Here are some lesser-known facts about Virat Kohli, one of the most iconic cricketers in the world:
1. Fitness Transformation
Virat Kohli is renowned for his fitness and discipline, but early in his career, he was criticized for being unfit and a bit overweight. His transformation to become one of the fittest athletes in the world is considered remarkable. He follows a strict diet and workout routine, which includes weight training, running, and yoga.
2. Under-19 World Cup Success
Before making his international debut, Kohli captained the Indian team to victory in the 2008 ICC Under-19 World Cup held in Malaysia. This victory catapulted him to fame and led to his rapid rise in Indian cricket.
3. Playing through Personal Loss
In 2006, Kohli played a Ranji Trophy match for Delhi the day after his father passed away. He scored 90 runs and is often quoted as saying that this incident made him stronger and more determined to succeed.
4. Record as Fastest to 8,000, 9,000, 10,000, 11,000 ODI Runs
Kohli holds several records for being the fastest to various run milestones in One Day Internationals (ODIs). He reached 8,000, 9,000, 10,000, and 11,000 runs quicker than anyone else in ODI history.
5. Business Ventures
Beyond cricket, Kohli has ventured into business, co-owning the Indian Super League football team FC Goa. He is also associated with other ventures like Wrogn, a youth fashion brand, and One8, a sportswear brand in collaboration with Puma.
6. Tattoo Enthusiast
Virat Kohli is known for his love of tattoos. He has several tattoos on his body, including a samurai warrior on his left arm, symbolizing strength, courage, and discipline. He also has his parents’ names and a tattoo of Lord Shiva, among others.
7. Philanthropy and Virat Kohli Foundation
Kohli runs a foundation named the “Virat Kohli Foundation” (VKF), which focuses on helping underprivileged children and supporting athletes in need of financial assistance.
8. Pet Lover
Kohli is an animal lover and often shares his affection for his pet dog, a beagle named Bruno, who passed away in 2020. His love for animals is reflected in his regular social media posts about pet welfare and supporting animal rescue causes.
9. Loves Punjabi Music and Food
As a Punjabi, Kohli has a strong affinity for Punjabi music and food. Despite his strict diet, he has mentioned in interviews that he enjoys dishes like butter chicken and rajma chawal, though he avoids them now to maintain his fitness.
10. First Indian to Score a Century on World Cup Debut
In the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup, Virat Kohli became the first Indian cricketer to score a century on his World Cup debut. He scored an unbeaten 100 against Bangladesh in the opening match.