Virat Kohli (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images) There are athletes who play the game and then there are those who redefine it. Virat Kohli belongs to the second kind. At 37, the Delhi boy who once carried the hopes of the nation now represents a phenomenon that goes far beyond cricket. His story is no longer just about runs, records or chases. It’s about consistency, conviction and a brand built on the same intensity and discipline that drives his trademarks.From the streets of West Delhi to the global arenas, Kohli’s rise has been a masterclass in dedication. Every innings he plays carries a blend of passion and excellence that has inspired an entire generation. Over the years, he has turned milestones into habits, rewriting cricket records with unrivaled accuracy.
Virat Kohli on why he quit Test cricket: ‘It’s time when…’
Here are ten defining records that show the greatness of Virat Kohli:
- Most ODI centuries – With 51 hundreds, Kohli tops the all-time list, leaving behind even Sachin Tendulkar.
- Highest average among 10,000 shooters – In ODIs, he maintains the best average among all batsmen with over 10,000 runs, highlighting his consistency.
- Most double centuries by an Indian – He is the only Indian batsman to score seven double hundreds in Test cricket.
- Most runs in one IPL season – Kohli’s staggering 973 runs in 2016 remains the all-time highest in a single edition of IPL.
- Highest ICC Test score by an Indian – With 937 rating points, Kohli holds the highest Test rating ever achieved by an Indian batter.
- Most centuries in one overseas Test series – He hit four hundreds during Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2014 in Australia, later equaled by Shubman Gill in Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025.
- Most consecutive Test series wins as captain – Under his leadership, India won nine Test series in a row, equaling Ricky Ponting’s record.
- Fastest to 10,000 ODI runs – Kohli reached the milestone in just 205 innings, reaching the milestone faster than anyone in history.
- Fastest to 27,000 international runs – He crossed the mark in just 594 innings, underlining his extraordinary consistency across all formats.
- India’s most successful Test captain overseas – Kohli led India to memorable series wins in Australia, West Indies and Sri Lanka, setting new standards for leadership overseas.
Career by the numbers:553 games, 620 innings and 90 shutouts.27,673 runs at an average of 52.21, with a top score of 254*.He faced 34,949 deliveries, smashed 2,728 fours and 306 sixes.82 centuries, 144 fifties, 16 150+ scores and 7 double tons tell the story of his hunger.With 9 wickets, 339 catches and 137 wins as captain, he was as impressive off the bat as he was in charge.69 Man of the Match awards and 21 Man of the Series underline his dominance.And if partnerships define greatness – 399 fifties, 137 centuries, 23 double centuries and even three centuries – Kohli has built more than just records; built a legacy.On the global stage, 15 ICC Man of the Match honors and 3 ICC Player of the Tournament awards complete the resume of a true modern day great.Major achievements:
- 2008 U19 World Cup Winner
- Asian Cup 2010
- 2011 World Cup
- Champions Trophy 2013
- Asian Cup 2016
- Asian Cup 2023
- T20 World Cup 2024
- 2025 Champions Trophy
Honors and recognition:Arjuna Arju, Mr. Shri, Khel Rawna1493 days as No.1 ODI batsman1012 days as No.1 T20I batsman469 days as No.1 Test batsman937 test rating points909 ODI rating points909 T20I rating pointsICC Cricketer of the Decade (2011–2020)ICC ODI Cricketer of the Decade (2011–2020)ICC Spirit of Cricket (2019)ICC Cricketer of the Year (2017, 2018)ICC ODI Player of the Year (2012, 2017, 2018, 2023)ICC Test Player of the Year (2018)ICC Test Team Captain of the Decade (2011–2020)ICC Test Team Captain (2017, 2018, 2019)ICC ODI Team Captain (2016-2019)ICC Cricketer of the Month (October 2022)Member of the ICC Test, ODI and T20I Teams of the DecadeWisden’s leading cricketer in the world (2016, 2017, 2018)Even at 37, Kohli continues to show why he is one of a kind. In his recent return to international cricket, he faced a rare setback with back-to-back ducks in the first two ODIs against Australia. But true to his nature, the King rose again and anchored India’s chase at the crucial point with an unbeaten 74* and a 150-run partnership with Rohit Sharma that sealed the series.
