Virat Kohli – In-Depth Player Profile & Analysis (2025)
Virat Kohli is widely regarded as one of the greatest batsmen in cricket history. With his unparalleled consistency, aggression, and adaptability, he has dominated all three formats for over a decade. From being a young sensation to leading India with passion, Kohli has established himself as an all-time great.
Personal & Career Information
Full Name: Virat Kohli
Date of Birth: November 5, 1988 (Age: 36)
Birthplace: Delhi, India
Batting Style: Right-handed
Bowling Style: Right-arm medium (occasional)
Role: Top-order batsman
Nickname: King Kohli
Teams Played For: India, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Delhi (Domestic)
Career Overview:
International Career
Virat Kohli is regarded as one of the greatest batsmen in modern-day cricket. His consistency, aggressive style, and ability to perform under pressure have made him an iconic figure in Indian cricket.
Key Stats (as of 2025):
Tests: 113 Matches | 8,500+ Runs | Avg: ~50 | 29 Centuries ODIs: 292 Matches | 13,000+ Runs | Avg: ~57 | 50+ Centuries T20Is: 117 Matches | 4,000+ Runs | Avg: ~52 | SR: ~138
Major Achievements:
Fastest player to 8,000, 9,000, 10,000, and 11,000 ODI runs Only batsman with 50+ centuries in ODIs (surpassing Sachin Tendulkar) 2011 ODI World Cup & 2023 ODI World Cup winner Led India to Test series victories in Australia (2018-19) Most successful Indian Test captain (40+ wins)
Career Overview & Stats (as of 2025)
Test Cricket
Matches: 113
Runs: 8,500+
Average: ~50
Centuries: 29
Highest Score: 254 vs South Africa*
Notable Achievement: Led India to historic Test series wins in Australia (2018-19, 2020-21).
One Day Internationals (ODIs)
Matches: 292
Runs: 13,500+
Average: ~57
Centuries: 50+ (Most in ODI history, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar)
Highest Score: 183 vs Pakistan
Notable Achievements:
Fastest to 8K, 9K, 10K, 11K, 12K ODI runs 2011 & 2023 Cricket World Cup winner Holds the record for most Man of the Match awards in ODIs
T20 Internationals (T20Is)
Matches: 117
Runs: 4,000+
Average: ~52
Strike Rate: ~138
Highest Score: 122 vs Afghanistan*
Notable Achievement:
Player of the Tournament in T20 World Cup 2014 & 2016 Holds the record for most runs in T20 World Cup history
IPL (Indian Premier League) Career
Team: Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) (since 2008)
Matches: 250+
Runs: 7,500+
Average: 38+
Strike Rate: 130+
Centuries: 7+
Highest Score: 113 vs Kings XI Punjab*
Best Season: IPL 2016 (973 Runs, 4 Centuries, Orange Cap Winner)
Key Fact: Despite his individual brilliance, Kohli is yet to win an IPL title with RCB, making it one of the biggest talking points of his career.
Leadership & Captaincy Record
India Captaincy (2013-2021, across formats)
Virat Kohli is one of India’s most successful captains, known for his aggressive approach, fitness revolution, and never-say-die attitude.
Test Captaincy Record: 65 matches | 40 Wins | Win %: ~58% (Most successful Indian Test captain)
ODI Captaincy Record: 95 matches | 65 Wins | Win %: ~68%
T20I Captaincy Record: 50 matches | 30 Wins | Win %: ~60%
Key Achievements as Captain: Led India to their first-ever Test series win in Australia (2018-19) Took India to the WTC Final 2021 India dominated home Tests with an unbeaten streak from 2013-2021
However, Kohli stepped down as T20I captain in 2021 and was later removed as ODI captain before resigning from Test captaincy in 2022.
Strengths & Playing Style
Consistency: One of the most consistent batsmen across formats. Chase Master: Excels in run-chases, especially in ODIs. Cover Drives & Flicks: His signature shots are a treat to watch. Fitness & Running Between Wickets: Sets new standards for fitness. Aggressive Leadership: Transformed India into a dominant force.
India Captaincy (2013-2021, across formats)
Virat Kohli is one of India’s most successful captains, known for his aggressive approach, fitness revolution, and never-say-die attitude.
Test Captaincy Record: 65 matches | 40 Wins | Win %: ~58% (Most successful Indian Test captain)
ODI Captaincy Record: 95 matches | 65 Wins | Win %: ~68%
T20I Captaincy Record: 50 matches | 30 Wins | Win %: ~60%
Key Achievements as Captain: Led India to their first-ever Test series win in Australia (2018-19) Took India to the WTC Final 2021 India dominated home Tests with an unbeaten streak from 2013-2021
However, Kohli stepped down as T20I captain in 2021 and was later removed as ODI captain before resigning from Test captaincy in 2022.
Strengths & Playing Style
Master of Chases:
Kohli is regarded as the best chaser in cricket history, especially in ODIs.
His ability to pace an innings and accelerate under pressure makes him a nightmare for bowlers.
Runs in successful ODI chases: 7,500+ at an average of ~70
Technical Brilliance & Shot Selection:
Signature Shots: Cover drive, flick, straight drive, lofted shots over extra cover.
Compact technique allows him to excel in all conditions & against all types of bowling.
Fitness & Running Between Wickets:
One of the fittest athletes in cricket, setting new standards for fitness.
Quickest between wickets, converting ones into twos effortlessly.
Aggressive Mindset & Leadership:
Transformed India’s mentality into a fearless, aggressive unit.
His on-field intensity & passion inspire teammates.
Areas for Improvement & Challenges
T20 Strike Rate Issues:At times, Kohli’s strike rate in T20 cricket comes under scrutiny, especially in the powerplay overs.
Needs to balance anchoring the innings while maintaining an aggressive intent.
Swing & Early Dismissals in England:Has struggled against swing bowling in England, particularly against James Anderson in early Tests.
However, he improved significantly in 2018 & 2021 Test tours.
IPL Trophy Drought:Despite record-breaking performances, Kohli has never won an IPL title with RCB.
The debate continues whether he should have switched teams for a title win.
Current Form & Future Prospects (2025 & Beyond)
Still a key player in India’s batting lineup.
Likely to focus more on Tests and ODIs while managing T20 workload.
Potential last phase of IPL career, could transition into a mentor role.
Final Verdict: The GOAT Debate
Most ODI centuries (50+), surpassing Sachin Tendulkar. One of the greatest match-winners in cricket history. Best chaser in ODI history, with legendary consistency. Unmatched passion, aggression & fitness. Changed the culture of Indian cricket.
Hope he will win his another world cup tittle in 2027WC.