Virat Kohli – the man who justified his name – Virat means ‘Great / Huge’. And as one of the greatest batsmen in the history of cricket he has finished his T20 career with the Man of the Match innings and a World Cup for India. The huge fan base must be heart broken with the news of his retirement from T20 International cricket. But they are happy with the way he has entertained them all these years. His unbeaten 82 off 53 balls against Pakistan in 2022 is one knock that no one can forget where he alone won the match for India.
One fact first – about Jersey number ’18’ – the number 18 is very close to his heart though he got the number randomly. His father, Prem Kohli, passed away on 18th December 2006, also his debut match for India was on August 18th. Check the video below where he talks about his importance of number 18 in his life.
Born on 5 November 1988, he ended his T20 career at the age of 35 years though he is one of the physically fittest cricketers world over. With a net worth of more than 1000 Crores – approx 135 million USD, Kohli has invested in several business like insurance, chain of gyms and fitness centers, wellness startup, he has his own clothing brand named Wrogn , invested in Rage Coffee a Delhi-based FMCG brand & a plant-based meat startup company. He endorses around 34 brands including famous brands like MRF, Myntra, Puma & Audi. Virat Kohli’s 269M followers on Instagram & 63.8M Followers on X (Twitter) can give complex to any big time celebrity in any field in terms of social media fans. Like a Delhi boy he loves Chole Bhature though he is very diet conscious.
Known to be very aggressive on field, his infamous banter with Gautam Gambhir in IPL, outburst on Sourav Ganguly then BCCI President, when he was removed from Captaincy are some low points. But he is always a team’s man as his colleagues often mention about him.
He considers his wife actress Anushka Sharma, as his role model who is often seen by his side in times of highs and lows. The couple is one of the most loved duo among celebrity couples with amazing chemistry.
His contributions to the Indian cricket team and his performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL) have been nothing short of spectacular. Lets look at his journey in International cricket playing for India.
Kohli made his T20I debut against Zimbabwe in Harare on June 12, 2010. From his debut to his retirement in June 2024, Kohli played 125 T20I matches for India, scoring a total of 4188 runs. A summary below in numbers that would be difficult for others to achieve.
#ViratKohli 🇮🇳 – T20I Career
Matches: 125 (2010-24)
Runs: 4,188
AVG: 48.69
SR: 137
50+: 39
Highest Score : 122* (61) v Afghanistan at Dubai in 2022
Fours: 369
Sixes: 124
Most Men’s #T20WorldCup Runs: 1,292 @ 58.72 AVG
76 (59) in 2024 #T20WorldCupFinal v South Africa at Barbados
Kohli’s average in T20Is stands at an impressive 48.69, with a strike rate of 137.04. In the realm of fast paced entertainment he has been the top performer with the bat. Each innings started with high hopes for the fans, each milestone is celebrated and every time he failed fans were left heart broken. 💔
Kohli’s Masterclass in T20 cricket is further highlighted by his performances in the T20 World Cup. He is the highest run-scorer in the history of the T20 World Cup, with 1292 runs in 27 matches at an average of 58.72. He also holds the record for the most Player of the Match awards in T20 World Cups, with a total of 8.
He scored only 75 runs across 7 innings before the finals on 29 June and it was one of the lowest phase of his career in T20 cricket. But big players are known to perform when it matters the most. Scoring a crucial 76 runs when 3 top batsmen fell quite early. Not only he controlled the innings saving wickets, but also took it to the last overs to provide a fighting total. This performance earned him the Player of the Match award and helped India secure the T20 World Cup title.
Kohli’s retirement from T20 cricket marks the end of an era. His performances in the format have set a benchmark for aspiring cricketers, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
Love you Virat Kohli and thanks for all the entertainment for Cricket Crazy Indians all these years
