Virat Kohli: Difference between revisions

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{{Infobox cricketer
{{#InterwikiExtract: {{{1|{{PAGENAME}}}}}
| name = Virat Kohli
|wiki = wikipedia
| image = The President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee presenting the Padma Shri Award to Shri Virat Kohli, at a Civil Investiture Ceremony, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on March 30, 2017 (cropped).jpg
|format = html
| image_size =
|intro = true
| caption = Kohli in 2017
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1988|11|5|df=y}}
| birth_place = [[New Delhi]], [[Delhi]], India
| nickname = Chikoo<ref>{{cite web |title=How Virat Kohli got the nickname 'Chikoo' - Times of India |url=https://m.timesofindia.com/sports/off-the-field/Virat-Kohli-How-he-got-the-nickname-Chikoo/amp_articleshow/54916165.cms |website=The Times of India |accessdate=4 January 2019 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Virat Kohli reveals the secret behind his nickname "Cheeku" |url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/amp/sports/cricket-virat-kohli-reveals-the-secret-behind-his-nickname-cheeku-404706 |website=www.indiatvnews.com |accessdate=4 January 2019 |date=4 October 2017}}</ref>
| family<!--SPOUSE IS AN UNRECOGNIZED PARAMETER. DON'T CHANGE THIS.--> = {{marriage|[[Anushka Sharma]] (wife)|2017}}
| height = 1.75 m
| batting = Right-handed
| bowling = Right-arm [[fast bowling|medium]]
| role = [[Batting order (cricket)#Top order|Top-order batsman]]
| website =
| international = true
| internationalspan = 2008–present
| country = India
| testdebutdate = 20 June
| testdebutyear = 2011
| testdebutagainst = West Indies
| testcap = 269
| lasttestdate = 29 February
| lasttestyear = 2020
| lasttestagainst = New Zealand
| odidebutdate = 18 August
| odidebutyear = 2008
| odidebutagainst = Sri Lanka
| odicap = 175
| lastodidate =11 February
| lastodiyear = 2020
| lastodiagainst = New Zealand
| odishirt = 18
| T20Idebutdate = 12 June
| T20Idebutyear = 2010
| T20Idebutagainst = Zimbabwe
| T20Icap = 31
| lastT20Iagainst = New Zealand
| lastT20Idate = 31 January
| lastT20Iyear = 2020
| T20Ishirt = 18
| club1 = [[Delhi cricket team|Delhi]]
| year1 = {{nowrap|2006–present}}
| club2 = [[Royal Challengers Bangalore]]
| year2 = {{nowrap|2008–present}}
| clubnumber2 = 18
| columns = 4
| column1 = [[Test cricket|Test]]
| column2 = [[One Day International|ODI]]
| column3 = [[Twenty20 International|T20I]]
| column4 = [[First-class cricket|FC]]
| matches1 = 86
| matches2 = 248
| matches3 = 82
| matches4 = 109
| runs1 = 7,240
| runs2 = 11,867
| runs3 = 2,794
| runs4 = 8,862
| bat avg1 = 53.63
| bat avg2 = 59.34
| bat avg3 = 50.80
| bat avg4 = 54.03
| 100s/50s1 = 27/22
| 100s/50s2 = 43/58
| 100s/50s3 = 0/24
| 100s/50s4 = 32/28
| top score1 = 254[[not out|*]]
| top score2 = 183
| top score3 = 94[[not out|*]]
| top score4 = 254[[not out|*]]
| deliveries1 = 163
| deliveries2 = 641
| deliveries3 = 146
| deliveries4 = 631
| wickets1 = 0
| wickets2 = 4
| wickets3 = 4
| wickets4 = 3
| bowl avg1 = –
| bowl avg2 = 166.25
| bowl avg3 = 49.50
| bowl avg4 = 110.00
| fivefor1 = –
| fivefor2 = 0
| fivefor3 = 0
| fivefor4 = 0
| tenfor1 = –
| tenfor2 = 0
| tenfor3 = 0
| tenfor4 = 0
| best bowling1 = –
| best bowling2 = 1/15
| best bowling3 = 1/13
| best bowling4 = 1/19
| catches/stumpings1 = 80/–
| catches/stumpings2 = 126/–
| catches/stumpings3 = 41/–
| catches/stumpings4 = 103/–
| source = http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/player/253802.html ESPNcricinfo
| date = 29 February 2020
}}
}}
'''Virat Kohli''' ({{audio|Virat Kohli.ogg|pronunciation}}; born 5 November 1988) is an Indian [[cricket]]er and the current [[Captain (cricket)|captain]] of the [[India national cricket team|India national team]]. A right-handed top-order [[batsman]], Kohli is regarded as one of the best batsmen in the world.<ref>
<div style="text-align: right;"><code>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/{{{1|{{PAGENAMEE}}}}} from Wikipedia]</code></div>
*{{cite web|title=ICC World Twenty20: Virat Kohli best batsman in the world, says Sunil Gavaskar|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/t20-world-cup-2016/story/icc-world-twenty20-virat-kohli-best-batsman-in-the-world-says-sunil-gavaskar/1/628713.html|publisher=India Today|accessdate=13 July 2016|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160711073209/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/t20-world-cup-2016/story/icc-world-twenty20-virat-kohli-best-batsman-in-the-world-says-sunil-gavaskar/1/628713.html|archivedate=11 July 2016}}
*{{cite web|title=Kohli is world's best batsman: Wasim Akram|url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/1063365/kohli-is-worlds-best-batsman-wasim-akram/|publisher=The Express Tribune|accessdate=13 July 2016|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160718201227/http://tribune.com.pk/story/1063365/kohli-is-worlds-best-batsman-wasim-akram/|archivedate=18 July 2016|date=11 March 2016}}
*{{cite web|title=Kohli the best in the world: Waugh|url=http://www.cricket.com.au/news/virat-kohli-steve-waugh-austin-best-in-the-world-australian-cricket-team/2015-09-10|publisher=cricket.com.au|accessdate=13 July 2016|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160816183229/http://www.cricket.com.au/news/virat-kohli-steve-waugh-austin-best-in-the-world-australian-cricket-team/2015-09-10|archivedate=16 August 2016}}
*{{cite web|title=Virat best in the world: Graeme Smith|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/22511050/kohli-best-player-world|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180220210440/http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/22511050/kohli-best-player-world|archivedate=20 February 2018|date=20 February 2018}}
*{{cite web|title=Virat Kohli better than AB de Villiers, says Shane Warne|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/ipl2016/story/virat-kohli-better-than-ab-de-villiers-says-shane-warne/1/678806.html|publisher=India Today|accessdate=13 July 2016|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160725070743/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/ipl2016/story/virat-kohli-better-than-ab-de-villiers-says-shane-warne/1/678806.html|archivedate=25 July 2016}}
*{{cite web|title=Virat Kohli is a genius and best in the world: Javed Miandad|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/india-in-south-africa/virat-kohli-is-a-genius-and-best-in-the-world-javed-miandad/articleshow/62831133.cms|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180213013715/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/india-in-south-africa/virat-kohli-is-a-genius-and-best-in-the-world-javed-miandad/articleshow/62831133.cms|archivedate=13 February 2018}}
*{{cite web|title=Virat Kohli is 'Greatest Ever ODI Player' : Michael Vaughan|url=http://www.news18.com/cricketnext/news/india-vs-south-africa-virat-kohli-is-greatest-ever-odi-player-says-michael-vaughan-1663771.html|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180221101612/http://www.news18.com/cricketnext/news/india-vs-south-africa-virat-kohli-is-greatest-ever-odi-player-says-michael-vaughan-1663771.html|archivedate=21 February 2018|date=17 February 2018}}
*{{cite web|title=Virat Kohli Is 'The Best ODI Player Of All Time': Michael Clarke|url=https://sports.ndtv.com/south-africa-vs-india-2018/virat-kohli-is-the-best-odi-player-of-all-time-says-former-australian-captain-1810223|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180221100225/https://sports.ndtv.com/south-africa-vs-india-2018/virat-kohli-is-the-best-odi-player-of-all-time-says-former-australian-captain-1810223|archivedate=21 February 2018}}
*{{cite web|title=Sachin Tendulkar vs Virat Kohli: Imran Khan joins debate, says current Test captain is 'better than anyone'|url=http://zeenews.india.com/sports/cricket/sachin-tendulkar-vs-virat-kohli-imran-khan-joins-debate-says-current-test-captain-is-better-than-anyone_1897626.html|publisher=Zee News|accessdate=13 July 2016|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160724095155/http://zeenews.india.com/sports/cricket/sachin-tendulkar-vs-virat-kohli-imran-khan-joins-debate-says-current-test-captain-is-better-than-anyone_1897626.html|archivedate=24 July 2016|date=19 June 2016}}</ref> He plays for [[Royal Challengers Bangalore]] in the [[Indian Premier League]] (IPL), and has been the team's captain since 2013. Since October 2017, he has been the top-ranked ODI batsman in the world and is currently 2nd in Test rankings with 886 points.<ref>{{cite web|title=ICC player rankings|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/rankings/content/page/211270.html|website=ESPNCricinfo}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/cricket/story/virat-kohli-steve-smith-icc-test-rankings-batsman-top-rank-1625057-2019-12-04 |title = Virat Kohli reclaims No.1 Test rank after Steve Smith's poor run vs Pakistan}}</ref> Among Indian batsmen, Kohli has the best ever [[ICC Player Rankings#Batsmen and Bowlers with a peak rating of 900 points or more|Test rating]] (937 points), [[ICC Player Rankings#Top 10 Rankings: Batting and Bowling|ODI rating]] (911 points) and [[ICC Player Rankings#Top 10 T20I rankings: Batting and Bowling|T20I rating]] (897 points).
 
Kohli captained [[India Under-19 cricket team|India Under-19s]] to victory at the [[2008 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup|2008 Under-19 World Cup]] in Malaysia. After a few months later, he made his [[One Day International|ODI]] debut for India against Sri Lanka at the age of 19. Initially having played as a reserve batsman in the Indian team, he soon established himself as a regular in the ODI middle-order and was part of the [[2011 Cricket World Cup squads#India|squad]] that won the [[2011 Cricket World Cup|2011 World Cup]]. He made his Test debut in 2011 and shrugged off the tag of "ODI specialist" by 2013 with Test hundreds in Australia and South Africa.<ref>{{cite web|title=India vs South Africa 2013: Post-Tendulkar era begins, Virat Kohli shines|url=http://zeenews.india.com/blog/india-vs-south-africa-2013-post-tendulkar-era-begins-virat-kohli-shines_6811.html |publisher=Zee News|accessdate=12 May 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518174916/http://zeenews.india.com/blog/india-vs-south-africa-2013-post-tendulkar-era-begins-virat-kohli-shines_6811.html|archivedate=18 May 2015|date=18 December 2013 }}</ref> Having reached the number one spot in the [[ICC Player Rankings|ICC rankings]] for ODI batsmen for the first time in 2013,<ref name=odirank/> Kohli also found success in the [[Twenty20]] format, winning the Man of the Tournament twice at the [[ICC World Twenty20]] (in [[2014 ICC World Twenty20|2014]] and [[2016 ICC World Twenty20|2016]]).
 
Kohli was appointed the vice-captain of the ODI team in 2012 and handed over the Test captaincy following [[Mahendra Singh Dhoni]]'s Test retirement in 2014. In early 2017, he became the limited-overs captain as well after Dhoni stepped down from the position. In ODIs, Kohli has the second highest number of centuries and the highest number of centuries in run-chases in the world. He holds the world record for being the fastest batsman to 8,000, 9,000, 10,000 and 11,000 runs in ODI cricket, reaching the milestones in 175, 194, 205 and 222 innings respectively.<ref>https://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/records/283188.html</ref><ref>https://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/records/283190.html</ref>
<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/25070847|title=The Kohli v Tendulkar comparison|date=24 October 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/virat-kohli-becomes-fastest-batsman-score-11000-runs-103737|title=Virat Kohli becomes fastest batsman to score 11,000 runs in ODIs}}</ref>
 
Kohli has been the recipient of many awards such as the [[Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy]] (ICC Cricketer of the Year) in 2017 and 2018; [[ICC Test Player of the Year]] 2018; [[ICC ODI Player of the Year Award|ICC ODI Player of the Year]] in 2012, 2017 and 2018 and [[Wisden Leading Cricketer in the World]] in 2016, 2017 and 2018.<ref name="m.wisdenindia.com">http://m.wisdenindia.com/full-story.php?category=Wisden%20Cricketers’%20Almanack%202018&id=296545&</ref> He was given the [[Arjuna Award]] in 2013, the [[Padma Shri]] under the sports category in 2017<ref name="PS1">{{cite news|title=Virat Kohli receives Padma Shri Award at Rashtrapati Bhavan|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket/virat-kohli-receives-padma-shri-award-at-rashtrapati-bhavan-4592835/|accessdate=1 November 2017|work=The Indian Express|date=31 March 2017|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170830053451/http://indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket/virat-kohli-receives-padma-shri-award-at-rashtrapati-bhavan-4592835/|archivedate=30 August 2017}}</ref> and the [[Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna]], the highest sporting honour in India, in 2018.<ref name="The Times of India">{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/more-sports/others/virat-kohli-mirabai-chanu-bask-in-khel-ratna-glory/articleshow/65951280.cms|title=Virat Kohli, Mirabai Chanu bask in Khel Ratna glory - Times of India ►|work=The Times of India|access-date=25 September 2018}}</ref>  Kohli is ranked as one of the world's most famous athletes by [[ESPN.com|ESPN]]<ref>{{cite web|title=ESPN's World Fame 100|url=http://espn.go.com/espn/feature/story/_/id/15685581/espn-world-fame-100|publisher=ESPN|accessdate=13 July 2016|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160713040749/http://espn.go.com/espn/feature/story/_/id/15685581/espn-world-fame-100|archivedate=13 July 2016}}</ref> and one of the most valuable athlete brands by ''[[Forbes]]''.<ref>{{cite web|title=Virat Kohli ranked 7th biggest brand in world sports by Forbes|url=https://www.forbes.com/pictures/59e62ee431358e542c03d5be/7-virat-kohli/#39ddb8631643|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180221101040/https://www.forbes.com/pictures/59e62ee431358e542c03d5be/7-virat-kohli/#39ddb8631643|archivedate=21 February 2018}}</ref> In 2018, ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'' magazine named Kohli one of the [[Time 100|100 most influential people in the world]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Diesel|first=Vin|url=http://time.com/collection/most-influential-people-2018/5217615/virat-kohli/|title=virat kohli|work=Time|accessdate=5 June 2018}}</ref>  In 2020, Kohli was ranked  66th in  [[Forbes]] list of the [[Forbes' list of the world's highest-paid athletes|top 100 highest paid athletes in the world for the year 2020]] with estimated earnings of $26 million. Virat Kohli is the only cricketer to feature in Forbes.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-05-30|title=Virat Kohli only cricketer in Forbes’ top 100 highest-paid athletes of 2020|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/virat-kohli-only-cricketer-in-forbes-top-100-highest-paid-athletes-of-2020/story-iiblvtKbRbtoP3xdxpFbNN.html|access-date=2020-06-03|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref>
 
==Early life==
Virat Kohli was born on 5 November 1988 in [[Delhi]] into a [[Punjabis|Punjabi]] [[Hindu]] family.<ref>{{cite web|title=Even today the money cricketers make is not enough: Kapil Dev in conversation with Virat Kohli|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/kapil-dev-in-conversation-with-virat-kohli/1/237624.html|publisher=India Today|accessdate=6 October 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150711115513/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/kapil-dev-in-conversation-with-virat-kohli/1/237624.html|archivedate=11 July 2015}}</ref> His father, Prem Kohli, worked as a criminal lawyer and his mother, Saroj Kohli, is a housewife.<ref name=ToI2008>{{cite web|title=Virat changed after his dad's death: Mother|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/icc-world-cup-2015/top-stories/Virat-changed-after-his-dads-death-Mother/articleshow/2835049.cms|publisher=Times of India|accessdate=22 April 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150227105042/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/icc-world-cup-2015/top-stories/Virat-changed-after-his-dads-death-Mother/articleshow/2835049.cms|archivedate=27 February 2015}}</ref> He has an older brother, Vikas, and an older sister, Bhavna.<ref>{{citation |url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1110307/jsp/sports/story_13677586.jsp |title=Being aggressive comes naturally: Virat Kohli&nbsp;– Young turk speaks about his likes and Dislikes |author=Lokendra Pratap Sahi |newspaper=[[The Telegraph (Calcutta)|The Telegraph]] |date=7 March 2011 |accessdate=13 March 2012 |location=Calcutta, India |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120323135819/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1110307/jsp/sports/story_13677586.jsp |archivedate=23 March 2012 }}</ref> According to his family, when he was three-years old, Kohli would pick up a [[cricket bat]], start swinging it and ask his father to bowl at him.<ref name=thisis>{{cite web|title=This is Virat|url=http://www.thecricketmonthly.com/story/877745/this-is-virat|website=The Cricket Monthly|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=3 June 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150609072702/http://www.thecricketmonthly.com/story/877745/this-is-virat|archivedate=9 June 2015}}</ref>
 
Kohli was raised in [[Uttam Nagar]]<ref name=symbol/> and started his schooling at Vishal Bharti Public School. In 1998, the [[West Delhi Cricket Academy]] was created and a nine-year-old Kohli was part of its first intake.<ref name=symbol>{{cite web|title=Cricketer Virat Kohli - India's latest sex symbol?|url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/cricketer-virat-kohli-indias-latest-sex-s/754199/|publisher=Indian Express|accessdate=22 April 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150422033759/http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/cricketer-virat-kohli-indias-latest-sex-s/754199|archivedate=22 April 2015}}</ref> Kohli's father took him to the academy after their neighbours suggested that "Virat shouldn't waste his time in [[gully cricket]] and instead join a professional club".<ref name=ToI2008/> Kohli trained at the academy under [[Rajkumar Sharma]] and also played matches at the [[Sumeet Dogra]] Academy at [[Vasundhara Enclave]] at the same time.<ref name=symbol/> Sharma recounts Kohli's early days at his academy, "He oozed talent. It was so difficult to keep him quiet. He was a natural in whatever he did and I was most impressed with his attitude. He was ready to bat at any spot, and I had to literally push him home after the training sessions. He just wouldn’t leave."<ref>Lokapally (2016), p. 19.</ref> In ninth grade, he shifted to Saviour Convent in [[Paschim Vihar]] to help his cricket practice.<ref name=ToI2008/> Apart from sports, Kohli was good at academics as well, and his teachers remember him as "a bright and alert child".<ref>{{cite web|title=Successful Alumni / Vishal Bharti Public School|url=http://www.vishalbhartipublicschool.org/alumni/successful-alumni/|accessdate=27 May 2015|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150527143027/http://www.vishalbhartipublicschool.org/alumni/successful-alumni/|archivedate=27 May 2015}}</ref> Kohli's family lived in [[Meera Bagh]] until 2015 when they moved to [[Gurgaon]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Virat Kohli: Delhi's golden boy since 2002|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/icc-world-t20-2016/Virat-Kohli-Delhis-golden-boy-since-2002/articleshow/51667800.cms|publisher=The Times of India|accessdate=24 August 2016|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160427012859/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/icc-world-t20-2016/Virat-Kohli-Delhis-golden-boy-since-2002/articleshow/51667800.cms|archivedate=27 April 2016}}</ref>
 
