions Trophy to make his case stronger.

Off-Field Ventures and Achievements

Entrepreneurial Ventures

Virat Kohli is not just a cricketing superstar; he is also a successful businessman. In 2015, he became the co-owner of the UAE Royals in the International Premier Tennis League. He also co-owns the Bengaluru Yodhas in the Pro Wrestling League. Furthermore, Kohli has partnered with Anjana Reddy’s Universal Sportsbiz to launch a youth fashion brand, Wrogn, in 2014.

Endorsements and Fitness

Kohli has also ventured into the fitness industry, partnering with Chisel India and Cornerstone Sports and Entertainment to launch his fitness chain. His endorsement portfolio includes major brands such as MRF, Puma, Audi, Gillette, and American Tourister. His success off the field matches his on-field performances, making him one of the most marketable sports figures in the world.

Legacy and Future

Virat Kohli’s legacy is still being written, but his journey from a young boy with big dreams to the undisputed leader of Indian cricket is nothing short of remarkable. Whether he continues to break records, lead India to more victories, or eventually retire as one of the greatest of all time, his influence on the sport is undeniable. He remains a symbol of hard work, passion, and dedication, inspiring millions of fans across the globe.