Virat Kohli

The Making of a Champion

Early Life: The Delhi Boy with a Dream

• Born: November 5, 1988, in Delhi.
• Trigger: Lost his father at 18 during a Ranji Trophy match; played through the night and scored 90 the next day. This moment forged his mental steel.

Breakthrough: The U-19 World Cup & Rise

• 2008: Led India to U-19 World Cup victory.
• Consequence: Immediate IPL contract with RCB; debut for India later that year.

Peak: The Run Machine

• 2016-2018: Averaged over 50 in all formats. Scored 4 double centuries in 4 consecutive Test series.
• Leadership: Took over Test captaincy in 2014; instilled a fitness-first culture.

Setback: The Captaincy Exit & Form Slump

• 2021-2022: Struggled with form; average dropped below 30 in Tests. Stepped down as Test captain after series loss to South Africa.
• Politics: Faced criticism for captaincy decisions and team selection.

Comeback: The Phoenix Rises

• 2022 Asia Cup: Ended century drought with a blazing 122* against Afghanistan.
• 2023: Scored 765 runs in World Cup, second-highest in a single edition.

Legacy: The Modern Standard

• Discipline: Transformed Indian fitness culture; strict diet and training regimen.
• Emotional End Phase: As he nears retirement, his intensity remains; now mentoring young stars like Shubman Gill.

Q&A

Q: What drove his innovation?

A: The 2014 England tour failure (avg 13.4) forced him to overhaul his technique. He shortened his backlift and focused on leaving balls outside off.

Q: How did he handle politics?

A: Clashed with BCCI over captaincy tenure; publicly supported coach Ravi Shastri during power struggles. Maintained focus on performance.

Q: What's his emotional beginning?

A: Father's death. He played through grief, realizing cricket was his escape and purpose.

Q: What's his emotional end phase?

A: Accepting mortality of career. Now cherishes every innings, passing wisdom to next gen.