Kohli's father died on 18 December 2006 due to a [[stroke]] after being bed-ridden for a month.<ref name=ToI2008/> Regarding his early life, Kohli has said in an interview, "I've seen a lot in life. Losing my father at a young age, the family business not doing too well, staying in a rented place. There were tough times for the family... It's all embedded in my memory."<ref>{{cite web|title=I'd give my life for those dear to me: Virat on Anushka|url=http://www.abplive.in/sports/2015/04/19/article561805.ece/Id-give-my-life-for-those-dear-to-me-Virat-on-Anushka|publisher=ABP Live|accessdate=16 May 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150527162953/http://www.abplive.in/sports/2015/04/19/article561805.ece/Id-give-my-life-for-those-dear-to-me-Virat-on-Anushka|archivedate=27 May 2015}}</ref> According to Kohli, his father supported his cricket training during his childhood, "My father was my biggest support. He was the one who drove me to practice every day. I miss his presence sometimes."<ref>{{cite web|title=Superstar Virat Kohli goes back to school|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/icc-world-cup-2015/top-stories/Superstar-Virat-Kohli-goes-back-to-school/articleshow/12397226.cms|publisher=Times of India|accessdate=22 April 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180303200122/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/icc-world-cup-2015/top-stories/Superstar-Virat-Kohli-goes-back-to-school/articleshow/12397226.cms|archivedate=3 March 2018}}</ref>
 
==Youth and domestic career==
[[File:India Vs New zealand One day International, 10 December 2010 (6160488612).jpg|thumb|A younger Kohli as seen in this photo from 2010.]]
Kohli first played for Delhi Under-15 team in October 2002 in the 2002–03 Polly Umrigar Trophy. He was the leading run-scorer for his team in that tournament with 172 runs at an average of 34.40.<ref>{{cite web|title=Batting and Fielding for Delhi Under-15s in Polly Umrigar Trophy 2002/03|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Events/6/Polly_Umrigar_Trophy_2002-03/Delhi_Under-15s_Batting.html|publisher=CricketArchive|accessdate=27 May 2014|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140528050055/http://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Events/6/Polly_Umrigar_Trophy_2002-03/Delhi_Under-15s_Batting.html|archivedate=28 May 2014}}</ref> He became the captain of the team for the 2003–04 Polly Umrigar Trophy<ref>{{cite web|title=Delhi Under-15s v Himachal Pradesh Under-15s in 2003/04|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Scorecards/127/127276.html|publisher=CricketArchive|accessdate=27 May 2014|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140528050246/http://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Scorecards/127/127276.html|archivedate=28 May 2014}}</ref> and scored 390 runs in 5 innings at an average of 78 including two centuries and two fifties.<ref>{{cite web|title=Batting and Fielding for Delhi Under-15s in Polly Umrigar Trophy 2003/04|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Events/6/Polly_Umrigar_Trophy_2003-04/Delhi_Under-15s_Batting.html|publisher=CricketArchive|accessdate=27 May 2014|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140528050017/http://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Events/6/Polly_Umrigar_Trophy_2003-04/Delhi_Under-15s_Batting.html|archivedate=28 May 2014}}</ref> In late 2004, he was selected in the Delhi Under-17 team for the 2003–04 Vijay Merchant Trophy. He scored 470 runs in four matches at an average of 117.50 with two hundreds and top-score of 251*.<ref>{{cite web|title=Batting and Fielding for Delhi Under-17s in Vijay Merchant Trophy 2004/05|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Events/7/Vijay_Merchant_Trophy_2004-05/Delhi_Under-17s_Batting.html|publisher=CricketArchive|accessdate=27 May 2014|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140528050115/http://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Events/7/Vijay_Merchant_Trophy_2004-05/Delhi_Under-17s_Batting.html|archivedate=28 May 2014}}</ref> Delhi Under-17s won the 2004–05 Vijay Merchant Trophy in which Kohli finished as the highest run-scorer with 757 runs from 7 matches at an average of 84.11 with two centuries.<ref>{{cite web|title=Batting and Fielding in Vijay Merchant Trophy 2005/06 (Ordered by Runs)|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Events/7/Vijay_Merchant_Trophy_2005-06/Batting_by_Runs.html|publisher=CricketArchive|accessdate=27 May 2014|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140528050216/http://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Events/7/Vijay_Merchant_Trophy_2005-06/Batting_by_Runs.html|archivedate=28 May 2014}}</ref> In February 2006, he made his [[List A]] debut for [[Delhi cricket team|Delhi]] against [[Services cricket team|Services]] but did not get to bat.<ref>{{cite web|title=Delhi v Services in 2005/06|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Scorecards/84/84988.html|publisher=CricketArchive|accessdate=1 June 2014|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140602200130/http://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Scorecards/84/84988.html|archivedate=2 June 2014}}</ref>
 
In July 2006, Kohli was selected in the [[India Under-19 cricket team|India Under-19]] squad on its tour of England. He averaged 105 in the three-match ODI series against [[England Under-19 cricket team|England Under-19s]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Under-19 ODI Batting and Fielding for India Under-19s in India Under-19s in England 2006|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Events/4/India_Under-19s_in_England_2006/uo_India_Under-19s_Batting.html|publisher=CricketArchive|accessdate=27 May 2014|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140528045806/http://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Events/4/India_Under-19s_in_England_2006/uo_India_Under-19s_Batting.html|archivedate=28 May 2014}}</ref> and 49 in the three-match Test series.<ref>{{cite web|title=Under-19 Test Batting and Fielding for India Under-19s in India Under-19s in England 2006|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Events/4/India_Under-19s_in_England_2006/ut_India_Under-19s_Batting.html|publisher=CricketArchive|accessdate=27 May 2014|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140528050132/http://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Events/4/India_Under-19s_in_England_2006/ut_India_Under-19s_Batting.html|archivedate=28 May 2014}}</ref> India Under-19 went on to win both the series. At the conclusion of the tour, the India Under-19 coach [[Lalchand Rajput]] was impressed with Kohli and said, "Kohli showed strong technical skills against both pace and spin".<ref>{{cite web|title=Lalchand Rajput pleased with Under-19 tour|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/india/content/story/256341.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=27 May 2014|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140626083118/http://www.espncricinfo.com/india/content/story/256341.html|archivedate=26 June 2014|date=13 August 2006}}</ref> In September, the India Under-19 team toured Pakistan. Kohli averaged 58 in the Test series<ref>{{cite web|title=Under-19 Test Batting and Fielding for India Under-19s in India Under-19s in Pakistan 2006/07|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Events/5/India_Under-19s_in_Pakistan_2006-07/ut_India_Under-19s_Batting.html|publisher=CricketArchive|accessdate=27 May 2014|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140528050031/http://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Events/5/India_Under-19s_in_Pakistan_2006-07/ut_India_Under-19s_Batting.html|archivedate=28 May 2014}}</ref> and 41.66 in the ODI series against [[Pakistan Under-19 cricket team|Pakistan Under-19s]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Under-19 ODI Batting and Fielding for India Under-19s in India Under-19s in Pakistan 2006/07|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Events/5/India_Under-19s_in_Pakistan_2006-07/uo_India_Under-19s_Batting.html|publisher=CricketArchive|accessdate=27 May 2014|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140528050232/http://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Events/5/India_Under-19s_in_Pakistan_2006-07/uo_India_Under-19s_Batting.html|archivedate=28 May 2014}}</ref>
 
{{Quote box |width=33% |align=right |quoted=1 |quote="The way I approached the game changed that day. I just had one thing in my mind - that I have to play for my country and live that dream for my dad."|salign=right |source=— Kohli on his innings against Karnataka<ref name=emerging/>}}
Kohli made his first-class debut for Delhi against [[Tamil Nadu cricket team|Tamil Nadu]] in November 2006, at the age of 18, and scored 10 in his debut innings. He came into the spotlight in December when he decided to play for his team against [[Karnataka cricket team|Karnataka]] on the day after his father's death and went on to score 90.<ref>{{cite web|title=Bisht and Kohli lead Delhi's fightback|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/india/content/story/273398.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=1 June 2014|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140626111147/http://www.espncricinfo.com/india/content/story/273398.html|archivedate=26 June 2014|date=19 December 2006}}</ref> He went directly to the funeral after he was dismissed. Delhi captain [[Mithun Manhas]] said, "That is an act of great commitment to the team and his innings turned out to be crucial," while coach [[Chetan Chauhan]] lauded Kohli's "attitude and determination."<ref>{{cite web|title=Father dead, he bats to save Delhi|url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/father-dead-he-bats-to-save-delhi/18988/|publisher=Indian Express|accessdate=1 June 2014|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140605090943/http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/father-dead-he-bats-to-save-delhi/18988/|archivedate=5 June 2014}}</ref> His mother noted that "Virat changed a bit after that day. Overnight he became a much more matured person. He took every match seriously. He hated being on the bench. It's as if his life hinged totally on cricket after that day. Now, he looked like he was chasing his father's dream which was his own too."<ref name=ToI2008/> He scored a total of 257 runs from 6 matches at an average of 36.71 in that season.<ref>{{cite web|title=Batting and Fielding for Delhi in Ranji Trophy 2006/07|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Events/5/Ranji_Trophy_2006-07/Delhi_Batting.html|publisher=CricketArchive|accessdate=1 June 2014|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140605052512/http://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Events/5/Ranji_Trophy_2006-07/Delhi_Batting.html|archivedate=5 June 2014}}</ref>
 
In April 2007, he made his Twenty20 debut and finished as the highest run-getter for his team in the [[Inter-State T20 Championship]] with 179 runs at an average of 35.80.<ref>{{cite web|title=Inter State Twenty-20 Tournament 2006/07|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Events/6/Inter_State_Twenty-20_Tournament_2006-07/Delhi_Batting.html|publisher=CricketArchive|accessdate=1 June 2014|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140602200106/http://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Events/6/Inter_State_Twenty-20_Tournament_2006-07/Delhi_Batting.html|archivedate=2 June 2014}}</ref> In July–August 2007, the India Under-19 team toured Sri Lanka. In the triangular series against [[Sri Lanka Under-19 cricket team|Sri Lanka Under-19s]] and [[Bangladesh Under-19 cricket team|Bangladesh Under-19s]], Kohli was the second highest run-getter with 146 runs from 5 matches.<ref>{{cite web|title=Tri-Nation Under-19s Tournament in Sri Lanka, 2007 / Most runs|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=3206;type=tournament|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=1 June 2014|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150218100051/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=3206;type=tournament|archivedate=18 February 2015}}</ref> In the two-match Test series that followed, he scored 244 runs at an average of 122 including a hundred and a fifty.<ref>{{cite web|title=India Under-19s in Sri Lanka Youth Test Series, 2007 / Most runs|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=3201;type=series|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=1 June 2014|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150218100039/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=3201;type=series|archivedate=18 February 2015}}</ref>
 
{{Quote box |width=25% |align=left |quoted=1 |quote="He is a very physical type of player. He likes to impose himself on the game, backs it up with his skill."|salign=right |source=— India's coach at the 2008 Under-19 World Cup [[Dav Whatmore]] on Kohli<ref name=emerging/>}}
In February–March 2008, Kohli captained the victorious Indian team at the [[2008 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup]] held in [[Malaysia]]. Batting at number 3, he scored 235 runs in 6 matches at an average of 47 and finished as the tournament's third-highest run-getter and one of the three batsmen to score a hundred in the tournament.<ref name=border>{{cite web|title=Kohli, Sangwan and Srivastava to train in Australia|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/india/content/story/353779.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=2 February 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924211350/http://www.espncricinfo.com/india/content/story/353779.html|archivedate=24 September 2015|date=6 June 2008}}</ref> His century (100 runs from 74 balls) against the [[West Indies Under-19 cricket team|West Indies Under-19s]] in the group stage, which was called "the innings of the tournament" by ''[[ESPNcricinfo]]'',<ref name=onestowatch>{{cite web|title=The ones to watch|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/india/content/story/340902.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=2 February 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150326175747/http://www.espncricinfo.com/india/content/story/340902.html|archivedate=26 March 2015|date=3 March 2008}}</ref> gave India a 50-run victory and earned Kohli the man of the match. Kohli picked up a leg injury during the match, but recovered in time to play the quarter-final match against England Under-19s.<ref>{{cite web|title=Leading the way|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/u19wc2008/content/story/340550.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=2 February 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150326175749/http://www.espncricinfo.com/u19wc2008/content/story/340550.html|archivedate=26 March 2015|date=March 2008}}</ref> He was instrumental in India's three-wicket semi-final win over [[New Zealand Under-19 cricket team|New Zealand Under-19s]] in which he took 2/27 and scored 43 in the tense run-chase and was awarded the man of the match.<ref>{{cite web|title=ICC Under-19 World Cup, Semi-Final: India Under-19s v New Zealand Under-19s at Kuala Lumpur, 27 Feb 2008|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/317005.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=2 February 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141119053148/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/317005.html|archivedate=19 November 2014}}</ref> He scored 19 against [[South Africa Under-19 cricket team|South Africa Under-19s]] in the final which India won by 12 runs ([[Duckworth–Lewis method|D/L method]]). ''ESPNcricinfo'' commended him for making several tactical bowling changes during the tournament.<ref name=onestowatch/>
 
Following the Under-19 World Cup, Kohli was bought by the [[Indian Premier League]] franchise [[Royal Challengers Bangalore]] for $30,000 on a [[youth system|youth contract]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Hopes draws biggest bid at IPL auction|url=http://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/news/43683-hopes-draws-biggest-bid-at-ipl-auction|publisher=NDTV|accessdate=23 April 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304093051/http://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/news/43683-hopes-draws-biggest-bid-at-ipl-auction|archivedate=4 March 2016}}</ref> In June 2008, Kohli and his Under-19 teammates [[Pradeep Sangwan]] and [[Tanmay Srivastava]] were awarded the Border-Gavaskar scholarship. The scholarship allowed the three players to train for six weeks at [[Cricket Australia]]'s Centre of Excellence in Brisbane.<ref name=border/> In July 2008, he was included in India's 30-man probable squad for the [[ICC Champions Trophy]] which was to be held in Pakistan in September 2008.<ref>{{cite web|title=India announce probables squad for Champions Trophy|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/iccct2008/content/story/360353.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=2 February 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150326175922/http://www.espncricinfo.com/iccct2008/content/story/360353.html|archivedate=26 March 2015|date=8 July 2008}}</ref> He was also picked in the India Emerging Players squad for the four-team Emerging Players Tournament in Australia. He was in fine form in that tournament and scored 206 runs in six matches at an average of 41.20.<ref>{{cite web|title=Batting and Fielding for National Cricket Academy in Cricket Australia Emerging Players Tournament 2008|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Events/9/Cricket_Australia_Emerging_Players_Tournament_2008/National_Cricket_Academy_Batting.html|publisher=CricketArchive|accessdate=3 February 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150203150457/http://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Events/9/Cricket_Australia_Emerging_Players_Tournament_2008/National_Cricket_Academy_Batting.html|archivedate=3 February 2015}}</ref>
 
==International career==
 
===Early years===
In August 2008, Kohli was included in the Indian ODI squad for [[Indian cricket team in Sri Lanka in 2008|tour of Sri Lanka]] and the Champions Trophy in Pakistan. Prior to the Sri Lankan tour, Kohli had played only eight [[List A]] matches,<ref>{{cite web|title=List A Matches played by Virat Kohli|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Players/101/101095/List_A_Matches.html|publisher=CricketArchive|accessdate=3 February 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150203152149/http://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Players/101/101095/List_A_Matches.html|archivedate=3 February 2015}}</ref> and his selection was called a "surprise call-up".<ref>{{cite web|title=Kohli gets surprise call-up|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/363942.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=3 February 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20171023120420/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/363942.html|archivedate=23 October 2017|date=7 August 2008}}</ref> During the Sri Lankan tour, as both first-choice openers [[Sachin Tendulkar]] and [[Virender Sehwag]] were injured, Kohli batted as a makeshift opener throughout the series. He made his international debut, at the age of 19, in the first ODI of the tour and was dismissed for 12.<ref name=odiinnlist>{{cite web|title=Statistics / Statsguru / V Kohli / One-Day Internationals|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/player/253802.html?class=2;template=results;type=batting;view=innings|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=24 August 2016|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160422065347/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/player/253802.html?class=2;template=results;type=batting;view=innings|archivedate=22 April 2016}}</ref> He made his first ODI half century, a score of 54, in the fourth match which helped India win the series.<ref name=odiinnlist/> He had scores of 37, 25 and 31 in the other three matches.<ref name=odiinnlist/> India won the series 3–2 which was India's first ODI series win against [[Sri Lanka national cricket team|Sri Lanka]] in Sri Lanka.
 
