Virat Kohli is one of the greatest Indian symbols of all time. Kohli has achieved numerous records, including the most double centuries in consecutive Test series and the fastest 1,000 runs in ODIs. Here are five lesser-known facts about him.
Under-19 World Cup Winner: Virat Kohli was part of the Indian Under-19 cricket team that won the ICC Under-19 World Cup in 2008. He captained the team and showcased his leadership skills early in his career. This victory was a significant milestone in Kohli’s journey to becoming a successful cricketer.
Football as a Childhood Passion: Before pursuing cricket, Kohli had a keen interest in football. In fact, he initially aspired to become a professional football player. Kohli played at the district and state levels in Delhi, but his focus shifted to cricket when he was around 15 years old.
Advertisement
Fitness Enthusiast: Kohli is known for his exceptional fitness and dedication to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. He is renowned for his rigorous training routines, both on and off the field. Kohli follows a strict fitness regimen and emphasizes the importance of physical fitness in cricket, inspiring many young cricketers to prioritize their fitness levels.
Vegan Lifestyle: In 2018, Kohli decided to adopt a vegan lifestyle, eliminating all animal products from his diet. He made this choice for health and ethical reasons. Kohli has credited his plant-based diet for his improved fitness levels and overall well-being.
Early Cricket Mentor: Virat Kohli’s first cricket coach was Rajkumar Sharma, who also happened to be his childhood mentor. Sharma played a significant role in shaping Kohli’s cricketing journey from a young age.
An admirer of Sachin Tendulkar: Kohli idolized legendary Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar while growing up. He even visited Tendulkar’s house seeking blessings before leaving for the 2008 Under-19 World Cup.
Indian Army Honorary Lieutenant Colonel: In 2018, Kohli was bestowed with the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Indian Territorial Army. This honour recognizes his contribution to Indian cricket and his popularity as a role model for the youth.
Entrepreneurial Ventures: Kohli is actively involved in various entrepreneurial ventures. He co-owns the Indian Super League (ISL) football team FC Goa and has invested in several businesses, including fitness centres and clothing lines.
Advertisement
Philanthropic Work: Alongside his sporting career, Kohli is actively involved in philanthropic activities. He established the Virat Kohli Foundation, which aims to support underprivileged children and provide them with education and healthcare facilities.
Ardent Music Lover: Kohli has a deep passion for music and enjoys playing the guitar. He has even sung in a few music videos and has collaborated with renowned musicians.
Recognition in Forbes List: Kohli has been a regular feature in Forbes’ list of the world’s highest-paid athletes. He is not only among the highest-earning cricketers but also one of the highest-paid athletes globally.
Social Media Influence: Kohli is one of the most followed Indian athletes on social media. His active presence on platforms like Instagram and Twitter has garnered a massive fan following, allowing him to connect with his fans worldwide.
Fierce Competitor: Known for his fierce competitive spirit, Kohli is highly driven to succeed. He is known to set high standards for himself and constantly strives to improve his performance on the field.
Award-Winning Cricketer: Kohli has received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career, including the prestigious Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for ICC Cricketer of the Year on multiple occasions. He has also been honoured with the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, India’s highest sporting award.
Fastest to 10,000 ODI Runs: In October 2018, Kohli became the fastest player in the history of One Day International (ODI) cricket to score 10,000 runs. He achieved this remarkable feat in just 205 innings, surpassing the previous record held by Sachin Tendulkar. This accomplishment solidified Kohli’s status as one of the greatest batsmen in the world.
These lesser-known facts provide insight into various aspects of Virat Kohli’s life beyond his cricketing achievements, highlighting his entrepreneurial endeavours, philanthropy, personal interests, and recognition in both the sporting and business worlds.
Also Read: 5 Of The Most Incredible Catches In Cricket History
“Get more breaking news, cricket updates, fixtures, and trending news only on cricfiles.com. Follow us on Facebook or Twitter and Subscribe to our YouTube Channel today.”
Advertisement