Virat Kohli
India · Right-hand Batter
Virat Kohli is India's greatest modern batter and one of the finest cricketers of any generation. Born in Delhi on 5 November 1988, Kohli made his India debut in 2008 and has since accumulated more ODI runs and centuries than any other player in history, built an unrivalled record in run-chases, and inspired a generation of Indian cricketers.
Career Overview
| Format | Matches | Runs | Average | 100s | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 123 | 9230+ | 48.7 | 30 | 31 |
| ODIs | 295 | 14000+ | 58.1 | 50 | 72 |
| T20Is | 125 | 4188 | 52.7 | 1 | 38 |
| IPL | 250+ | 8000+ | 38.0 | 8 | 54 |
Statistics are approximate and subject to update.
Batting Style & Technique
Kohli bats right-handed with a technically orthodox but intensely combative style. His footwork against spin is considered among the best ever seen from an Indian batter — he rarely gets tied down in his crease, using nimble feet to either drive through the covers or sweep powerfully. Against pace, his signature shot is a flick off the hips through midwicket, played with extraordinary timing.
His transformation into one of cricket's great run-chasers came from an unusual discipline: Kohli refuses to take his eye off the ball from the moment of release, and his high backlift enables him to generate power from minimal movement. Coaches worldwide cite his ability to accelerate the scoring rate without increasing his error rate as the most elite skill in modern batting.
After a lean period between 2020 and 2022, Kohli reinvented himself — cutting out some of the extravagant drives outside off stump — and returned to prolific form. His T20 World Cup 2024 final knock of 76 from 59 balls, under intense pressure, was widely considered one of the great knock of his career.
Key Records
- →First batter to score 50 centuries in ODI cricket (world record)
- →Highest run-scorer in IPL history (8000+ runs)
- →Only player to score 1000+ ODI runs in a calendar year 7 times
- →Most runs in T20 World Cups (2000+)
- →Most ODI centuries as a run-chasing captain
- →Fastest to 8,000 / 9,000 / 10,000 / 11,000 / 12,000 / 13,000 ODI runs
FAQs
How many Test centuries has Virat Kohli scored?
Virat Kohli has scored 30 Test centuries, making him one of the most prolific Test century-scorers of the modern era. He has scored runs all over the world, including crucial tons in Australia, England, South Africa and the Caribbean.
What is Virat Kohli's ODI average?
Virat Kohli averages over 58 in ODI cricket — one of the highest averages in the history of the format. His average in successful run-chases is even higher, earning him the reputation as the greatest chaser in ODI history.
Which IPL team does Virat Kohli play for?
Virat Kohli plays for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the IPL. He is the franchise's all-time leading run-scorer and most decorated batter. RCB won their first IPL title in 2025 and defended it in 2026 — back-to-back champions under Rajat Patidar.
Has Virat Kohli won the Cricket World Cup?
Yes — Virat Kohli has won the T20 World Cup twice with India. In 2024 he scored a match-winning 76 in the final against South Africa. India then defended the title in 2026, defeating New Zealand by 96 runs in the final at Ahmedabad. He also won the 2011 ODI World Cup under MS Dhoni's captaincy.
What batting position does Virat Kohli bat?
Virat Kohli bats at number 3 in Tests and ODIs — widely regarded as the most critical batting position in cricket. In T20Is, he has batted between 1 and 3 depending on the situation. His consistency at number 3 is a defining feature of his career.
Quick Facts
- Full name
- Virat Kohli
- Born
- 5 November 1988
- Birthplace
- Delhi, India
- Batting
- Right-hand
- Bowling
- Right-arm medium
- IPL team
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru
- Test debut
- West Indies, June 2011
- ODI debut
- Sri Lanka, August 2008