After the Champions Trophy was postponed to 2009, Kohli was picked as a replacement for the injured [[Shikhar Dhawan]] in the [[India A]] squad for the unofficial Tests against [[Australia A cricket team|Australia A]] in September 2008.<ref>{{cite web|title=Kohli replaces Dhawan in India A squad|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/india/content/story/366757.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=7 February 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150326182423/http://www.espncricinfo.com/india/content/story/366757.html|archivedate=26 March 2015|date=29 August 2008}}</ref> He batted only once in the two-match series, and scored 49 in that innings.<ref>{{cite web|title=1st unofficial Test: India A v Australia A at Bangalore, 3-5 Sep 2008|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/india/engine/match/365646.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=7 February 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150326182419/http://www.espncricinfo.com/india/engine/match/365646.html|archivedate=26 March 2015}}</ref> Later that month in September 2008, he played for Delhi in the [[Nissar Trophy]] against [[Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited cricket team|SNGPL]] (winners of [[Quaid-i-Azam Trophy]] from [[Pakistan]]) and top-scored for Delhi in both innings, with 52 and 197.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/india/content/story/370014.html|title=Chopra and Kohli stretch lead to 384|date=17 September 2008}}</ref> The match was drawn but SNGPL won the trophy on first-innings lead.<ref>{{cite web|title=Delhi v Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited at Delhi, 15-18 Sep 2008|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/13877/scorecard/368336/delhi-vs-sui-northern-gas-pipelines-limited-mohammad-nissar-trophy-2008-09|accessdate=9 February 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150326183852/http://www.espncricinfo.com/indiandomestic2008/engine/match/368336.html|archivedate=26 March 2015}}</ref> In October 2008, Kohli played for Indian Board President's XI in a four-day tour match against Australia. He made 105 and 16* in that match against a bowling line-up consisting of [[Brett Lee]], [[Stuart Clark]], [[Mitchell Johnson (cricketer)|Mitchell Johnson]], [[Peter Siddle]] and [[Jason Krejza]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Tour Match: Indian Board President's XI v Australians at Hyderabad (Deccan), 2-5 Oct 2008|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/indvaus2008/engine/match/345668.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=9 February 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150129193725/http://www.espncricinfo.com/indvaus2008/engine/match/345668.html|archivedate=29 January 2015}}</ref>
 
Kohli was included in the squad for the home ODI series against [[England cricket team|England]] in November 2008 but was not given a chance to play, due to the inclusion of Tendulkar and Sehwag in the team.<ref>{{cite web|title=England in India / India ODI Squad - first three matches|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/squad/377066.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=23 April 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160207215855/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/squad/377066.html|archivedate=7 February 2016}}</ref> In December 2008, Kohli was given a Grade D contract in the annual BCCI contracts list which entitled him to receive {{INRConvert|1.5|m|year=2008}}.<ref>{{cite web|title=Ishant, Rohit and Badrinath benefit from new contracts|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/india/content/story/382299.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=9 February 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150326183837/http://www.espncricinfo.com/india/content/story/382299.html|archivedate=26 March 2015|date=15 December 2008}}</ref> He was then dropped from the squad for the five-match ODI series in Sri Lanka against Sri Lanka in January 2009.
 
Kohli was selected in the four-team Emerging Players Tournament in July–August 2009 held in Australia. He opened the innings for India Emerging Players in that tournament and finished as the leading run-getter with 398 runs from seven matches at an average of 66.33.<ref>{{cite web|title=Emerging Players Tournament, 2009 / Records / Most runs|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=5116;type=tournament|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=13 March 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20171023121623/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=5116;type=tournament|archivedate=23 October 2017}}</ref> He scored 104 off 102 balls in the final against South Africa Emerging Players at [[Brisbane]] to help his team win the match by 17 runs and clinch the title.<ref>{{cite web|title=India take Emerging Players title|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/417275.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=13 March 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924160535/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/417275.html|archivedate=24 September 2015|date=August 2009}}</ref> At the conclusion of the tournament, [[Kris Srikkanth]], the chairman of the [[India national cricket team selectors|national selection committee]], was impressed with Kohli and remarked "I must say, opener Virat Kohli was outstanding. Some of the shots he played spoke about his ability."<ref>{{cite web|title=Srikkanth pleased with depth in Indian cricket|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/417786.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=13 March 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924160537/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/417786.html|archivedate=24 September 2015|date=4 August 2009}}</ref> Kohli has called this tournament as the "turning point" of his career.<ref name=brash/>
 
Kohli returned to the national team replacing the injured [[Gautam Gambhir]] in the Indian squad for the [[Tri-Series in Sri Lanka in 2009|tri-series in Sri Lanka]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Kohli to replace injured Gambhir in tri-series|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/424397.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=23 April 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924160541/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/424397.html|archivedate=24 September 2015|date=10 September 2009}}</ref> He batted at number 4 for India in the [[2009 ICC Champions Trophy]] because of an injury to [[Yuvraj Singh]]. In the inconsequential group match against the [[West Indies cricket team|West Indies]], Kohli scored an unbeaten 79 in India's successful chase of 130 and won his first man of the match award.<ref name=mom1>{{cite web|title=ICC Champions Trophy, 12th Match, Group A: India v West Indies at Johannesburg, 30 Sep 2009|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/415284.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=17 April 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141126043948/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/415284.html|archivedate=26 November 2014}}</ref> Kohli played as a reserve batsman in the [[Australian cricket team in India in 2009–10|seven-match home ODI series]] against [[Australia national cricket team|Australia]], appearing in two matches as injury replacement. He found a place in the [[Sri Lankan cricket team in India in 2009–10|home ODI series against Sri Lanka]] in December 2009 and scored 27 and 54 in the first two ODIs before making way for Yuvraj who regained fitness for the third ODI. However, Yuvraj's finger injury recurred leading to him being ruled out indefinitely.<ref>{{cite web|title=Sri Lanka see opportunity in India's injuries|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/440812.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=18 April 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924160544/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/440812.html|archivedate=24 September 2015|date=23 December 2009}}</ref> Kohli returned to the team in the fourth ODI at Kolkata and scored his first ODI century–107 off 111 balls–sharing a 224-run partnership for the third wicket with Gambhir, who made his personal best score of 150. India won by seven wickets to seal the series 3–1.<ref name=odiinnlist/> The man of the match was awarded to Gambhir who gave the award to Kohli.<ref>{{cite news|title=Gautam Gambhir & Virat Kohli's centuries seal India win|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/cricket/8430324.stm|publisher=BBC|accessdate=1 June 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150524064319/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/cricket/8430324.stm|archivedate=24 May 2015}}</ref>
 
Tendulkar was rested for the [[Tri-Series in Bangladesh in 2009–10|tri-nation ODI tournament in Bangladesh]] in January 2010, which enabled Kohli to play in each of India's five matches. Against [[Bangladesh national cricket team|Bangladesh]], he scored 91 to help secure a win after India collapsed to 51/3 early in their run-chase of 297.<ref name=odiinnlist/> In the next match against Sri Lanka, Kohli ended unbeaten on 71 to help India win the match with a bonus point having chased down their target of 214 within 33 overs. The next day, he scored his second ODI century, against Bangladesh, bringing up the mark with the winning runs.<ref name=mom2>{{cite web|title=Tri-Nation Tournament in Bangladesh, 6th Match: Bangladesh v India at Dhaka, 11 Jan 2010|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/434263.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=18 April 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140223082650/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/434263.html|archivedate=23 February 2014}}</ref> He became only the third Indian batsman to score two ODI centuries before their 22nd birthday, after Tendulkar and [[Suresh Raina]].<ref name="Indian Squad for the series">{{cite web|url=http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/india/content/story/386770.html|title=Jadeja earns call-up, Praveen returns|work=Cricinfo|accessdate=12 March 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090122050042/http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/india/content/story/386770.html|archivedate=22 January 2009|date=18 January 2009}}</ref> Kohli was much praised for his performances during the series<ref name=brash>{{cite web|title=Virat Kohli deconstructs the brash stereotype|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/443585.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=18 April 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924160551/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/443585.html|archivedate=24 September 2015|date=11 January 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Kohli cracks unbeaten ton as India ease home|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/443456.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=18 April 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924160549/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/443456.html|archivedate=24 September 2015|date=11 January 2010}}</ref> in particular by the Indian captain Dhoni.<ref>{{cite web|title=Kohli comes of age|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/443003.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=18 April 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924160547/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/443003.html|archivedate=24 September 2015|date=7 January 2010}}</ref> Although Kohli made only two runs in the final against Sri Lanka in a four-wicket Indian defeat,<ref name=odiinnlist/> he finished as the leading run-getter of the series with 275 runs from five innings at an average of 91.66.<ref>{{cite web|title=Tri-Nation Tournament in Bangladesh, 2009/10 / Records / Most runs|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=5598;type=tournament|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=18 April 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161122191849/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=5598;type=tournament|archivedate=22 November 2016}}</ref> In the [[South African cricket team in India in 2009–10|three-match ODI series at home]] against [[South Africa national cricket team|South Africa]] in February, Kohli batted in two games and had scores of 31 and 57.<ref name=odiinnlist/>
 
===Rise through the ranks===
Raina was named captain and Kohli vice-captain for the [[Tri-nation series in Zimbabwe in 2010|tri-series against Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe]] in Zimbabwe in May–June 2010, as many first-choice players skipped the tour. Kohli made 168 runs at 42.00 including two fifties,<ref>{{cite web|title=Zimbabwe Triangular Series, 2010 / Records / Most runs|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=5802;type=tournament|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=1 June 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150917135616/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=5802;type=tournament|archivedate=17 September 2015}}</ref> but India suffered three defeats in four matches and crashed out of the series. During the series, Kohli became the fastest Indian batsman to reach 1,000 runs in ODI cricket.<ref>{{cite web|title=Records / One-Day Internationals / Batting records / Fastest to 1000 runs|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/records/283174.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=1 June 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150607084024/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/records/283174.html|archivedate=7 June 2015}}</ref> He made his T20I debut against Zimbabwe at Harare and scored an unbeaten 26.<ref name=t20innlist>{{cite web|title=Statistics / Statsguru / V Kohli / Twenty20 Internationals|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/player/253802.html?class=3;template=results;type=batting;view=innings|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=24 August 2016|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161025051827/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/player/253802.html?class=3;template=results;type=batting;view=innings|archivedate=25 October 2016}}</ref> Later that month, Kohli batted at 3 in a full-strength Indian team throughout the [[2010 Asia Cup]] and scored a total of 67 runs at an average of 16.75.<ref>{{cite web|title=Asia Cup, 2010 / Records / Most runs|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=5477;type=tournament|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=20 April 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150917135628/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=5477;type=tournament|archivedate=17 September 2015}}</ref> His struggles with form continued in the [[Sri Lanka Triangular Series in 2010|tri-series against Sri Lanka and New Zealand]] in Sri Lanka where he averaged 15.
 
[[File:Virat Kohli Batting.jpg|250px|thumb|Kohli batting in an ODI against New Zealand in December 2010]]
Despite the poor run of form, Kohli was retained in the ODI squad for a [[Australian cricket team in India in 2010–11#ODI series|three-match series]] against Australia in October, and in the only completed match of the series at Visakhapatnam, scored his third ODI century–118 off 121 balls–which helped India reach the target of 290 after losing the openers early.<ref name=mom3>{{cite web|title=Australia tour of India [Sep-Oct 2010], 2nd ODI: India v Australia at Visakhapatnam, 20 Oct 2010|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/464529.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=20 April 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140217082123/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/464529.html|archivedate=17 February 2014}}</ref> Winning the man of the match, he admitted that he was under pressure to keep his place in the team after failures in the two previous series.<ref>{{cite web|title=Kohli felt under pressure to keep his place|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/482917.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=20 April 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150604160407/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/482917.html|archivedate=4 June 2015|date=21 October 2010}}</ref> Part of a largely inexperienced team for [[New Zealand cricket team in India in 2010–11|the home ODI series]] against New Zealand, Kohli scored a match-winning 104-ball 105, his fourth ODI hundred and second in succession, in the first game,<ref name=mom4>{{cite web|title=New Zealand tour of India [Nov 2010], 1st ODI: India v New Zealand at Guwahati, 28 Nov 2010|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/467883.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=20 April 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131119112618/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/467883.html|archivedate=19 November 2013}}</ref> and followed it up with 64 and 63* in the next two matches.<ref name=odiinnlist/> India completed a 5–0 [[Whitewash (sport)#Cricket|whitewash]] of New Zealand, while Kohli's performance in the series helped him become a regular in the ODI team<ref>{{cite web|title=Kohli and his ODI exploits|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/magazine/content/story/492907.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=20 April 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150602065153/http://www.espncricinfo.com/magazine/content/story/492907.html|archivedate=2 June 2015|date=17 December 2010}}</ref> and made him a strong contender for a spot in India's World Cup squad.<ref>{{cite web|title=Kohli brings versatility to India|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/magazine/content/story/490146.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=20 April 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150602065143/http://www.espncricinfo.com/magazine/content/story/490146.html|archivedate=2 June 2015|date=3 December 2010}}</ref> He was India's leading run-scorer in ODIs in 2010, with 995 runs from 25 matches at an average of 47.38 including three centuries.<ref name=stat2010>{{citation |url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?class=2;id=2010;team=6;type=year |title=Records / 2010 – India / One-Day Internationals / Most runs |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |accessdate=13 January 2012 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130728165626/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?class=2;id=2010;team=6;type=year |archivedate=28 July 2013 }}</ref>
 
Kohli was India's leading run-getter in the five-match ODI series of the [[Indian cricket team in South Africa in 2010–11|South African tour]] in January 2011, with 193 runs at an average of 48.25 including two fifties, both in Indian defeats.<ref>{{cite web|title=Records / India in South Africa ODI Series, 2010/11 / Most runs|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=5927;type=series|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=22 April 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150917000627/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=5927;type=series|archivedate=17 September 2015}}</ref> During the series, he jumped to number two spot on the [[ICC Player Rankings|ICC Rankings]] for ODI batsmen,<ref name=kohliraina/> and was named in India's 15-man [[2011 Cricket World Cup squads#India|squad for the World Cup]].<ref>{{cite web|title=No Rohit Sharma in World Cup squad|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/icc_cricket_worldcup2011/content/story/497102.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=22 April 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150414050852/http://www.espncricinfo.com/icc_cricket_worldcup2011/content/story/497102.html|archivedate=14 April 2015}}</ref> The inclusion of both Kohli and Raina in the [[2011 Cricket World Cup|World Cup]] squad resulted in speculations about which of the two batsmen will make it to the playing eleven. Days before India's first match of the tournament, Indian captain Dhoni indicated that the in-form Kohli is likely to be preferred over Raina.<ref name=kohliraina>{{cite web|title=Dhoni hints Kohli will play instead of Raina|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/icc_cricket_worldcup2011/content/story/501317.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=22 April 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150320082040/http://www.espncricinfo.com/icc_cricket_worldcup2011/content/story/501317.html|archivedate=20 March 2015}}</ref>
 
Kohli played in every match of India's successful World Cup campaign. He scored an unbeaten 100, his fifth ODI century, in the first match against Bangladesh and became the first Indian batsman to score a century on World Cup debut.<ref>{{cite web|title=Kohli first Indian to hit century on World Cup debut|url=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/139360/kohli-first-indian-hit-century.html|publisher=Deccan Herald|accessdate=23 April 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518081838/http://www.deccanherald.com/content/139360/kohli-first-indian-hit-century.html|archivedate=18 May 2015|date=20 February 2011}}</ref> In the next four group matches he had low scores of 8, 34, 12 and 1 against England, [[Ireland cricket team|Ireland]], [[Netherlands national cricket team|Netherlands]] and South Africa respectively. Having returned to form with 59 against the West Indies, he scored only 24 and 9 in the quarter-final against Australia and [[India v Pakistan (2011 Cricket World Cup)|semi-final]] against Pakistan respectively.<ref name=odiinnlist/> In the [[2011 Cricket World Cup Final|final]] against Sri Lanka at Mumbai, he scored 35, sharing an 83-run partnership with Gambhir for the third wicket after India had lost both openers within the seventh over chasing 275.<ref>{{cite web|title=ICC Cricket World Cup, Final: India v Sri Lanka at Mumbai, 2 Apr 2011|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/icc_cricket_worldcup2011/engine/match/433606.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=23 April 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150306085934/http://www.espncricinfo.com/icc_cricket_worldcup2011/engine/match/433606.html|archivedate=6 March 2015}}</ref> This partnership is regarded as "one of the turning points in the match",<ref>{{cite web|title=Kohli's learning curve|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/530962.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=26 April 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150604160433/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/530962.html|archivedate=4 June 2015|date=2 September 2011}}</ref> as India went on to win the match by six wickets and lift the World Cup for the first time since 1983.<ref>{{cite web|title=Dhoni and Gambhir lead India to World Cup glory|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/icc_cricket_worldcup2011/content/story/509121.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=23 April 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110404002436/http://www.espncricinfo.com/icc_cricket_worldcup2011/content/story/509121.html|archivedate=4 April 2011}}</ref>
 
===Consistent performance in limited overs===
[[File:India Vs New zealand One day International, 10 December 2010 (6159922053) (cropped).jpg|thumb|upright|right|Kohli fielding during a match in December 2010]]
When [[Indian cricket team in the West Indies in 2011|India toured the West Indies]] in June–July 2011, they chose a largely inexperienced squad, resting Tendulkar and others such as Gambhir and Sehwag missing out due to injuries. Kohli was one of three uncapped players in the Test squad.<ref>{{cite web|title=Tendulkar, Yuvraj, Gambhir out of entire WI tour|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/516872.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=25 April 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150604160424/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/516872.html|archivedate=4 June 2015|date=27 May 2011}}</ref> Kohli found success in the ODI series which India won 3–2, with a total of 199 runs at an average of 39.80.<ref>{{cite web|title=Records / India in West Indies ODI Series, 2011 / Most runs|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=6338;type=series|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=25 April 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150917000650/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=6338;type=series|archivedate=17 September 2015}}</ref> His best efforts came in the second ODI at Port of Spain where he won the man of the match for his score of 81 which gave India a seven-wicket victory,<ref name=mom5>{{cite web|title=India tour of West Indies, 2nd ODI: West Indies v India at Port of Spain, 8 Jun 2011|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/489222.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=25 April 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150829055654/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/489222.html|archivedate=29 August 2015}}</ref> and the fifth ODI at Kingston where his innings of 94 came in a seven-wicket defeat.<ref name=odiinnlist/> Kohli made his Test debut at Kingston in the first match of the Test series that followed. He batted at 5 and was dismissed for 4 and 15 caught behind by [[Fidel Edwards]] in both innings.<ref name=testinnlist>{{cite web|title=Statistics / Statsguru / V Kohli / Test matches|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/player/253802.html?class=1;template=results;type=batting;view=innings|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=24 August 2016|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161025051803/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/player/253802.html?class=1;template=results;type=batting;view=innings|archivedate=25 October 2016}}</ref> India went on to win the Test series 1–0 but Kohli amassed just 76 runs from five innings,<ref>{{cite web|title=Records / India in West Indies Test Series, 2011 / Most runs|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=6340;type=series|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=25 April 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150702001044/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=6340;type=series|archivedate=2 July 2015}}</ref> struggling against the short ball<ref>{{cite web|title=Opportunity lost for India in hard-fought series win|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/522704.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=25 April 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150604160429/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/522704.html|archivedate=4 June 2015|date=11 July 2011}}</ref> and was particularly troubled by the fast bowling of Edwards, who dismissed him three times in the series.<ref>{{cite web|title=Ruthlessness lacking in India's win|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/522647.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=25 April 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150829055642/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/522647.html|archivedate=29 August 2015|date=11 July 2011}}</ref>
 
Initially dropped from the Test squad for India's [[Indian cricket team in England in 2011|four-match series in England]] in July and August, Kohli was recalled as replacement for the injured Yuvraj,<ref>{{cite web|title=Injured Yuvraj and Harbhajan out of Test series|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/525791.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=26 April 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150604160334/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/525791.html|archivedate=4 June 2015|date=3 August 2011}}</ref> though did not play in any match in the series. He found moderate success in the subsequent ODI series in which he averaged 38.80.<ref>{{cite web|title=Records / NatWest Series [India in England], 2011 / Most runs|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=6114;type=series|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=26 April 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150917000713/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=6114;type=series|archivedate=17 September 2015}}</ref> His score of 55 in the first ODI at Chester-le-Street was followed by a string of low scores in the next three matches.<ref name=odiinnlist/> In the last game of the series, Kohli scored his sixth ODI hundred–107 runs off 93 balls–and shared a 170-run third-wicket partnership with [[Rahul Dravid]], who was playing his last ODI, to help India post their first 300-plus total of the tour.<ref>{{cite web|title=Bairstow blasts England home on debut|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/532607.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=26 April 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150604160410/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/532607.html|archivedate=4 June 2015|date=16 September 2011}}</ref> Kohli was dismissed [[hit wicket]] in that innings which was the only century in the series by any player on either team and earned him praise for his "hard work" and "maturity".<ref>{{cite web|title=Never seen so many injuries|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/532704.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=26 April 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150604160416/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/532704.html|archivedate=4 June 2015|date=17 September 2011}}</ref> However, England won the match by D/L method and the series 3–0.
 
