Virat Kohli, one of the most prominent cricket players globally, has amassed substantial wealth throughout his career. As of 2024, his net worth is estimated to be around $125 million. This remarkable financial standing is the result of his earnings from cricket, endorsements, and various business ventures.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Virat Kohli was born on November 5, 1988, in Delhi, India. He grew up in a Punjabi family with his parents, Prem and Saroj Kohli, and two siblings, Vikas and Bhavna. From a young age, Kohli showed a keen interest in cricket, which led him to join the West Delhi Cricket Academy at just nine years old. His talent was evident early on, and he quickly rose through the ranks in junior cricket.
What were his initial cricket achievements?
Kohli first gained national attention in 2008 when he captained the Indian team to victory in the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup held in Malaysia. This achievement marked the beginning of his professional career and earned him a spot in the Indian Premier League (IPL) with the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). His performance in the IPL and domestic cricket soon led to his selection for the Indian national team.
International Cricket Career
Virat Kohli made his One Day International (ODI) debut for India in August 2008 against Sri Lanka. His Test debut came three years later, in June 2011, against the West Indies. Kohli’s aggressive batting style and consistency quickly made him a mainstay in the Indian batting lineup. Over the years, he has set numerous records and achieved several milestones.
What are some of his significant records and achievements?
- ODI Records: Kohli is one of the fastest players to reach 8,000, 9,000, 10,000, and 11,000 runs in ODIs. He has also scored the most centuries in chases in ODIs, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s record.
- Test Records: He became the first player to score double centuries in four consecutive Test series. He also holds the record for the fastest to 20,000 international runs.
- T20I Records: In T20 Internationals, Kohli has consistently been among the top run-scorers and has numerous Player of the Series awards.
Who is Virat Kohli’s spouse?
Virat Kohli is married to Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma. The couple tied the knot on December 11, 2017, in a private ceremony in Italy. Anushka Sharma, born on May 1, 1988, is one of the leading actresses in the Indian film industry and a successful producer. Together, they have a daughter named Vamika, born on January 11, 2021.
What are Kohli’s major endorsements?
Virat Kohli’s net worth is significantly boosted by his endorsement deals. He is one of the highest-paid athletes globally in terms of endorsements. Some of the brands he has been associated with include:
- Puma: In 2017, Kohli signed a deal with Puma worth around $15 million, making him the first Indian sportsperson to sign a deal with the brand.
- MRF: His bat sponsorship deal with MRF is reportedly worth around $1 million per year.
- Manyavar: Kohli has been the face of Manyavar, a leading Indian ethnic wear brand, along with his wife, Anushka Sharma.
- Other Brands: Kohli has also endorsed brands like Audi, Tissot, Uber, Hero MotoCorp, Pepsi, and more.
What business ventures does he have?
Apart from endorsements, Kohli has ventured into various businesses. Some of his notable investments and business ventures include:
- One8: In collaboration with Puma, Kohli launched his own athleisure brand, One8, which includes a range of products from clothing to fragrances.
- Wrogn: Kohli co-owns the fashion brand Wrogn, which focuses on youth fashion and casual wear.
- FC Goa: He is a co-owner of the Indian Super League (ISL) football team, FC Goa, showcasing his interest in sports beyond cricket.
- Chisel: Kohli has invested in Chisel, a chain of fitness centers across India, promoting health and fitness.
Philanthropy
Virat Kohli is actively involved in philanthropy through the Virat Kohli Foundation (VKF). Established in 2013, VKF aims to support underprivileged children and athletes. Some of the foundation’s key initiatives include:
- Supporting Children’s Education: VKF provides scholarships and financial aid to children from economically weaker sections to pursue their education.
- Promoting Sports: The foundation supports budding athletes by providing them with training facilities, equipment, and financial assistance.
- Disaster Relief: VKF has been involved in various disaster relief efforts, providing aid and support to affected communities.
Awards and Recognition
Virat Kohli’s contributions to cricket have been recognized with numerous awards and honors, including:
- Arjuna Award: He received the Arjuna Award in 2013 for his outstanding achievements in cricket.
- Padma Shri: In 2017, Kohli was honored with the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award.
- Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna: In 2018, he received the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, India’s highest sporting honor.
- ICC Awards: Kohli has won several ICC awards, including the ICC ODI Player of the Year, ICC Test Player of the Year, and ICC Cricketer of the Year.
What is Kohli’s impact on cricket and society?
Virat Kohli’s impact on cricket and society extends beyond his on-field performances. He has inspired millions of aspiring cricketers with his work ethic, fitness regime, and commitment to the game. Kohli’s emphasis on fitness has revolutionized the way Indian cricketers approach their physical conditioning, setting new standards for the team.
Off the field, his philanthropic efforts and business ventures have made a significant impact on various sectors. Kohli’s success story is a testament to hard work, dedication, and the importance of giving back to society.
