Bengaluru: Senior batter Virat Kohli leapfrogged ex-captain MS Dhoni to become the second-most-capped international cricketer for India across formats during the first Test against New Zealand at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
Kohli took the field here on Thursday for his 536th international appearance. On the other hand, Dhoni played for India in 535 international matches between 2004 and 2019.
After making his international debut in an ODI in Sri Lanka in 2008, Kohli has played in 115 Tests, 295 ODIs, and 125 T20Is, scoring 27,041 international runs. He also captained India in 213 matches—68 Tests, 95 ODIs, and 50 T20Is.
Kohli is now only behind legendary batter Sachin Tendulkar, who has 664 caps, playing for India from 1989 to 2013, and holds the record of being the most capped international cricketer in the world. Among active cricketers, Kohli is followed by India captain Rohit Sharma (486 caps) and Ravindra Jadeja (346 caps) in the list.
In terms of Test appearances for India, the 35-year-old is tied for eighth with 116th caps. He also amassed 8947 runs in the longer format, just 53 runs short of becoming only the fourth Indian to complete 9000 runs in Tests after Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Sunil Gavaskar.
Moreover, Kohli became the fastest player to reach 27,000 international runs on Day 4 of the second Test against Bangladesh last month, surpassing Tendulkar’s record of 623 innings as he achieved the feat in just 594. He is the only cricketer ever to finish 27000 international runs in under 600 outings.
Beginning of the brilliance
Virat Kohli was born on November 5, 1988 in Delhi. His father, Prem Nath Kohli, was a criminal lawyer, and (his) mother, Saroj, was a housewife. From an early age, Virat began showing his affinity for cricket; he was barely three years old when his father, Prem Nath Kohli, noticed his potential and decided to send him for formal cricket coaching. Virat has always credited his father for the brilliance that he has attained as a cricketer. Sadly, in 2006, Virat lost his father at a time when he had just embarked upon his cricketing career and needed his emotional backing the most.
Kohli’s batting technique and approach to the game have repeatedly been compared to the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, whom he considers the pinnacle of cricket perfection.
Kohli gained widespread notice after the Indian team won the Under-19 World Cup match under his leadership. After that, there was no turning back for this exceptionally talented player.
Fruitful brand endorsements
Cornerstone Sport and Entertainment recruited him following his impressive performance at the ICC Under-19 World Cup. The advertiser was pleased by Kohli’s leadership abilities and approach, and he saw tremendous promise in the young cricketer. Kohli’s portfolio of brand endorsements has grown significantly over time.
Kohli is considered the most marketable cricketer, with annual revenues predicted at ₹165 crore (equivalent to ₹175 crore or US$21 million in 2023).
He is currently recognised as the most followed Asian figure on Instagram, with over 266 million followers. Kohli has received international attention for his sports achievements. In 2017, Forbes named him the fifth “Most Valuable Brand among Athletes.”
Passionate about fitness
Virat Kohli swears on high-intensity workouts that include strength, cardio, and agility exercises. His workout routine improves general strength, endurance, and flexibility, allowing him to stay on top of his game.
The Icon
Kohli was named one of the best-dressed men by fashion magazine GQ in 2012, joining notable figures such as Barack Obama on the annual list. Six years later, in 2018, a documentary about Kohli’s cricket career aired on the National Geographic channel. The film attempted to showcase his athletic achievements. The next year, Kohli received an homage on the eve of the 2019 Cricket World Cup. Madame Tussauds, well-known for their lifelike wax figures, unveiled an exquisite Kohli creation in London. In 2019, on the eleventh anniversary of his international debut, Kohli was honoured with a stand named after him at the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium in Delhi, adding to his list of accolades.
Giving back to society through philanthropy
In 2013, Kohli established the Virat Kohli Foundation, a testament to his commitment to philanthropy. The foundation collaborates with select non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to raise awareness and support for various causes that contribute to its mission of promoting the welfare and well-being of children.
In reaction to the COVID-19 pandemic 2020, Kohli and his wife, Anushka Sharma, donated to the PM CARES Fund and the Maharashtra Chief Minister Relief Fund. The duo is passionate about animal welfare and has personally contributed to wildlife relief projects. Kohli’s assistance for Awaaz aims to give complete medical care, housing, and sustenance to stray animals.
In December 2017, Kohli tied the knot with Anushka Sharma, a prominent Bollywood actress. The couple, who first met on the set of a shampoo advertisement, now has a daughter and a son, their love story serving as a heartwarming example of a modern-day fairy tale.
Following India’s victory, Kohli announced his retirement from the T20 World Cup, marking a significant milestone in his illustrious career.
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–IANS & Media Reports
(Photo: IANS/Biplab Banerjee)