In October 2011, Kohli was the leading run-scorer of the [[English cricket team in India in 2011–12|five-match home ODI series]] against England which India won 5–0. He scored a total of 270 runs across five matches including unbeaten knocks of 112 from 98 balls at Delhi, where he put on an unbroken 209-run partnership with Gambhir,<ref name=mom6>{{cite web|title=England tour of India, 2nd ODI: India v England at Delhi, 17 Oct 2011|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/521219.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=28 April 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131119121133/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/521219.html|archivedate=19 November 2013}}</ref> and 86 at Mumbai, both in successful run-chases.<ref name=odiinnlist/> Owing to his ODI success, Kohli was included, ahead of Raina, in the Test squad to [[West Indian cricket team in India in 2011–12|face the West Indies]] in November. In competition with Yuvraj Singh for the number six position,<ref>{{cite web|title=Harbhajan out of Test squad; Kohli, Ashwin in|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/538351.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=28 April 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150604160441/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/538351.html|archivedate=4 June 2015|date=28 October 2011}}</ref> it was not until the final match of the series that Kohli was selected in the team. He scored a pair of fifties in the match,<ref name=testinnlist/> with his first innings score of 52 ensuring India avoided [[follow-on]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Mental toughness guides Virat Kohli|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/542088.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=28 April 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150604160358/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/542088.html|archivedate=4 June 2015|date=25 November 2011}}</ref> India won the subsequent ODI series 4–1 in which Kohli managed to accumulate 243 runs at 60.75.<ref>{{cite web|title=Records / West Indies in India ODI Series, 2011/12 / Most runs |url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=6938;type=series |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |accessdate=28 April 2015 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150704124133/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=6938%3Btype%3Dseries |archivedate=4 July 2015 |df= }}</ref> During the series, Kohli scored his eighth ODI century and his second at Visakhapatnam, where he made 117 off 123 balls in India's run-chase of 271,<ref name=mom7>{{cite web|title=West Indies tour of India, 2nd ODI: India v West Indies at Visakhapatnam, 2 Dec 2011|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/536930.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=28 April 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131116002025/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/536930.html|archivedate=16 November 2013}}</ref> a knock which raised his reputation as "an expert of the chase".<ref>{{cite web|title=Kohli and Rohit overpower West Indies|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/543325.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=28 April 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150604160311/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/543325.html|archivedate=4 June 2015|date=2 December 2011}}</ref> Kohli ended up as the leading run-getter in ODIs for the year 2011, with 1381 runs from 34 matches at 47.62 and four centuries.<ref name=stat2011>{{cite web|title=Records / 2011 / One-Day Internationals / Most runs|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?class=2;id=2011;type=year|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=29 April 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150917000448/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?class=2;id=2011;type=year|archivedate=17 September 2015}}</ref>
 
===Ascension to ODI vice-captaincy===
Having found a place in India's Test squad for the [[Indian cricket team in Australia in 2011–12|tour of Australia]] in December 2011, Kohli top-scored with 132 in a tour match against Cricket Australia Chairman's XI to strengthen his case for a spot in the playing eleven ahead of [[Rohit Sharma]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Ed Cowan stakes claim with century|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/546253.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=29 April 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150604160420/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/546253.html|archivedate=4 June 2015|date=20 December 2011}}</ref> Batting at number 6, Kohli failed to go past 25 in the first two Tests, as his defensive technique was exposed.<ref>{{cite web|title=India's batting woes abroad continue|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/547340.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=29 April 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150604160314/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/547340.html|archivedate=4 June 2015|date=29 December 2011}}</ref><ref name=testinnlist/> While fielding on the boundary during the second day of the second match, he gestured to the crowd with his [[the finger|middle finger]] for which he was fined 50% of his match fee by the [[match referee]]. He top-scored in each of India's innings in the third Test at Perth, with 44 and 75, even as India surrendered to their second consecutive innings defeat.<ref>{{cite web|title=Australia demolish India by an innings to go up 3-0|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/549518.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=29 April 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150604160351/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/549518.html|archivedate=4 June 2015|date=15 January 2012}}</ref> In the fourth and final match at Adelaide, Kohli scored his maiden Test century of 116 runs in the first innings; it was the only century scored by an Indian in the series.<ref>{{cite web|title=Kohli pleased to perform despite verbal battle|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/551028.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=29 April 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150604160347/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/551028.html|archivedate=4 June 2015|date=26 January 2012}}</ref> India suffered a 0–4 whitewash and Kohli, India's top run-scorer in the series, was described as "the lone bright spot in an otherwise nightmare visit for the tourists".<ref>{{cite web|title=Kohli stands tall on Australia's day|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-01-26/kohli-stands-tall-on-australia27s-day/3795350|publisher=ABC News|accessdate=29 April 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518212750/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-01-26/kohli-stands-tall-on-australia27s-day/3795350|archivedate=18 May 2015|date=26 January 2012}}</ref>
 
[[File:Virat Kohli 26 Feb 2012.jpg|180px|thumb|Kohli fielding during a CB Series match against Australia in February 2012]]
In the first seven matches of the [[2011–12 Commonwealth Bank Series|Commonwealth Bank triangular series]] against hosts Australia and Sri Lanka, Kohli made two fifties–77 at Perth and 66 at Brisbane–both against Sri Lanka.<ref name=odiinnlist/> India registered two wins, a tie and four losses in these seven matches, which meant that they needed a bonus point win their last group match against Sri Lanka at Hobart, to stay in contention for qualifying for the finals series.<ref>{{cite web|title=Wounded India's last attempt to stay alive|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/555417.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=29 April 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150604160341/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/555417.html|archivedate=4 June 2015|date=27 February 2012}}</ref> Being set a target of 321 by Sri Lanka, Kohli came to the crease with India's score at 86/2 and went on to score 133 not out from 86 balls to take India to a comfortable win with 13 overs to spare.<ref name=mom8>{{cite web|title=Commonwealth Bank Series, 11th Match: India v Sri Lanka at Hobart, 28 Feb 2012|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/518966.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=29 April 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131119114012/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/518966.html|archivedate=19 November 2013}}</ref> India earned a bonus point with the win and Kohli was named Man of the Match for his knock, which included scoring 24 runs in an over by [[Lasith Malinga]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Dazzling Kohli ton keeps India alive|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/555498.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=29 April 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150604160354/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/555498.html|archivedate=4 June 2015|date=28 February 2012}}</ref> Former Australian cricketer and commentator [[Dean Jones (cricketer)|Dean Jones]] rated Kohli's innings as "one of the greatest ODI knocks of all time".<ref>{{cite web|title=Kohli earns Jones' praise|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1120303/jsp/sports/story_15207013.jsp#.VUfnnPApp-J|publisher=The Telegraph|accessdate=4 May 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140303055535/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1120303/jsp/sports/story_15207013.jsp#.VUfnnPApp-J|archivedate=3 March 2014}}</ref> However, Sri Lanka beat Australia three days later in their last group fixture and knocked India out of the series.<ref>{{cite web|title=Sri Lanka in finals after nine-run win|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/555937.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=29 April 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150604160331/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/555937.html|archivedate=4 June 2015|date=2 March 2012}}</ref> With 373 runs at 53.28, Kohli once again finished as India's highest run-scorer and lone centurion of the series.<ref>{{cite web|title=Commonwealth Bank Series, 2011/12 / Records / Most runs|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=6632;type=tournament|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=29 April 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150917000702/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=6632;type=tournament|archivedate=17 September 2015}}</ref>
 
Kohli was appointed the vice-captain for the [[2012 Asia Cup]] in Bangladesh on the back of his fine performance in Australia. Kris Srikkanth, the chairman of selectors, told reporters, "Hats off to Virat Kohli for the way he played. We have to start looking towards the future. The selection committee and the Board felt Kohli is future captaincy material."<ref>{{cite news|title=Sehwag and Zaheer rested; Kohli named vice-captain|url=http://www.thehindu.com/sport/sehwag-and-zaheer-rested-kohli-named-vicecaptain/article2945859.ece|newspaper=The Hindu|accessdate=30 April 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180303200120/http://www.thehindu.com/sport/sehwag-and-zaheer-rested-kohli-named-vicecaptain/article2945859.ece|archivedate=3 March 2018|date=29 February 2012}}</ref> Kohli was in fine form during the tournament, finishing as the leading run-scorer with 357 runs at an average of 119.<ref>{{cite web|title=Records / Asia Cup, 2011/12 / Most runs|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=6730;type=tournament|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=30 April 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150714133204/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=6730;type=tournament|archivedate=14 July 2015}}</ref> He scored 108 in the opening match against Sri Lanka in a 50-run Indian victory,<ref name=mom9>{{cite web|title=Asia Cup, 2nd Match: India v Sri Lanka at Dhaka, 13 Mar 2012|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/535795.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=30 April 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131116022505/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/535795.html|archivedate=16 November 2013}}</ref> while India lost their next match to Bangladesh in which he made 66.<ref name=odiinnlist/> In the final group stage match against Pakistan, he scored a personal best 183 off 148 balls, his 11th ODI century. Coming in at 0/1, he struck 22 fours and a six in his innings to help India to chase down 330, their highest successful ODI run-chase at the time.<ref name=mom10>{{cite web|title=Asia Cup, 5th Match: India v Pakistan at Dhaka, 18 Mar 2012|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/535798.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=30 April 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140129224631/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/535798.html|archivedate=29 January 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Kohli demolishes Pakistan in record chase|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/557744.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=30 April 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150604160449/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/557744.html|archivedate=4 June 2015|date=18 March 2012}}</ref> His knock was the highest individual score in Asia Cup history, the joint-second highest score in an ODI run-chase and the highest individual score against Pakistan in ODIs surpassing previous record of 156 by [[Brian Lara]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Kohli's mastery of chases|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/557837.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=30 April 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150604160431/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/557837.html|archivedate=4 June 2015|date=18 March 2012}}</ref> Kohli was awarded the man of the match in both matches that India won, but India could not progress to the final of the tournament.
 
In July–August 2012, Kohli struck two centuries in the [[Indian cricket team in Sri Lanka in 2012|five-match ODI tour of Sri Lanka]]–106 off 113 balls at Hambantota and 128* off 119 balls at Colombo–winning man of the match in both games.<ref name=mom11>{{cite web|title=India tour of Sri Lanka, 1st ODI: Sri Lanka v India at Hambantota, 21 Jul 2012|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/564781.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=1 May 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131115231626/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/564781.html|archivedate=15 November 2013}}</ref><ref name=mom12>{{cite web|title=India tour of Sri Lanka, 4th ODI: Sri Lanka v India at Colombo (RPS), 31 Jul 2012|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/564784.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=1 May 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131119110958/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/564784.html|archivedate=19 November 2013}}</ref> India won the series 4–1 and on account of scoring the most runs in the series, Kohli was named player of the series.<ref name=mos1>{{cite web|title=India tour of Sri Lanka, 5th ODI: Sri Lanka v India at Pallekele, 4 Aug 2012|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/564785.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=1 May 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150521171741/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/564785.html|archivedate=21 May 2015}}</ref> In the one-off T20I that followed, he scored a 48-ball 68, his first T20I fifty, and won the player of the series award.<ref name=imos1>{{cite web|title=India tour of Sri Lanka, Only T20I: Sri Lanka v India at Pallekele, 7 Aug 2012|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/564786.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=1 May 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150418191629/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/564786.html|archivedate=18 April 2015}}</ref> Kohli scored his second Test century at Bangalore during [[New Zealand cricket team in India in 2012|New Zealand's tour of India]] and won his first man of the match award in Test cricket.<ref name=tmom1>{{cite web|title=New Zealand tour of India, 2nd Test: India v New Zealand at Bangalore, 31 Aug-3 Sep 2012|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/565818.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=30 April 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140129084645/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/565818.html|archivedate=29 January 2014}}</ref> India won the two-match series 2–0, and Kohli averaged 106 with one hundred and two fifties from three innings.<ref>{{cite web|title=Records / New Zealand in India Test Series, 2012 / Most runs|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=7342;type=series|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=30 April 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150917000502/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=7342;type=series|archivedate=17 September 2015}}</ref> In the subsequent T20I series, he scored 70 runs off 41 balls, but India lost the match by one run and the series 1–0.<ref name=t20innlist/> He continued to be in good form during the [[2012 ICC World Twenty20]] in Sri Lanka, with 185 runs from 5 matches at an average of 46.25.<ref>{{cite web|title=ICC World Twenty20, 2012/13 / Records / Most runs|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=6856;type=tournament|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=30 April 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150917000515/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=6856;type=tournament|archivedate=17 September 2015}}</ref> He hit two fifties during the tournament, 50 against [[Afghanistan national cricket team|Afghanistan]] in the group stage<ref name=imom1>{{cite web|title=ICC World Twenty20, 3rd Match, Group A: Afghanistan v India at Colombo (RPS), 19 Sep 2012|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/533274.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=30 April 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150404163408/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/533274.html|archivedate=4 April 2015}}</ref> and 78* against Pakistan in the Super Eights, winning man of the match for both innings.<ref name=imom2>{{cite web|title=ICC World Twenty20, 20th Match, Group 2: India v Pakistan at Colombo (RPS), 30 Sep 2012|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/533291.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=30 April 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150427044033/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/533291.html|archivedate=27 April 2015}}</ref> He was named in the ICC 'Team of the Tournament'.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/finalists-dominate-icc-mens-and-womens-world-twenty20-sri-lanka-2012-teams-of-the-tournament|title=Finalists dominate ICC Men's and Women's World Twenty20 Sri Lanka 2012 teams of the tournament|date=8 October 2012|website=www.sportskeeda.com}}</ref>
 
Kohli's Test form dipped during the first three matches of [[English cricket team in India in 2012–13|England's tour of India]] with a top score of 20 and England leading the series 2–1.<ref name=testinnlist/> He scored a patient 103 from 295 balls in the last match on a slow and low pitch at Nagpur,<ref>{{cite web|title=India's gritty boys|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/597252.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=3 May 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150604160413/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/597252.html|archivedate=4 June 2015|date=15 December 2012}}</ref> keeping India in contention of drawing the series. ''ESPNcricinfo'' praised Kohli for having "demonstrated his growing maturity to play just the sort of innings his side required",<ref>{{cite web|title=Kohli's coming of age|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/597238.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=3 May 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150604160309/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/597238.html|archivedate=4 June 2015|date=15 December 2012}}</ref> while Kohli described his knock as "a learning innings".<ref>{{cite web|title=Kohli takes pride in 'learning innings'|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/597259.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=3 May 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150604160327/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/597259.html|archivedate=4 June 2015|date=15 December 2012}}</ref> However, the match ended in a draw and England won their first Test series in India in 28 years.<ref>{{cite web|title=England end 28-year wait for win in India|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/597420.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=3 May 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150604160345/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/597420.html|archivedate=4 June 2015|date=17 December 2012}}</ref> [[Pakistani cricket team in India in 2012–13|Against Pakistan]] in December 2012, Kohli averaged 18 in the T20Is<ref>{{cite web|title=Records / Pakistan in India T20I Series, 2012/13 - India / Batting and bowling averages|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/averages/batting_bowling_by_team.html?id=7818;team=6;type=series|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=3 May 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150917000616/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/averages/batting_bowling_by_team.html?id=7818;team=6;type=series|archivedate=17 September 2015}}</ref> and 4.33 in the ODIs,<ref>{{cite web|title=Records / Pakistan in India ODI Series, 2012/13 - India / Batting and bowling averages|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/averages/batting_bowling_by_team.html?id=7819;team=6;type=series|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=3 May 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150218174534/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/averages/batting_bowling_by_team.html?id=7819;team=6;type=series|archivedate=18 February 2015}}</ref> being troubled by the fast bowlers, particularly [[Junaid Khan (cricketer)|Junaid Khan]], who dismissed him on all three occasions in the ODI series.<ref>{{cite web|title=Knew Virat Kohli would find it difficult to pick my length: Junaid Khan|url=http://sports.ndtv.com/india-vs-pakistan-2012/news/202306-knew-virat-kohli-would-find-it-difficult-to-pick-my-length-junaid-khan|publisher=NDTV|accessdate=3 May 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518084657/http://sports.ndtv.com/india-vs-pakistan-2012/news/202306-knew-virat-kohli-would-find-it-difficult-to-pick-my-length-junaid-khan|archivedate=18 May 2015}}</ref> Kohli had a quiet ODI series against England, apart from a match-winning 77* in the third ODI at Ranchi,<ref name=mom13>{{cite web|title=England tour of India, 3rd ODI: India v England at Ranchi, 19 Jan 2013|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/565814.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=3 May 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150315160146/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/565814.html|archivedate=15 March 2015}}</ref> with a total of 155 runs at an average of 38.75.<ref>{{cite web|title=Records / England in India ODI Series, 2012/13 / Most runs|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=7341;type=series|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=3 May 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150917000604/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=7341;type=series|archivedate=17 September 2015}}</ref>
 
