Virat Kohli is unarguably one of the most influential cricketers of our time. His rise from a young Delhi youngster to a global cricket hero is replete with astounding accomplishments and fascinating anecdotes. In order to properly appreciate the man behind the records, it’s necessary to look at the amazing facts about Virat Kohli that have shaped his legendary career. From his unrivaled passion for the game to his personal life decisions, there are countless unknown facts about Virat Kohli that even his most loyal fans may be unaware of.
Early Life and Career: Amazing Facts About Virat Kohli
Kohli’s success is deeply ingrained in his early years. To comprehend the champion he has become, let us look at some astounding facts about Virat Kohli from his formative years:
Extraordinary Dedication During Personal Tragedy
One of the most fascinating and amazing facts about Virat Kohli is how he dealt with personal adversity at an early age. In December 2006, during a vital Ranji Trophy encounter between Delhi and Karnataka, 18-year-old Kohli learned of his father’s death from a heart attack. What he did next definitely demonstrates his tremendous character: instead of leaving the match, he returned the next day and scored a valiant 90 runs to help his team win. This demonstration of dedication is often regarded as a watershed point in his career, demonstrating his incredible mental power.
Never Been Auctioned in IPL
Among the lesser-known amazing facts about Virat Kohli is that he is quite unique in the IPL world – he has never been auctioned. When the inaugural IPL auction took place in 2008, Under-19 players were selected through a draft system rather than the auction. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) signed Kohli after being impressed by his performance in the Under-19 World Cup 2008, especially after Delhi Capitals showed little interest in the local talent. This decision by RCB is mostly considered one of the most fortunate picks in IPL history, as Kohli went on to become the face of the franchise.
Record-Breaking Achievements: Amazing Facts About Virat Kohli
Kohli’s career is rife with records that demonstrate his extraordinary abilities. Here are some astounding facts about Virat Kohli about his record-breaking feats:
Century on World Cup Debut
Being the first Indian batter to score a century in his World Cup debut is just one of Virat Kohli’s many incredible accomplishments. With an undefeated century from 83 balls in the 2011 World Cup opening match against Bangladesh, Kohli made a spectacular entrance onto cricket’s greatest platform. This accomplishment is particularly noteworthy since it served as the catalyst for India’s triumphant World Cup campaign, which culminated in them winning the trophy after a 28-year absence.
Most Double Centuries as Test Captain
The amazing fact that Virat Kohli holds the record for most double hundreds as a Test captain is among his most astounding and remarkable accomplishments. In a Test match against Sri Lanka at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in December 2017, Kohli made history by scoring his sixth double-ton as captain. This incredible accomplishment beat West Indies great Brian Lara’s record of five double hundreds. This accomplishment is primarily a result of Kohli’s outstanding batting talent and his capacity to take the lead.
500+ Runs in a Bilateral ODI Series
When Kohli scored more than 500 runs in a bilateral ODI series in 2018, he accomplished something that had never been done by an Indian batsman before. In the collection of amazing facts about Virat Kohli, this item is quite remarkable. With three centuries in six games and 558 runs during their tour of South Africa, he helped India win their first-ever ODI series in South Africa. In limited-overs cricket, this performance is generally considered to be among the best examples of batting consistency.
Youngest ODI Cricketer of the Year
Being the youngest player to win the ICC ODI Cricketer of the Year title is one of the unknown facts about Virat Kohli. At the tender age of 23, Kohli was bestowed this esteemed honor in 2012 for his exceptional 2011 performance, in which he amassed 1,381 runs in 34 One-Day Internationals. He joined cricketing legends like Matthew Hayden, Michael Hussey, MS Dhoni and Kevin Pietersen at an exceptionally young age as a result of this accomplishment.
Beyond Cricket: Amazing Facts About Virat Kohli
Just as fascinating as his cricket career is Kohli’s non-cricket life. The following amazing facts about Virat Kohli highlight his wide range of passions and personal preferences:
Football Enthusiast and Team Owner
His love for football is one of Virat Kohli’s many incredible yet little-known traits. In September 2014, Kohli joined FC Goa, a team in the Indian Super League (ISL), as a co-owner to help the sport flourish in India. He primarily participates in charity celebrity football games, showcasing his passion for the game outside of cricket.
Transition to Vegetarianism
In the area of unknown facts about Virat Kohli, his nutritional adjustment is noteworthy. Kohli became a vegetarian in 2018 after suffering a cervical spine injury during a Test against South Africa. He stated that during India’s tour of England in 2018, he avoided meat in his diet to maintain his fitness and wellness. This lifestyle adjustment is crucial, given the physical demands of international cricket.
Fashion Icon
Virat Kohli is definitely both a cricket legend and a fashion influencer. One of the most astonishing and amazing facts about Virat Kohli is that in February 2012, at the age of 23, he was ranked third on GQ magazine’s list of the 10 Best-Dressed International Men. This list also includes then-US President Barack Obama, demonstrating Kohli’s influence beyond the cricket field.
Unique Cricketing Moments: Amazing Facts About Virat Kohli
Some of the most interesting and amazing facts about Virat Kohli come from unexpected occasions on the cricket field:
The 0th Ball Wicket
Perhaps one of the most odd and amazing facts about Virat Kohli is that he is the first and only bowler in T20 International cricket to take a wicket off a “0th” ball – a delivery that is not considered lawful. This unusual feat demonstrates how Kohli, most renowned for his batting, can contribute in unexpected ways on the cricket pitch.
Conclusion
The amazing facts about Virat Kohli amply demonstrate why he is one of cricket’s most captivating personalities. His journey is truly extraordinary, not just because of the overwhelming number of records and accomplishments, but also because of his unwavering drive, adaptability and tenacity. Kohli’s tale, which includes his early career triumph over personal tragedy and his transformation of Indian cricket’s fitness standards, is primarily about his unwavering pursuit of personal growth and motivation.
What makes these amazing facts about Virat Kohli even more unique is how they show his effect both on and off the field. He’s not only a runner and a strong competitor; he’s also a philanthropist, a fashion star and definitely a role model who is honest about mental health and personal development. To comprehend his legacy, it’s critical to consider how these lesser-known and unknown facts about Virat Kohli depict a leader who is constantly growing.
As fans and admirers, we are sure to see fresh chapters in his incredible adventure. These astonishing facts about Virat Kohli remind us that greatness is founded on effort, courage and a determination to break new ground – all of which Kohli exemplifies every day.
FAQs: Amazing Facts About Virat Kohli
Q1: What is Virat Kohli’s most significant achievement as a captain?
A: While there are many amazing facts about Virat Kohli as a captain, his most significant feat is widely regarded as leading India to their first Test series victory in Australia during 2018-19. This momentous victory occurred after 71 years of striving.
Q2: What are some unknown facts about Virat Kohli’s childhood?
A: One of the unknown facts about Virat Kohli from his infancy is that he was quite overweight, or rather chubby, and was given a nickname “Cheeku” by his coach. He began playing cricket at the age of three and joined the West Delhi Cricket Academy at nine. His father, Prem Kohli, was his staunchest supporter, driving him to exercise every day despite financial difficulties.
Q3: How has Virat Kohli influenced young cricketers in India?
A: One of the most amazing facts about Virat Kohli is his impact on the next generation. His tough style of play, fitness standards and professional demeanor have motivated innumerable young cricketers in India to continue the game with discipline and love.