{{Quote box |width=33% |align=right |quoted=1 |quote="I love watching Virat Kohli bat. He looks to me like an individual of my own heart. I love his aggression, and [he has] serious passion that I used to have. He reminds me of myself."|salign=right |source=— Former West Indies captain [[Sir Viv Richards]] on Kohli<ref name=himself>{{cite web |title='Kohli reminds me of myself' - Viv Richards|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/632180.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=4 May 2015|url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20171023122236/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/632180.html|archivedate=23 October 2017|df=dmy-all|date=25 April 2013}}</ref>}}
Kohli scored his fourth Test century (107) at Chennai in the first match of the [[Australian cricket team in India in 2012–13|home Test series against Australia]] in February 2013. He said he was "feeling hungry for this series" after a poor run of form in the two previous series and also disappointed on getting out soon after reaching the hundred-run mark.<ref>{{cite web|title=Kohli lauds Dhoni special|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/606302.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=4 May 2015|url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150604160402/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/606302.html|archivedate=4 June 2015|date=24 February 2013}}</ref> India completed a 4–0 series sweep, becoming the first team to whitewash Australia in more than four decades.<ref>{{cite web|title=Toss no advantage for Australia |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/626612.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=4 May 2015|url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150604160439/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/626612.html|archivedate=4 June 2015|date=24 March 2013}}</ref> Kohli averaged 56.80 in the series and cemented his spot in the Test team.<ref>{{cite web|title=Border-Gavaskar Trophy, 2012/13 / Records / Most runs |url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=7977;type=series|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=4 May 2015|url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150917000552/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=7977;type=series |archivedate=17 September 2015}}</ref>
 
[[File:Virat Kohli batting 2013.jpg|230px|thumb|right|Kohli batting against South Africa in Cardiff during the Champions Trophy in June 2013]]
In June 2013, Kohli featured in the [[2013 ICC Champions Trophy|ICC Champions Trophy]] in England which India won. He scored a match-winning 144 against Sri Lanka in a warm-up match.<ref>{{cite web|title=ICC Champions Trophy Warm-up Matches, India v Sri Lanka at Birmingham, 1 Jun 2013 |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/634962.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=7 May 2015|url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150501151019/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/634962.html|archivedate=1 May 2015}}</ref> He scored 34, 22 and 22 not out in India's group matches against South Africa, West Indies and Pakistan respectively, while India qualified for the semi-finals with an undefeated record. In the semi-final against Sri Lanka at Cardiff, he struck 58 not out in an eight-wicket win for India.<ref name=odiinnlist/> The [[2013 ICC Champions Trophy Final|final]] between India and England at Birmingham was reduced to 20 overs after a rain delay. India batted first and Kohli top-scored with 43 from 34 balls, sharing a sixth-wicket partnership of 47 runs off 33 balls with [[Ravindra Jadeja]] and helping India reach 129/7 in 20 overs. India went on to secure a five-run win and their second consecutive ICC ODI tournament victory.<ref>{{cite web|title=ICC Champions Trophy: India win thriller as England's ODI heartbreak continues in finals|url=http://sports.ndtv.com/icc-champions-trophy-2013/news/209671-icc-champions-trophy-final-england-vs-india|publisher=NDTV|accessdate=7 May 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518075839/http://sports.ndtv.com/icc-champions-trophy-2013/news/209671-icc-champions-trophy-final-england-vs-india|archivedate=18 May 2015}}</ref> He was also named as part of the 'Team of the Tournament' by the ICC.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/178241|title=ICC announces Team of the Tournament|website=www.icc-cricket.com}}</ref>
 
===Setting records===
Kohli stood-in as the captain for the first ODI of the [[West Indies Triangular Series in 2013|triangular series in the West Indies]] after Dhoni injured himself during the match. India lost the match by one wicket, and Dhoni was subsequently ruled out of the series with Kohli being named the captain for the remaining matches.<ref>{{cite web|title=Injured Dhoni ruled out of tri-series|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/646695.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=10 May 2015|url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919171615/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/646695.html|archivedate=19 September 2016|date=July 2013}}</ref> In his second match as captain, Kohli scored his first hundred as captain, making 102 off 83 balls against the West Indies at Port of Spain in a bonus point win for India.<ref name=mom14>{{cite web|title=West Indies Tri-Nation Series, 4th Match: West Indies v India at Port of Spain, 5 Jul 2013|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/597926.html |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |accessdate=11 May 2015|url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202183120/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/597926.html |archivedate=2 December 2013}}</ref> Many senior players including Dhoni were rested for the [[Indian cricket team in Zimbabwe in 2013|five-match ODI tour of Zimbabwe]] in July 2013, with Kohli being appointed captain for an entire series for the first time.<ref>{{cite web|title=Kohli praises young mates for successful transition |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/654539.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=11 May 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150604160131/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/654539.html|archivedate=4 June 2015|date=23 July 2013}}</ref> In the first game of the series at Harare, he struck 115 runs from 108 balls, helping India chase down the target of 229 and winning the man of the match award.<ref name=mom15>{{cite web|title=India tour of Zimbabwe, 1st ODI: Zimbabwe v India at Harare, 24 Jul 2013|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/643665.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=11 May 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140228044758/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/643665.html|archivedate=28 February 2014}}</ref> He batted on two more occasions in the series in which he had scores of 14 and 58 not out. India completed a 5–0 sweep of the series; their first in an away ODI series.<ref>{{cite web|title=Mishra's six sets up 5-0 sweep|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/658057.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=11 May 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150604160133/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/658057.html|archivedate=4 June 2015|date=3 August 2013}}</ref>
 
Kohli had a successful time with the bat in the [[Australian cricket team in India in 2013–14|seven-match ODI series]] against Australia. After top-scoring with 61 in the opening loss at Pune, he struck the fastest century by an Indian in ODIs in the second match at Jaipur. Reaching the milestone in just 52 balls and putting up an unbroken 186-run second-wicket partnership with Rohit Sharma that came in 17.2 overs,<ref>{{cite web|title=India blaze down target of 360|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/679829.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=11 May 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150604160256/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/679829.html|archivedate=4 June 2015|date=16 October 2013}}</ref> Kohli's innings of 100 not out helped India chase down the target of 360 for the loss of one wicket with more than six overs to spare. This chase was the [[List of One Day International cricket records#Highest runs in successful chasing|second-highest successful run-chase]] in ODI cricket, while Kohli's knock became the fastest hundred against Australia and the third-fastest in a run-chase.<ref name=fastest100>{{cite web|title=India's fastest ODI ton, and a glut of most expensive spells|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/680015.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=11 May 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150604160252/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/680015.html|archivedate=4 June 2015|date=16 October 2013}}</ref> He followed that innings with 68 in the next match at Mohali in another Indian defeat,<ref name=odiinnlist/> before the next two matches were washed out by rain. In the sixth ODI at Nagpur, he struck 115 off only 66 balls to help India successfully chase the target of 351 and level the series 2–2 and won the man of the match.<ref name=mom16>{{cite web|title=Australia tour of India, 6th ODI: India v Australia at Nagpur, 30 Oct 2013|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/647259.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=11 May 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140218214638/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/647259.html|archivedate=18 February 2014}}</ref> He reached the 100-run mark in 61 balls, making it the third-fastest ODI century by an Indian batsman, and also became the fastest batsman in the world to score 17 hundreds in ODI cricket.<ref>{{cite web|title=Kohli fastest to 17 ODI tons|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/684111.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=11 May 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150604160259/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/684111.html|archivedate=4 June 2015|date=30 October 2013}}</ref> India clinched the series after winning the last match in which he was run out for a duck. At the conclusion of the series, Kohli moved to the top position in the [[ICC Player Rankings|ICC ODI batsmen rankings]] for the first time in his career.<ref name=odirank>{{cite web|title=Kohli and Ajmal top ODI rankings|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci-icc/content/story/685413.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=12 May 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924133036/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci-icc/content/story/685413.html|archivedate=24 September 2015|date=3 November 2013}}</ref>
 
Kohli batted twice in the [[West Indian cricket team in India in 2013–14|two-match Test series]] against the West Indies, and had scores of 3 and 57 being dismissed by [[Shane Shillingford]] in both innings. This was also the last Test series for Tendulkar and Kohli was expected to take Tendulkar's number 4 batting position after the series.<ref name=king/> In the first game of the three-match ODI series that followed at Kochi, Kohli made 86 to seal a six-wicket win and won the man of the match.<ref name=mom17>{{cite web|title=West Indies tour of India, 1st ODI: India v West Indies at Kochi, 21 Nov 2013|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/676529.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=13 May 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150830014946/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/676529.html|archivedate=30 August 2015}}</ref> During the match, he also equalled [[Viv Richards]]' record of becoming the fastest batsman to make 5,000 runs in ODI cricket, reaching the landmark in his 114th innings.<ref>{{cite web|title=Kohli focussed after equalling Richards|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/691167.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=13 May 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160828101346/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/691167.html|archivedate=28 August 2016|date=22 November 2013}}</ref> He missed out on his third century at Visakhapatnam in the next match, after being dismissed for 99 playing a hook shot off [[Ravi Rampaul]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Catches, drops, and a missed century|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/692241.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=13 May 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160828175814/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/692241.html|archivedate=28 August 2016|date=24 November 2013}}</ref> India lost the match by two wickets, but took the series 2–1 after winning the last match at Kanpur.<ref name=mos2>{{cite web|title=West Indies tour of India, 3rd ODI: India v West Indies at Kanpur, 27 Nov 2013|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/676533.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=13 May 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150417072501/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/676533.html|archivedate=17 April 2015}}</ref> With 204 runs at 68.00, Kohli finished the series as the leading run-getter and was awarded the man of the series.<ref>{{cite web|title=West Indies in India ODI Series, 2013/14 / Records / Most runs|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=8673;type=series|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=13 May 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161122201920/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=8673;type=series|archivedate=22 November 2016}}</ref>
 
===Overseas season===
India [[Indian cricket team in South Africa in 2013–14|toured South Africa]] in December 2013 for three ODIs and two Tests. Kohli averaged 15.50 in the ODIs, including a duck.<ref>{{cite web|title=Records / India in South Africa ODI Series, 2013/14 - India / Batting and bowling averages|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/averages/batting_bowling_by_team.html?id=8269;team=6;type=series|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=17 May 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161122010929/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/averages/batting_bowling_by_team.html?id=8269;team=6;type=series|archivedate=22 November 2016}}</ref> In the first Test at Johannesburg, playing his first Test in South Africa<ref>{{cite web|title=Pujara and Kohli defy expectations|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/702529.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=17 May 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919172036/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/702529.html|archivedate=19 September 2016|date=20 December 2013}}</ref> and batting at 4 for the first time,<ref name=testinnlist/> Kohli scored 119 and 96. His hundred was the first by a subcontinent batsman at the venue since 1998.<ref>{{cite web|title=Kohli's best and a rare first-innings ton|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/701589.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=17 May 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919173059/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/701589.html|archivedate=19 September 2016|date=18 December 2013}}</ref> Regarding Kohli's hundred, South Africa bowling coach [[Allan Donald]] said, "The one word that comes to my mind is responsibility. I think he [Kohli] showed great discipline and responsibility. It reminds me of Sachin Tendulkar when they came here in 1996."<ref name=donald/> The match ended in a draw, and Kohli was awarded man of the match.<ref name=tmom2>{{cite web|title=India tour of South Africa, 1st Test: South Africa v India at Johannesburg, 18-22 Dec 2013|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/648665.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=17 May 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140129084650/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/648665.html|archivedate=29 January 2014}}</ref> India failed to win a single match on the tour, losing the second Test by 10 wickets in which he made 46 and 11.<ref name=testinnlist/>
 
{{Quote box |width=33% |align=left |quoted=1 |quote="Kohli is the next chosen one. He exudes the intensity of [[Rahul Dravid|Dravid]], the audacity of [[Virender Sehwag|Sehwag]], and the extraordinary range of [[Sachin Tendulkar|Tendulkar]]. That doesn't make him better, simply [[sui generis]], his own unique kind."|salign=right |source=— Former New Zealand captain [[Martin Crowe]] on Kohli<ref>{{cite web|title=A force called Kohli|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/magazine/content/story/715355.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=9 July 2014|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140708201705/http://www.espncricinfo.com/magazine/content/story/715355.html|archivedate=8 July 2014|df=dmy-all|date=4 February 2014}}</ref>}}
Kohli continued to amass runs on the subsequent [[Indian cricket team in New Zealand in 2013–14|New Zealand tour]]. He averaged 58.21 in the five-match ODI series<ref>{{cite web|title=Records / India in New Zealand ODI Series, 2013/14 / Most runs|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=8555;type=series|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=17 May 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160130222243/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=8555;type=series|archivedate=30 January 2016}}</ref> in which his efforts of 111-ball 123 at Napier, 65-ball 78 at Hamilton and 78-ball 82 at Wellington<ref name=odiinnlist/> all went in vain as India were defeated 4–0. He made 214 runs at 71.33 in the two-match Test series that followed<ref>{{cite web|title=Records / India in New Zealand Test Series, 2013/14 / Most runs|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=8557;type=series|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=17 May 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160130222238/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=8557;type=series|archivedate=30 January 2016}}</ref> including an unbeaten 105 on the last day of the second Test at Wellington that helped India save the match.<ref>{{cite web|title=India tour of New Zealand, 2nd Test: New Zealand v India at Wellington, 14-18 Feb 2014|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/667653.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=17 May 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150607041642/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/667653.html|archivedate=7 June 2015}}</ref>
 
India then travelled to Bangladesh for the [[2014 Asia Cup|Asia Cup]] and World Twenty20. Dhoni was ruled out of the Asia Cup after suffering a [[side strain]] during the New Zealand tour, which led to Kohli being named the captain for the tournament.<ref>{{cite web|title=Dhoni out of Asia Cup with side strain|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/720907.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=18 May 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150829055648/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/720907.html|archivedate=29 August 2015|date=20 February 2014}}</ref> Kohli scored 136 off 122 balls in India's opening match against Bangladesh, sharing a 213-run third-wicket stand with [[Ajinkya Rahane]], which helped India successfully chase 280.<ref name=mom18>{{cite web|title=Asia Cup, 2nd Match: Bangladesh v India at Fatullah, 26 Feb 2014|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/710293.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=18 May 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140225213001/http://www.espncricinfo.com/asia-cup-2014/engine/match/710293.html|archivedate=25 February 2014}}</ref> It was his 19th ODI century and his fifth in Bangladesh, making him the batsman with most ODI centuries in Bangladesh.<ref>{{cite web|title=Kohli's second-innings exploits, hundreds by captains|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/723187.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=18 May 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150829055653/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/723187.html|archivedate=29 August 2015|date=26 February 2014}}</ref> India were knocked out of the tournament after narrow losses against Sri Lanka and Pakistan, in which Kohli scored 48 and 5 respectively.<ref name=odiinnlist/>
 
Dhoni returned from injury to captain the team for [[2014 ICC World Twenty20]] and Kohli was named vice-captain. In India's opening match of the tournament against Pakistan, Kohli top-scored with 36 not out to guide India to a seven-wicket win. He scored 54 off 41 balls in the next game against West Indies and an unbeaten 57 from 50 balls against Bangladesh, both in successful run-chases.<ref name=t20innlist/> In the semi-final, he made an unbeaten 72 in 44 deliveries to help India achieve the target of 173 with six wickets and five balls to spare.<ref name=imom3>{{cite web|title=World T20, 2nd Semi-Final: India v South Africa at Dhaka, 4 Apr 2014|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/682963.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=27 May 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150414045541/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/682963.html|archivedate=14 April 2015}}</ref> He won the man of the match for this knock which he called "my best T20 innings".<ref>{{cite web|title='My best T20 innings' - Kohli|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/734905.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=27 May 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150605234528/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/734905.html|archivedate=5 June 2015|date=4 April 2014}}</ref> India posted 130/4 in the final against Sri Lanka, in which Kohli scored 77 from 58 balls, and eventually lost the match by six wickets.<ref name=imos2>{{cite web|title=World T20, Final: India v Sri Lanka at Dhaka, 6 Apr 2014|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/682965.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=27 May 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150509085804/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/682965.html|archivedate=9 May 2015}}</ref> Kohli had made a total of 319 runs in the tournament at an average of 106.33, a record for most runs by an individual batsman in a single [[World Twenty20]] tournament,<ref>{{cite web|title=Yuvraj's 21-ball struggle, and SL's death bowling|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/735397.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=27 May 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150605234535/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/735397.html|archivedate=5 June 2015|date=6 April 2014}}</ref> for which he won the Man of the Tournament award.<ref name=imos2/>
 
Kohli and other senior players were rested for India's tour of Bangladesh ahead of the [[Indian cricket team in England in 2014|England tour]]. India conceded a 3–1 defeat in the five-match Test series against England despite leading it 1–0 after the first two Tests. Kohli fared poorly in the series averaging just 13.40 in 10 innings with a top score of 39.<ref>{{cite web|title=Records / Pataudi Trophy, 2014 / Most runs|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=8561;type=series|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=28 May 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141009161124/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=8561;type=series|archivedate=9 October 2014}}</ref> He was dismissed for single-digit scores on six occasions in the series and was particularly susceptible to the [[swing bowling|swinging ball]] on [[off stump]] line, being dismissed several times edging the ball to the [[wicket-keeper]] or [[slip (cricket)|slip fielders]]. Man of the series [[James Anderson (cricketer)|James Anderson]] got Kohli's wicket four times,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/england-in-india-2016/Pitches-have-taken-Kohlis-glitches-out-of-equation-Anderson/articleshow/55926069.cms|title=Pitches have taken Kohli's glitches out of equation: Anderson|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161211193141/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/england-in-india-2016/Pitches-have-taken-Kohlis-glitches-out-of-equation-Anderson/articleshow/55926069.cms|archivedate=11 December 2016}}</ref> while Kohli's batting technique was questioned by analysts and former cricketers.<ref>{{cite web|title=Stats: Kohli the walking wicket for Anderson|url=http://www.rediff.com/cricket/report/stats-virat-kohli-the-walking-wicket-for-james-anderson-england-tour-stats-rajneesh-gupta/20140810.htm|publisher=Rediff|accessdate=28 May 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150528181258/http://www.rediff.com/cricket/report/stats-virat-kohli-the-walking-wicket-for-james-anderson-england-tour-stats-rajneesh-gupta/20140810.htm|archivedate=28 May 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title='Spineless', 'embarrassing', 'pathetic'; English press let it rip|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket/spineless-embarrassing-pathetic-english-press-let-it-rip/|publisher=Indian Express|accessdate=28 May 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151224194635/http://indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket/spineless-embarrassing-pathetic-english-press-let-it-rip/|archivedate=24 December 2015|date=10 August 2014}}</ref> [[Geoffrey Boycott]] said, "Jimmy Anderson ate him for breakfast. Every time Kohli came in, all he did was bowl at off stump, around the [[corridor of uncertainty]] and Kohli nicked it. He is playing with his bat too far away from his pad. He has to look at video replays of his technique and get back to basics".<ref>{{cite web|title=Virat Kohli Needs to Improve Poor Technique, Says Geoffrey Boycott|url=http://sports.ndtv.com/england-vs-india-2014/news/229723-virat-kohli-needs-to-improve-poor-technique-says-geoffrey-boycott|publisher=NDTV|accessdate=28 May 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150429080506/http://sports.ndtv.com/england-vs-india-2014/news/229723-virat-kohli-needs-to-improve-poor-technique-says-geoffrey-boycott|archivedate=29 April 2015}}</ref> India won the ODI series that followed 3–1, but Kohli's struggles with the bat continued with an average of 18 in four innings.<ref>{{cite web|title=India in England ODI Series, 2014 - India / Records / Batting and bowling averages|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/averages/batting_bowling_by_team.html?id=8563;team=6;type=series|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=28 May 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150917054614/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/averages/batting_bowling_by_team.html?id=8563;team=6;type=series|archivedate=17 September 2015}}</ref> In the one-off T20I, he scored 41-ball 66, his first fifty-plus score of the tour on the last match of the tour.<ref name=t20innlist/> India lost the match by three runs, but Kohli reached the number one spot for T20I batsmen in the ICC rankings.<ref>{{cite web|title=Virat Kohli tops T20I batting charts for the first time|url=http://www.icc-cricket.com/news/2014/media-releases/81763/virat-kohli-tops-t20i-batting-charts-for-the-first-time|publisher=icc-cricket.com|accessdate=12 May 2015|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150528182416/http://www.icc-cricket.com/news/2014/media-releases/81763/virat-kohli-tops-t20i-batting-charts-for-the-first-time|archivedate=28 May 2015}}</ref>
 
Kohli had a successful time during India's [[West Indian cricket team in India in 2014–15|home ODI series win over the West Indies]] in October 2014. His 62 in the second ODI at Delhi was his first fifty across Tests and ODIs in 16 innings since February,<ref>{{cite web|title=Kohli century sets up series win|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/789885.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=29 May 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150605234953/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/789885.html|archivedate=5 June 2015|date=17 October 2014}}</ref> and he stated that he got his "confidence back" with the innings.<ref>{{cite web|title='I've got my confidence back' - Kohli|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/789873.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=29 May 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150605234956/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/789873.html|archivedate=5 June 2015|date=17 October 2014}}</ref> He struck his 20th ODI hundred–127 runs in 114 balls–in the fourth match at Dharamsala. India registered a 59-run victory and Kohli was awarded man of the match.<ref name=mom19>{{cite web|title=West Indies tour of India, 4th ODI: India v West Indies at Dharamsala, 17 Oct 2014|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/770127.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=29 May 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150420023143/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/770127.html|archivedate=20 April 2015}}</ref> Dhoni was rested for the [[Sri Lankan cricket team in India in 2014–15|five-match ODI series]] against Sri Lanka in November, enabling Kohli to lead the team for another full series. Kohli batted at 4 throughout the series and made scores of 22, 49, 53 and 66 in the first four ODIs, with India leading the series 4–0. In the fifth ODI at Ranchi, Kohli came in to bat with India at 14/2 in pursuit of 287. He made an unbeaten 139 off 126 balls to give his team a three-wicket win and a whitewash of Sri Lanka.<ref name=mos3>{{cite web|title=Sri Lanka tour of India, 5th ODI: India v Sri Lanka at Ranchi, 16 Nov 2014|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/792297.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=29 May 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150417183322/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/792297.html|archivedate=17 April 2015}}</ref> Kohli was awarded player of the series, and it was the second whitewash under his captaincy.<ref>{{cite web|title=A century of wins for India|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/799993.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=29 May 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150605234944/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/799993.html|archivedate=5 June 2015|date=16 November 2014}}</ref> During the series he became the fastest batsman in the world to go past the 6000-run mark in ODIs.<ref>{{cite web|title=Kohli and Dhawan break milestone records|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/797645.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=29 May 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150605234951/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/797645.html|archivedate=5 June 2015|date=9 November 2014}}</ref> With 1054 ODI runs at 58.55 in 2014, he became the second player in the world after [[Sourav Ganguly]] to make more than 1,000 runs in ODIs for four consecutive calendar years.<ref name=bccistat>{{cite web|title=Stats Highlights, India vs SL, 5th ODI|url=http://www.bcci.tv/one-day-limited-overs-league-2014-15/news/2014/news/8957/stats-highlights-india-vs-sl-5th-odi|publisher=bcci.tv|accessdate=13 May 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150528182739/http://www.bcci.tv/one-day-limited-overs-league-2014-15/news/2014/news/8957/stats-highlights-india-vs-sl-5th-odi|archivedate=28 May 2015}}</ref>
 
===Test captaincy===
[[File:VIRAT KHOLI & DUNCAN FLETCHER (15570557124).jpg|230px|thumb|Kohli with coach [[Duncan Fletcher]] in January 2015, before the fourth Test in Sydney]]
For the first Test of the [[Indian cricket team in Australia in 2014–15|Australian tour]] in December 2014, Dhoni was not part of the Indian team at Adelaide due to an injury, and Kohli took the reins as Test captain for the first time.<ref>{{cite web|title=Kohli to lead India in Adelaide Test|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/808233.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=31 May 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150607150427/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/808233.html|archivedate=7 June 2015|date=8 December 2014}}</ref> Kohli scored 115 in India's first innings, becoming the fourth Indian to score a hundred on Test captaincy debut.<ref>{{cite web|title=Kohli makes hundred on captaincy debut|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/809397.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=31 May 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150607152012/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/809397.html|archivedate=7 June 2015|date=11 December 2014}}</ref> In their second innings, India were set a target of 364 to be scored on the fifth day. Kohli came in to bat when the Indian innings was reduced to 57/2 and started batting aggressively. He put on 185 runs for the third wicket with [[Murali Vijay]] before Vijay's dismissal, which triggered a batting collapse. From 242/2, India was bowled out for 315 with Kohli's 141 off 175 balls being the top score.<ref>{{cite web|title=1st Test: Australia v India at Adelaide, 9-13 Dec 2014|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/754737.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=31 May 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151212212621/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/754737.html|archivedate=12 December 2015}}</ref> Kohli noted that his team was looking for a win and not a draw, while also saying that it was "the best Test I have been part of".<ref>{{cite web|title='I wasn't thinking of a draw at any stage' - Kohli|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/810011.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=31 May 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150607124209/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/810011.html|archivedate=7 June 2015|date=13 December 2014}}</ref> Kohli's second innings ton was hailed by several Australian commentators as the finest fourth-innings performance they had ever seen in Australia.<ref>{{cite web|title=Virat Kohli, sole provider of India's batting|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/814343.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=3 June 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150607124211/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/814343.html|archivedate=7 June 2015|date=28 December 2014}}</ref>
 
Dhoni returned to the team as captain for the second match at Brisbane where Kohli scored 19 and 1 in a four-wicket defeat for India.<ref name=testinnlist/> In the Melbourne Boxing Day Test, Kohli was India's top-scorer in both innings. He made his personal best Test score of 169 in the first innings while sharing a 262-run partnership with Rahane, India's biggest partnership outside Asia in ten years.<ref>{{cite web|title=India's biggest stand outside Asia in 10 years|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/814297.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=3 June 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150607151953/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/814297.html|archivedate=7 June 2015|date=28 December 2014}}</ref> Kohli followed it with a score of 54 in India's second innings on the fifth day, helping his team draw the Test match.<ref name=testinnlist/> Dhoni announced his retirement from Test cricket at the conclusion of this match, and Kohli was appointed as the full-time Test captain ahead of the fourth Test at Sydney.<ref>{{cite web|title=Dhoni retires from Test cricket|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/814975.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=31 May 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150607152023/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/814975.html|archivedate=7 June 2015|date=30 December 2014}}</ref> Captaining the Test team for the second time, Kohli hit 147 in the first innings of the match and became the first batsman in Test cricket history to score three hundreds in his first three innings as Test captain.<ref name=ausstat/> He was dismissed for 46 in the second innings and India hung in for another draw.<ref>{{cite web|title=4th Test: Australia v India at Sydney, 6-10 Jan 2015|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/754743.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=31 May 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161208041241/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/754743.html|archivedate=8 December 2016}}</ref> Kohli's total of 692 runs in four Tests was the most by any Indian batsman in a Test series in Australia.<ref name=ausstat>{{cite web|title=Four Tests, 5870 runs|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/819173.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=31 May 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150607151958/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/819173.html|archivedate=7 June 2015|date=10 January 2015}}</ref>
 
In January 2015, India failed to win a single match in the [[Carlton Mid Triangular Series in Australia in 2014–15|tri-nation ODI series]] against the hosts Australia and England. Kohli was unable to replicate his Test success in ODIs, failing to make a two-digit score in any of the four games.<ref name=odiinnlist/> Kohli's ODI form did not improve in the lead-up to the [[2015 Cricket World Cup|World Cup]], with scores of 18 and 5 in the warm-up matches against Australia and Afghanistan respectively.
 
[[File:2015 CWC I v UAE 02-28 Kohli (12) (cropped).JPG|180px|right|thumb|Kohli batting against the UAE in Perth during a group stage match of the 2015 World Cup]]
In the first match of the World Cup against Pakistan at Adelaide, Kohli hit 107 in 126 balls, sharing 100-plus partnerships with both Dhawan and Raina, to help India set a total of 300 and win the match by 76 runs. For his knock, he was awarded the man of the match award, his 20th in ODIs and first in a World Cup match.<ref name=mom20>{{cite web|title=ICC Cricket World Cup, 4th Match, Pool B: India v Pakistan at Adelaide, 15 Feb 2015|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/656405.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=5 July 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150430132256/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/656405.html|archivedate=30 April 2015}}</ref> He was dismissed for 46 in India's second match against South Africa after another century partnership with opening batsman Dhawan. India went on to post 307 in 50 overs and register a 130-run victory in the match. India batted second in their remaining four group matches in which Kohli scored 33*, 33, 44* and 38 against [[United Arab Emirates national cricket team|UAE]], West Indies, Ireland and Zimbabwe respectively.<ref name=odiinnlist/> India went on to secure wins in these four fixtures and top the Pool B points with an undefeated record.<ref>{{cite web|title=ICC Cricket World Cup / Points Table|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/series/509587.html?view=pointstable|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=5 July 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150710025832/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/series/509587.html?view=pointstable|archivedate=10 July 2015}}</ref> In India's 109-run victory in the quarter-final over Bangladesh, Kohli was dismissed by [[Rubel Hossain]] for 3 edging the ball to the wicket-keeper. India was eliminated in the semi-final by Australia at Melbourne, where Kohli was dismissed for 1 off 13 balls, top-edging a short-pitched delivery from Mitchell Johnson.<ref name=odiinnlist/>
 
Kohli had a slump in form when India [[Indian cricket team in Bangladesh in 2015|toured Bangladesh]] in June 2015. He contributed only 14 in the one-off Test which ended in a draw and averaged 16.33 in the ODI series which Bangladesh won 2–1.<ref>{{cite web|title=Records / India in Bangladesh ODI Series, 2015 - India / Batting and bowling averages|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/averages/batting_bowling_by_team.html?id=10069;team=6;type=series|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=8 July 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150625051536/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/averages/batting_bowling_by_team.html?id=10069;team=6;type=series|archivedate=25 June 2015}}</ref> Kohli ended his streak of low scores by scoring his 11th Test hundred in the first Test of the [[Indian cricket team in Sri Lanka in 2015|Sri Lankan tour]] which India lost. India came back and won the next two matches to seal the series 2–1, Kohli's first series win as Test captain and India's first away Test series win in four years.<ref>{{cite web|title=Persistent India complete rare series win|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/916287.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=11 September 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160917032417/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/916287.html|archivedate=17 September 2016|date=September 2015}}</ref>
 
During [[South African cricket team in India in 2015–16|South Africa's tour of India]], Kohli became the fastest batsman in the world to make 1,000 runs in T20I cricket, reaching the milestone in his 27th innings.<ref name=fastestt20i>{{cite web|title=Records / Twenty20 Internationals / Batting records / Fastest to 1000 runs|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/records/925247.html|publisher=ESPNcrincinfo|accessdate=2 April 2016|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160318162955/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/records/925247.html|archivedate=18 March 2016}}</ref> In the ODI series, he made 77 at Rajkot and a match-winning 138 in the fourth ODI at Chennai that helped India draw level in the series.<ref name=mom21>{{cite web|title=South Africa tour of India, 4th ODI: India v South Africa at Chennai, 22 Oct 2015|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/903599.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=27 January 2016|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151024220135/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/903599.html|archivedate=24 October 2015}}</ref> India lost the series after a defeat in the final ODI and Kohli finished the series with an average of 49.<ref>{{cite web|title=South Africa in India ODI Series, 2015/16 / Records / Most runs|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=10315;type=series|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=27 January 2016|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161122182107/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=10315;type=series|archivedate=22 November 2016}}</ref> India came back to beat the top-ranked South African team 3–0 in the four-match Test series under Kohli's captaincy, and climbed to number two position on the ICC Test rankings.<ref>{{cite web|title=India No. 2 in Test rankings after 3-0 series rout over South Africa|url=http://www.rediff.com/cricket/report/india-no-2-in-test-rankings-after-3-0-series-rout-over-south-africa-sa-tour-india-delhi-test/20151207.htm|publisher=Rediff|accessdate=27 January 2016|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160211030223/http://www.rediff.com/cricket/report/india-no-2-in-test-rankings-after-3-0-series-rout-over-south-africa-sa-tour-india-delhi-test/20151207.htm|archivedate=11 February 2016}}</ref> He scored a total of 200 runs in the series at 33.33, including 44 and 88 in the fourth match at Delhi.<ref name=testinnlist/>
 
===No. 1 Test team and limited-overs captaincy===
 
Kohli started 2016 with scores of 91 and 59 in the first two ODIs of the [[Indian cricket team in Australia in 2015–16|limited-overs tour of Australia]]. He followed it up with a pair of hundreds–a run-a-ball 117 at Melbourne and 106 from 92 balls at Canberra–in the next two matches. During the course of the series, he became the fastest batsman in the world to cross the 7000-run mark in ODIs, getting to the milestone in his 161st innings, and the fastest to get to 25 centuries. After the ODI series ended in a 1–4 loss, the Indian team came back to whitewash the Australians 3–0 in the T20I series. Kohli made fifties in all three T20Is with scores of 90 not out,<ref name="imom4">{{cite web|title=India tour of Australia, 1st T20I: Australia v India at Adelaide, 26 Jan 2016|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/895817.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=8 January 2017|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170108071732/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/895817.html|archivedate=8 January 2017}}</ref> 59 not out<ref name="imom5">{{cite web|title=India tour of Australia, 2nd T20I: Australia v India at Melbourne, 29 Jan 2016|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/895819.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=8 January 2017|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170104114955/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/895819.html|archivedate=4 January 2017}}</ref> and 50, winning two man of the matches as well as the man of the series award.<ref name=imos3>{{cite web|title=India tour of Australia, 3rd T20I: Australia v India at Sydney, 31 Jan 2016|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/895821.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=8 January 2017|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170609121026/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/895821.html|archivedate=9 June 2017}}</ref> He was also instrumental in India winning the [[2016 Asia Cup|Asia Cup]] in Bangladesh the following month in which he scored 49 in a run-chase of 84 against Pakistan,<ref name="imom6">{{cite web|title=Asia Cup, 4th Match: India v Pakistan at Dhaka, 27 Feb 2016|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/966751.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=8 January 2017|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161203180653/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/966751.html|archivedate=3 December 2016}}</ref> followed by an unbeaten 56 against Sri Lanka and 41 not out in the Final against Bangladesh in two more successful chases.<ref name="imom7">{{cite web|title=Asia Cup, 7th Match: India v Sri Lanka at Dhaka, 1 Mar 2016|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/966757.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=8 January 2017|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161203180708/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/966757.html|archivedate=3 December 2016}}</ref>
 
Kohli maintained his match-winning form in the [[2016 ICC World Twenty20]] in India, scoring 55 not out in another successful run-chase against Pakistan.<ref name="imom8">{{cite web|title=World T20, 19th Match, Super 10 Group 2: India v Pakistan at Kolkata, 19 Mar 2016|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/951341.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=8 January 2017|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161210193325/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/951341.html|archivedate=10 December 2016}}</ref> He struck an unbeaten 82 from 51 balls in India's must-win group match against Australia in "an innings of sheer class" with "clean cricket shots".<ref>{{cite web|title=Magical Kohli steers India into semi-finals|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/icc-world-twenty20-2016/content/story/991461.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=5 January 2017|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170108192440/http://www.espncricinfo.com/icc-world-twenty20-2016/content/story/991461.html|archivedate=8 January 2017|date=27 March 2016}}</ref><ref name="imom9">{{cite web|title=World T20, 31st Match, Super 10 Group 2: India v Australia at Mohali, 27 Mar 2016|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/951363.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=8 January 2017|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170126183630/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/951363.html|archivedate=26 January 2017}}</ref> The knock helped India win by six wickets and register a spot in the semi-final; Kohli went on to rate the innings as his best in the format.<ref>{{cite web|title='Emotional' Kohli rates Mohali knock his best|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/icc-world-twenty20-2016/content/story/991795.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=5 January 2017|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170104010745/http://www.espncricinfo.com/icc-world-twenty20-2016/content/story/991795.html|archivedate=4 January 2017|date=27 March 2016}}</ref> In the semi-final, Kohli top-scored once again with an unbeaten 89 from 47 deliveries, but West Indies overhauled India's total of 192 and ended India's campaign. His total of 273 runs in five matches at an average of 136.50 earned him his second consecutive Man of the Tournament award at the World Twenty20.<ref name=imos4>{{cite web|title=World T20, 2nd Semi-Final: India v West Indies at Mumbai, 31 Mar 2016|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/951371.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=8 January 2017|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170106231229/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/951371.html|archivedate=6 January 2017}}</ref> He was named as captain of the 'Team of the Tournament' for the 2016 World Twenty20 by the ICC.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cricket.com.au/news/icc-world-t20-team-of-the-tournament-india-roy-de-kock-kohli-root-buttler-watson-russell/2016-04-04|title=ICC names WT20 Teams of the Tournament|website=cricket.com.au}}</ref>
 
Playing his first Test in the West Indies since his debut series, Kohli scored 200 in the [[Indian cricket team in the West Indies in 2016|first Test]] at Antigua to ensure an innings-and-92-run win for India, their biggest win ever outside of Asia. It was his first double hundred in first-class cricket and the first made away from home by an Indian captain in Tests.<ref>{{cite web|title=Kohli the captain breaks new ground|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/west-indies-v-india-2016/content/story/1038005.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=8 January 2017|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170110094733/http://www.espncricinfo.com/west-indies-v-india-2016/content/story/1038005.html|archivedate=10 January 2017|date=22 July 2016}}</ref> India went on to wrap the series 2–0 and briefly top the ICC Test Rankings before being displaced by Pakistan at the position. He scored another double hundred–211 at Indore in the third Test [[New Zealand cricket team in India in 2016–17|against New Zealand]]–as India's 3–0 whitewash victory saw them regain the top position in the ICC Test Rankings.<ref>{{cite web|title=New Zealand tour of India, 3rd Test: India v New Zealand at Indore, 8–11 Oct 2016|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/1030217.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=8 January 2017|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170108062003/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/1030217.html|archivedate=8 January 2017}}</ref> In the subsequent ODI series, Kohli set up two wins for India batting second with unbeaten knocks of 85 at Dharamsala and 134-ball 154 at Mohali.<ref name=mom22>{{cite web|title=New Zealand tour of India, 3rd ODI: India v New Zealand at Mohali, 23 Oct 2016|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/1030223.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=8 January 2017|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170116111140/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/1030223.html|archivedate=16 January 2017}}</ref> He then made 65 in the series-deciding fifth game at Visakhapatnam which India won.
 
Kohli got double centuries in the next two Test series against England and Bangladesh, making him the first batsman ever to score double centuries in four consecutive series. He broke the record of Australian great [[Donald Bradman]] and fellow Indian Rahul Dravid, both of whom had managed to get three. Against England, he got his then-highest Test score of 235.<ref name="Kohli200">{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/india-v-bangladesh-2016-17/content/story/1081775.html |title=Virat Kohli: four double-tons in four series |accessdate=10 February 2017 |work=ESPN Cricinfo |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170210121320/http://www.espncricinfo.com/india-v-bangladesh-2016-17/content/story/1081775.html |archivedate=10 February 2017 |date=10 February 2017 }}</ref>
 
===2017 ICC Champions Trophy===
{{main|2017 ICC Champions Trophy Final}}
Virat Kohli got the chance to captain in an ICC tournament for the first time in the [[2017 ICC Champions Trophy]]. In the semi-final against Bangladesh, Kohli scored 96*, thus becoming the fastest batsman, in terms of innings, to reach 8,000 runs in ODIs in 175 innings.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/19640879/dominant-india-march-yet-another-final|title=Dominant India march into yet another final|date=15 June 2017}}</ref> In the captaincy of Virat Kohli, the Indian cricket team reached the final, but lost to Pakistan by 180 runs. In the third over of Indian innings, Virat Kohli was dropped in the slips for just five runs but caught the next ball by Shadab Khan at point on the bowling of [[Mohammad Amir]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://scroll.in/field/841166/numbers-dont-lie-for-all-his-bravado-is-virat-kohli-really-a-big-match-player|title=Numbers don't lie: For all his bravado, is Virat Kohli really a big match player?|first=Bhaskar|last=Chawla|website=Scroll.in}}</ref> He was also named as part of the 'Team of the Tournament' at the 2017 Champions Trophy by the ICC.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.icc-cricket.com/champions-trophy/media-releases/421165|title=Live Cricket Scores & News International Cricket Council|website=www.icc-cricket.com}}</ref>
 
===10,000 runs in ODIs before age of 30===
He followed it up with ODI centuries against the West Indies and Sri Lanka in consecutive series, equalling [[Ricky Ponting]]'s tally of 30 ODI centuries.<ref name="mom23">{{cite web|title=Kohli, spinners seal 3-1 series win|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/west-indies-v-india-2017/content/story/1108951.html|publisher=ESPN Cricinfo|accessdate=6 July 2017|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170706214702/http://www.espncricinfo.com/west-indies-v-india-2017/content/story/1108951.html|archivedate=6 July 2017}}</ref><ref name="mom24">{{cite web|title=Kohli, Rohit smash hundreds in crushing victory|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/17891/report/1109608/|publisher=ESPN Cricinfo|accessdate=31 August 2017|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170901034724/http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/17891/report/1109608/|archivedate=1 September 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/20655528/virat-kohli-there-sachin-tendulkar-viv-richards-odi-batsman|title=Is Kohli up there with Tendulkar and Richards as an ODI batsman?|publisher=ESPN Cricinfo|accessdate=10 September 2017|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170910124110/http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/20655528/virat-kohli-there-sachin-tendulkar-viv-richards-odi-batsman|archivedate=10 September 2017|date=10 September 2017}}</ref> In October 2017, he was adjourned the ODI player of the series against New Zealand for scoring two ODI centuries, during the course of which he made a new record for the most runs (8,888), best average (55.55) and highest number of centuries (31) for any batsman when completing 200 ODIs.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/21112829/most-prolific-batsman-200-odis|title=Kohli: the most prolific batsman after 200 ODIs|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20171023012816/http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/21112829/most-prolific-batsman-200-odis|archivedate=23 October 2017|date=22 October 2017}}</ref><ref name="mos4">{{cite web|title=3rd ODI (D/N), New Zealand tour of India at Kanpur, Oct 29 2017|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/18029/scorecard/1120092/India-vs-New-Zealand-3rd-ODI-nz-in-ind-2017-18-2017-18|publisher=ESPN Cricinfo|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20171126104900/http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/18029/scorecard/1120092|archivedate=26 November 2017}}</ref> Kohli made several more records during the [[Sri Lankan cricket team in India in 2017–18|3 match Test series against Sri Lanka]] at home in November. After scoring a century and a double century in the first two Tests, he ended up scoring yet another double century in the third Test, during which he became the eleventh Indian batsman to surpass 5000 runs in Test cricket while scoring his 20th Test century and 6th double century.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/21638676/virat-kohli-breezes-5000-runs-20th-test-ton|title=Kohli breezes past 5000 runs with his 20th Test ton|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20171203071022/http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/21638676/virat-kohli-breezes-5000-runs-20th-test-ton|archivedate=3 December 2017|date=2 December 2017}}</ref> During this match he also became the first batsman to score six double hundreds as a captain.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/sri-lanka-in-india/virat-kohli-surpasses-brian-lara-for-most-double-centuries-as-captain/articleshow/61900016.cms|title=Virat Kohli surpasses Brian Lara for most double centuries as captain|work=[[Times of India]]|access-date=3 December 2017|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20171203080550/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/sri-lanka-in-india/virat-kohli-surpasses-brian-lara-for-most-double-centuries-as-captain/articleshow/61900016.cms|archivedate=3 December 2017}}</ref> With 610 runs in the series, Kohli also became the highest run-scorer by an Indian in a three-match Test series and the fourth-highest overall.<ref name="Auto1">{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/21674290/virat-kohli-2818-international-runs-2017|title=Virat Kohli - 2818 international runs in 2017|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20171206081229/http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/21674290/virat-kohli-2818-international-runs-2017|archivedate=6 December 2017|date=5 December 2017}}</ref> India comfortably won the three-match series 1–0 and Kohli was adjudged man of the match for the second and third Test matches and player of the series. With this win, India equalled Australia for the record streak of nine consecutive series wins in Test cricket.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/india-v-sri-lanka-2017/content/story/1128687.html|title=India's record streak of nine consecutive series wins|publisher=ESPN Cricinfo|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180303200120/http://www.espncricinfo.com/india-v-sri-lanka-2017/content/story/1128687.html|archivedate=3 March 2018|date=6 December 2017}}</ref> He ended the year with 2818 international runs, which is recorded as the third-highest tally ever in a calendar year and the highest tally ever by an Indian player.<ref name=Auto1/> The ICC named Kohli as captain of both their World Test XI and ODI XI for 2017.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.icc-cricket.com/champions-trophy/media-releases/597047|title=Live Cricket Scores & News International Cricket Council|website=www.icc-cricket.com}}</ref>
 
===Overseas season-including Windies at home===
[[File:Virat Kohli fielding at Trent Bridge 2018 (cropped).jpg|thumb|right|Kohli fielding in a Test match against England at Trent Bridge in 2018]]
Kohli fared average in the Test matches as India lost 1–2 during the [[Indian cricket team in South Africa in 2017–18|South Africa tour in 2018]], but came back strongly to score 558 runs in the 6 ODIs, making a record for the highest runs scored in a bilateral ODI series.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/22506527/scored-most-test-runs-month|title=Who has scored the most runs in a bilateral ODI series?|publisher=ESPN Cricinfo|date=13 February 2018|first=Steven|last=lynch|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180224102835/http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/22506527/scored-most-test-runs-month|archivedate=24 February 2018}}</ref> This included three centuries, remaining unbeaten in two with a best of 160*.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/cricket/story/india-vs-south-africa-6th-odi-virat-kohli-blasts-3rd-hundred-in-6-match-series-1171279-2018-02-16|title=India vs South Africa, 6th ODI: Virat Kohli blasts 3rd hundred in 6-match series|publisher=India Today|date=16 February 2018|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180218021953/https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/cricket/story/india-vs-south-africa-6th-odi-virat-kohli-blasts-3rd-hundred-in-6-match-series-1171279-2018-02-16|archivedate=18 February 2018}}</ref> India won the ODI series 5–1, Kohli becoming the first Indian captain to win an ODI series in South Africa.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/cricket/story/virat-kohli-leads-india-to-their-first-ever-bilateral-series-triumph-in-south-africa-1169147-2018-02-14|title=India create history in South Africa: Virat Kohli does what no other Indian captain could|date=14 February 2018|publisher=India Today|first=Ritayan|last=Basu|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180214055905/https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/cricket/story/virat-kohli-leads-india-to-their-first-ever-bilateral-series-triumph-in-south-africa-1169147-2018-02-14|archivedate=14 February 2018}}</ref>
 
In March 2018, Kohli decided to play county cricket in England in June, in order to improve his batting before the start of [[Indian cricket team in England in 2018|India's tour to England]] the following month.<ref name="Kohli1">{{cite web |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket/virat-kohli-england-tour-county-cricket-surrey-to-afghanistan-test-report-5109491/|title=Virat Kohli to miss Afghanistan Test in favour of county cricket for Surrey: Report |accessdate=24 March 2018 |work=The Indian Express|date=24 March 2018 }}</ref><ref name="Kohli2">{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/22895038/virat-kohli-play-county-cricket-preparation-england-tests |title=Kohli to play county cricket as preparation for England Tests |accessdate=24 March 2018 |work=ESPN Cricinfo|date=24 March 2018 }}</ref> He signed to play for [[Surrey County Cricket Club|Surrey]], but a neck injury ruled him out of his stint in England before it even began.<ref>{{cite web|title=Kohli ruled out of Surrey stint with neck injury|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/23589004/virat-kohli-ruled-surrey-stint-neck-injury|work=ESPN Cricinfo|accessdate=24 May 2018|date=24 May 2018}}</ref> On 2 August, Kohli scored his first Test century on English soil in the first test match of the series against England.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2018/aug/02/sam-curran-virat-kohli-century-england-india-first-test|title= Sam Curran praises Virat Kohli's century as England regret dropped catches|newspaper=The Guardian|accessdate=3 August 2018|date= 2 August 2018|last1= Edgbaston|first1= Ali Martin at}}</ref> On 5 August, Kohli displaced [[Steve Smith (cricketer)|Steve Smith]] to become the No. 1 ranked Test batsman in the ICC Test rankings. He also became the seventh Indian batsman and first since Sachin Tendulkar in June 2011 to achieve this feat.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/103469/virat-kohli-india-cricket-team-captain-displaces-steven-smith-as-no-1-test-batsman|title=Kohli displaces Smith as No. 1 Test batsman|work=Cricbuzz|access-date=5 August 2018|language=en}}</ref> In the third test at [[Trent Bridge]], [[Nottingham]], Kohli scored 97 and 103, and helped India win by 203 runs.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/18018/scorecard/1119551/england-vs-india-3rd-test-ind-in-eng-2018|title=Full Scorecard of England vs India 3rd Test 2018 - Score Report &#124; ESPNcricinfo.com|website=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref> At the end of 5-match test series, Kohli scored 593 runs, which was third highest runs by an Indian batsman in a losing test series.
 
During ODI series [[West Indies cricket team in India in 2018-19|against West Indies]] in 2018, Kohli became the 12th batsman and fastest player to score [[List of players who have scored 10,000 or more runs in One Day International cricket|10,000 ODI runs]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/886752|title=Virat Kohli at 10K – the numbers |work=ICC|access-date=24 October 2018|language=en}}</ref> He surpassed the milestone with 205 innings which is 54 innings less than the next quickest to the landmark, Sachin Tendulkar.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/west-indies-in-india/unstoppable-virat-kohli-fastest-to-10000-odi-runs-breaks-sachin-tendulkars-record/articleshow/66347065.cms |title=Unstoppable Virat Kohli fastest to 10,000 ODI runs, breaks Sachin Tendulkar's record |work=Times of India|access-date=24 October 2018|language=en}}</ref> In the course he scored his 37th ODI century. Kohli's average after crossing 10,000 is 59.62, which is also the best average among the 10,000 club members.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/25069198/ten-things-know-virat-kohli-10000|title=Ten things you should know about Virat Kohli's 10,000 |work=Cricinfo|access-date=24 October 2018|language=en}}</ref> On 27 October, after scoring his 38th ODI century, Kohli became the first batsman for India, first captain and tenth overall, to score three successive centuries in ODIs.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/india-vs-west-indies-virat-kohli-becomes-first-indian-batsman-to-complete-hat-trick-of-centuries-in-odis/story-Lnj9LPmpqy1X6Y2AR8GmnL.html|title=India vs West Indies: Virat Kohli becomes first Indian batsman to complete hat-trick of centuries in ODIs|date=27 October 2018|work=https://www.hindustantimes.com/|access-date=28 October 2018|language=en}}</ref> He ended up scoring 453 runs in 5 innings, at an average of 151.00, in the 5-match series and was the [[Player of the Match awards (cricket)|Player of the Series]].<ref>{{cite web|title=India storm to series win after Ravindra Jadeja four-for|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/18902/report/1157758/india-vs-west-indies-5th-odi-west-indies-in-india-2018-19|work=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=1 November 2018}}</ref>
 
On 16 December 2018 in the [[Indian cricket team in Australia in 2018-19|2018-2019]] [[Border Gavaskar Trophy]], Kohli scored his 25th test hundred in [[Perth Stadium|Perth]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Cricbuzz Staff |title=Australia well ahead despite Kohli ton |url=https://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/105660/australia-well-ahead-despite-kohli-ton |accessdate=6 February 2020 |work=Cricbuzz |issue=16 December 2018}}</ref> His knock of 123 was his 6th hundred in three tours to [[Australia national cricket team|Australia]] making him the only Indian to score 6 test hundreds in Australia after [[Sachin Tendulkar]]. He also became the fastest Indian and second fastest overall to score 25 test hundreds, second only to [[Sir Don Bradman]]. Although he broke several records in the game, his innings proved to insufficient as India went down by 146 runs as Australia levelled the series with two tests remaining.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/cricket/story/my-hundred-irrelevant-says-virat-kohli-after-india-lose-perth-test-1411755-2018-12-18|title=My hundred irrelevant, says Virat Kohli after India lose Perth Test|work= India Today|date= 18 December 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/cricket/australia-vs-india-virat-kohli-scores-25th-test-century/news-story/5ad82adc12742bec9ef0905fa2e43761|title=Australia vs India: Virat Kohli scores 25th Test century|work=Fox sports|date= 16 December 2018}}</ref> He had scored 82 in the third test at MCG, in which India won. Overall. he had finished the series with 282 runs at an average of 40.<ref>{https://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/ "Australia-vs-india-2018-19-indian-players-report-card-ss"}</ref> By winning the test series in Australia, he had become the first Indian and also the first Asian skipper to win a test series in Australia. He was again named as captain of both the World Test XI and ODI XI for 2018 by the ICC.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.icc-cricket.com/media-releases/980936|title=ICC announces men's Test and ODI Teams of the Year|website=www.icc-cricket.com}}</ref>
 
===2019 Cricket World Cup and the World Test Championship===
{{main|2019 Cricket World Cup}}
In April 2019, he was named the captain of [[2019 Cricket World Cup squads#India|India's squad]] for the [[2019 Cricket World Cup]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/26528278/rahul-karthik-pant-rayudu-india-world-cup-squad |title=Rahul and Karthik in, Pant and Rayudu out of India's World Cup squad |work=ESPN Cricinfo |accessdate=15 April 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/1179330 |title=Dinesh Karthik, Vijay Shankar in India's World Cup squad |work=International Cricket Council |accessdate=15 April 2019}}</ref> On 16 June 2019, in India's match against [[Pakistan national cricket team|Pakistan]], Kohli became the fastest batsman, in terms of innings, to score 11,000 runs in ODI cricket. He reached the landmark in his 222nd innings.<ref name="auto1">{{cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/cricket-world-cup-2019/story/world-cup-2019-india-vs-pakistan-virat-kohli-sachin-tendulkar-11000-odi-runs-fastest-1550053-2019-06-16 |title=India vs Pakistan: Virat Kohli fastest to 11,000 ODI runs |work=India Today |accessdate=16 June 2019}}</ref> Eleven days later, in the match against the [[West Indies cricket team|West Indies]], Kohli became the fastest cricketer, in terms of innings, to score 20,000 runs in international cricket, doing so in his 417th innings.<ref name="auto3">{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/icc-world-cup/virat-kohli-surpasses-sachin-and-lara-becomes-fastest-to-20000-international-runs/articleshow/69974402.cms |title=Virat Kohli surpasses Sachin and Lara, becomes fastest to 20,000 international runs |work=Times of India |accessdate=27 June 2019}}</ref> Kohli scored five consecutive fifty plus score in the tournament. India lost the semi-final against New Zealand, in which Kohli was out for just a run.
 
In October 2019, Kohli captained India for the [[List of India Test cricket records#Most matches played as captain|50th time in Test cricket]], in the second Test [[South African cricket team in India in 2019–20|against South Africa]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.france24.com/en/20191011-king-kohli-overhauls-bradman-s-test-runs-tally-with-double-ton |title=King Kohli overhauls Bradman's Test runs tally with double ton |work=France24 |accessdate=11 October 2019}}</ref> In the first innings of the match, Kohli scored an unbeaten 254 runs, passing 7,000 runs in Tests in the process, and became the first batsman for India to score [[List of India Test cricket records#Most double centuries|seven double centuries in Test cricket]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/cricket/story/india-vs-south-africa-2nd-test-day-2-pune-virat-kohli-7000-runs-200-fastest-1608308-2019-10-11 |title=India vs South Africa 2nd Test: Virat Kohli 4th fastest ever to score 7000 runs in Tests |work=India Today |accessdate=11 October 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cricket.com.au/news/virat-kohli-india-south-africa-test-double-hundreds-second-test-pune-bradman-tendulkar-ponting/2019-10-11 |title=King Kohli passes Bradman as records tumble |work=Cricket Australia |accessdate=11 October 2019}}</ref> In November 2019, during the [[Day/night cricket|day/night]] Test match [[Bangladeshi cricket team in India in 2019–20|against Bangladesh]], Kohli became the fastest captain to score 5,000 runs in Test cricket, doing so in his 86th innings.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/cricket/story/virat-kohli-breaks-record-5000-test-runs-as-captain-india-vs-bangladesh-pink-ball-2nd-test-1621747-2019-11-22 |title=Pink ball Test: Virat Kohli becomes fastest captain to 5000 runs in Test cricket |work=India Today |accessdate=23 November 2019}}</ref> In the same match, he also scored his [[List of international cricket centuries by Virat Kohli|70th century]] in international cricket.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.timesnownews.com/sports/cricket/article/virat-kohli-levels-ricky-pontings-tally-of-most-tons-as-captain-slams-his-first-hundred-in-dn-cricket/518705 |title=Virat Kohli levels Ricky Ponting's tally of most tons as captain, slams his first hundred in D/N Tests |work=Times Now News |accessdate=23 November 2019}}</ref>
 
==Indian Premier League==
[[File:Virat Kohli at the 2015 IPL opening ceremony (cropped).jpg|thumb|Kohli at the 2015 IPL opening ceremony]]
In March 2008, Kohli was bought on a [[youth system|youth contract]] by the [[Indian Premier League]] franchise [[Royal Challengers Bangalore]] for $30,000. He had an indifferent [[2008 Indian Premier League|2008 season]], with a total of 165 runs in 12 innings at an average of 15.00 and a strike rate of 105.09.<ref>{{cite web|title=Indian Premier League, 2007/08 / Records / Most runs|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=3519;type=tournament|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=9 July 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150920194938/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=3519;type=tournament|archivedate=20 September 2015}}</ref> He fared slightly better in the [[2009 Indian Premier League|second season]] in which he made a total of 246 runs at 22.36, striking at over 112, while his team made it as far as the final.<ref>{{cite web|title=Indian Premier League, 2009 / Records / Most runs|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=4801;type=tournament|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=9 July 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150920194800/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=4801;type=tournament|archivedate=20 September 2015}}</ref> In the [[2010 Indian Premier League|2010 season]], Kohli was the third highest run-getter for his team with 307 runs, averaging 27.90 and improving his strike rate to 144.81.<ref>{{cite web|title=Indian Premier League, 2009/10 / Records / Most runs|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=5319;type=tournament|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=9 July 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150920194748/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=5319;type=tournament|archivedate=20 September 2015}}</ref>
 
Ahead of the [[2011 Indian Premier League|2011 season]], Kohli was the only player retained by the Royal Challengers franchise. Kohli was made vice-captain of the team that year and also captained the team in a few matches when the regular skipper [[Daniel Vettori]] was injured. The Royal Challengers coach [[Ray Jennings]] opined that the 22-year-old would become the future captain of not only the franchise but also the Indian team.<ref>{{cite web|title=Kohli is skipper material: RCB coach|url=http://sports.ndtv.com/ipl/news/173516-kohli-is-skipper-material-rcb-coach|publisher=NDTV|accessdate=9 July 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150710074327/http://sports.ndtv.com/ipl/news/173516-kohli-is-skipper-material-rcb-coach|archivedate=10 July 2015}}</ref> Kohli was the second-highest run-getter of the season, only behind teammate [[Chris Gayle]], and his team finished as runners-up of the IPL. Kohli accumulated a total of 557 runs at an average of 46.41 and a strike rate of over 121 including four fifties.<ref>{{cite web|title=Indian Premier League, 2011 / Records / Most runs|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=5969;type=tournament|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=9 July 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150920195001/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=5969;type=tournament|archivedate=20 September 2015}}</ref> In the [[2012 Indian Premier League|2012 IPL]], he was moderately successful, averaging 28 for his 364 runs.<ref>{{cite web|title=Indian Premier League, 2012 / Records / Most runs|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=6680;type=tournament|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=9 July 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150920194914/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=6680;type=tournament|archivedate=20 September 2015}}</ref>
 
After Vettori's retirement, Kohli was appointed as the team's captain for the [[2013 Indian Premier League|2013 season]]. The Royal Challengers finished fifth on the league table that year, but Kohli found success with the bat. Averaging 45.28, he hit a total of 634 runs at a strike rate of over 138 including six fifties and a top-score of 99 and finished as the season's third-highest run-scorer.<ref>{{cite web|title=Indian Premier League, 2013 / Records / Most runs|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=7720;type=tournament|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=9 July 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150920193052/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=7720;type=tournament|archivedate=20 September 2015}}</ref>
 
Bangalore finished seventh in the [[2014 Indian Premier League|next season]] in which Kohli made 359 runs at 27.61.<ref>{{cite web|title=Pepsi Indian Premier League, 2014 / Records / Most runs|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=8827;type=tournament|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=9 July 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150920193039/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=8827;type=tournament|archivedate=20 September 2015}}</ref> He found success with the bat in the [[2015 Indian Premier League|2015 IPL]] in which he led his team to the playoffs. He finished fifth on the season's leading run-getters list with 505 runs at an average of 45.90 and a strike rate of more than 130.<ref>{{cite web|title=Pepsi Indian Premier League, 2015 / Records / Most runs|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=9657;type=tournament|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=9 July 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150426160911/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=9657;type=tournament|archivedate=26 April 2015}}</ref>
 
At the [[2016 Indian Premier League|2016 IPL]], the Royal Challengers finished runners-up and Kohli broke the record for most runs in an IPL season (of 733 runs) by scoring 973 runs in 16 matches at an average of 81.08, winning the [[Orange Cap]] as well as Most-valuable Player Award of Vivo IPL 2016 <ref>{{title=List of all Most Valuable Player IPL record|url=https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.cricketcountry.com/articles/list-of-mvps-from-all-10-seasons-of-indian-premier-league-ipl-609685/amp/}}/</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=IPLT20.com - Indian Premier League Official Website |url=https://www.iplt20.com/stats/2016/most-runs |website=www.iplt20.com |accessdate=30 March 2019 |language=en}}</ref>. He scored four centuries in the tournament, having never scored one in the Twenty20 format before the start of the season, and also became the first player to reach the 4000-run milestone in the IPL.<ref>{{cite web |title=Milestone man Virat Kohli first to 4000 IPL runs - Times of India |url=https://m.timesofindia.com/news/Milestone-man-Virat-Kohli-first-to-4000-IPL-runs/amp_articleshow/52337471.cms |website=The Times of India |accessdate=30 March 2019 |language=en}}</ref> At the launch event of his biography, 'Driven: The Virat Kohli Story' in New Delhi, in October 2016, Kohli announced that RCB would be the IPL franchise that he would permanently play for.<ref>{{cite web|title=Virat Kohli opens up on relationships in his life, calls loyalty as the most important thing|url=http://zeenews.india.com/cricket/virat-kohli-opens-up-on-relationships-in-his-life-calls-loyalty-as-the-most-important-thing_1941652.html|publisher=Zee News|accessdate=25 October 2016|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161025122512/http://zeenews.india.com/cricket/virat-kohli-opens-up-on-relationships-in-his-life-calls-loyalty-as-the-most-important-thing_1941652.html|archivedate=25 October 2016|date=19 October 2016}}</ref>
 
Kohli missed the start of the [[2017 Indian Premier League|2017]] season due to a shoulder injury. Moreover, RCB finished the tournament at the bottom of the table, with Kohli scoring the most runs for his team, with 308 from 10 matches.
 
On the occasion of the 10 year anniversary of IPL, he was also named in the all-time Cricinfo IPL XI.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/19422496/ab-de-villiers-misses-spot-espncricinfo-all-ipl-xi|title=AB de Villiers misses out on ESPNcricinfo's all-time IPL XI|date=20 May 2017|website=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref>
 
In the [[2018 Indian Premier League|2018]] season, Kohli was retained by RCB for a price of {{INRConvert|170|m}}, the highest for any player that year.<ref>{{cite web |title=IPL player retention 2018: RCB retain Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni returns to CSK - Times of India |url=https://m.timesofindia.com/sports/cricket/news/ipl-player-retention-2018-rcb-retain-virat-kohli-ms-dhoni-returns-to-csk/amp_articleshow/62367936.cms |website=The Times of India |accessdate=30 March 2019 |language=en}}</ref>
 
On 28 March 2019, he became the second player to reach 5000 IPL runs after [[Suresh Raina]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Virat Kohli second batsman to score 5000 runs in IPL - Times of India |url=https://m.timesofindia.com/sports/cricket/ipl/top-stories/virat-kohli-second-batsman-to-score-5000-runs-in-ipl/amp_articleshow/68620826.cms |website=The Times of India |accessdate=30 March 2019 |language=en}}</ref>
 
==Playing style==
[[File:2015 CWC I v UAE 02-28 Kohli (03) (cropped).JPG|thumb|left|Kohli playing the flick shot during the 2015 World Cup]]
Kohli is a naturally aggressive batsman<ref name="emerging">{{cite web|title=Emerging into his own|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/slvind/content/story/364033.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=9 July 2014|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714191104/http://www.espncricinfo.com/slvind/content/story/364033.html|archivedate=14 July 2014|date=7 August 2008}}</ref> with strong technical skills.<ref>{{cite web|title=Kohli says proper technique behind his quickfire tons|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/684917.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=9 July 2014|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150604160446/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/684917.html|archivedate=4 June 2015|date=November 2013}}</ref> He usually bats at the no.3 position in ODI cricket.<ref>{{Cite web|title=HowSTAT! ODI Cricket - Virat Kohli - Batting Analysis by Batting Position|url=http://www.howstat.com/cricket/statistics/players/PlayerPositions_ODI.asp?PlayerID=3600|website=www.howstat.com|access-date=2020-05-08}}</ref> He bats with a slightly open-chested stance<ref>{{cite web|title=Kohli, Pujara Caught in Mindfield?|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/cricket/news/Kohli-Pujara-Caught-in-Mindfield/2014/08/05/article2362164.ece|publisher=The New Indian Express|accessdate=11 October 2014|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141101061103/http://www.newindianexpress.com/cricket/news/Kohli-Pujara-Caught-in-Mindfield/2014/08/05/article2362164.ece|archivedate=1 November 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Virat Kohli, Gautam Gambhir, Murali Vijay: India let down by batsmen at Old Trafford|url=http://www.india.com/sports/virat-kohli-gautam-gambhir-murali-vijay-india-let-down-by-batsmen-at-old-trafford-113285/|publisher=india.com|accessdate=11 October 2014|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140814230941/http://www.india.com/sports/virat-kohli-gautam-gambhir-murali-vijay-india-let-down-by-batsmen-at-old-trafford-113285/|archivedate=14 August 2014|date=7 August 2014}}</ref> and a strong bottom-hand grip,<ref>{{cite web|title=The Kohli method|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/magazine/content/story/581741.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=18 October 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151213231058/http://www.espncricinfo.com/magazine/content/story/581741.html|archivedate=13 December 2015|date=13 September 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Not getting into swing of things, Virat on his knees|url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2014/20140811/sports.htm#1|work=The Tribune|accessdate=18 October 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304070834/http://www.tribuneindia.com/2014/20140811/sports.htm#1|archivedate=4 March 2016}}</ref> and is said to have quick footwork.<ref>{{cite web|title=Technical, knock-out|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket/technical-knock-out/|publisher=The Indian Express|accessdate=11 October 2014|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141011022750/http://indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket/technical-knock-out/|archivedate=11 October 2014|date=12 September 2014}}</ref> He is known for his wide range of shots, ability to pace an innings and batting under pressure.<ref>{{cite web|title=Kohli sharpened under pressure|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/world-t20/content/story/734917.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=9 July 2014|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140717035612/http://www.espncricinfo.com/world-t20/content/story/734917.html|archivedate=17 July 2014|date=4 April 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Virat Kohli: India batsman has talent, temperament and cricketing intelligence in droves|url=http://www1.skysports.com/cricket/news/12079/9248926/virat-kohli-india-batsman-has-talent-temperament-and-cricketing-intelligence-in-droves|publisher=Sky Sports|accessdate=9 July 2014|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714144345/http://www1.skysports.com/cricket/news/12079/9248926/virat-kohli-india-batsman-has-talent-temperament-and-cricketing-intelligence-in-droves|archivedate=14 July 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=India's Virat Kohli has swagger and substance to trouble England|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/jul/05/india-virat-kohli-england-batsman-cricket|accessdate=9 July 2014|newspaper=The Guardian|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140709045151/http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/jul/05/india-virat-kohli-england-batsman-cricket|archivedate=9 July 2014|date=5 July 2014|last1=Wilson|first1=Andy}}</ref> He is strong through the mid-wicket and cover region.<ref>{{cite web|title=Virat Kohli: The flag-bearer of Indian cricket|url=http://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/news/222814-virat-kohli-the-flag-bearer-of-indian-cricket|publisher=NDTV|accessdate=8 August 2014|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140810142800/http://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/news/222814-virat-kohli-the-flag-bearer-of-indian-cricket|archivedate=10 August 2014}}</ref> He has said that the [[Drive (cricket)|cover drive]] is his favourite shot, while also saying that the [[Batting (cricket)#Flick|flick shot]] comes naturally to him.<ref name=thisis/> He does not play the [[Batting (cricket)#Sweep|sweep shot]] often, being called "not a natural sweeper of the cricket ball".<ref>{{cite web|title=Kohli rises, India go down|url=http://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/68783/kohli-rises-india-go-down|publisher=Cricbuzz|accessdate=6 June 2015}}</ref> His teammates have praised his confidence, commitment, focus and work ethics.<ref>{{cite web|title=What Kohli taught Yuvraj|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/india/content/story/560815.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=9 July 2014|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714150026/http://www.espncricinfo.com/india/content/story/560815.html|archivedate=14 July 2014|date=11 April 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Virat Kohli is pure class - A.B. de Villiers|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-sports/virat-kohli-is-pure-class/article8574090.ece|newspaper=The Hindu|accessdate=24 June 2016|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180303200120/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-sports/virat-kohli-is-pure-class/article8574090.ece|archivedate=3 March 2018|date=8 May 2016|last1=Villiers|first1=A. b De}}</ref><ref name=bstd/> Kohli is also known to be a "sharp" fielder.<ref>{{cite web|title=India seek comfort in youth|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/531613.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=26 April 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150604160329/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/531613.html|archivedate=4 June 2015|date=8 September 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Will Kohli get a fair deal?|url=https://cricket.yahoo.com/blogs/yahoo-cricket-columns/kohli-fair-deal-2.html|publisher=Yahoo! Cricket|accessdate=26 April 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518091448/https://cricket.yahoo.com/blogs/yahoo-cricket-columns/kohli-fair-deal-2.html|archivedate=18 May 2015}}</ref>
 
{{Quote box
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| quote = "He is a consummate surgeon at the crease, intensely focused, working hard, playing the ball into gaps in the field and staying calm under pressure. He is always judging the right time to consolidate and the right time to seize a game by the scruff of the neck."
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| source = — Former [[South African national cricket team|South Africa]] captain [[AB de Villiers]] on Kohli<ref name=himself2>{{cite web|title='Kohli reminds me of myself' - Viv Richards|url=https://www.msn.com/en-in/sports/cricket/10-greatest-quotes-on-virat-kohli/ss-BBKbRDa#image=10|publisher=MSN|accessdate=29 October 2018}}</ref>
}}Kohli is regarded as the best limited-overs batsmen in the world, especially while chasing.<ref>{{cite web|title=Another Kohli ton in a chase, another India win|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/654653.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=8 August 2014|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150604160325/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/654653.html|archivedate=4 June 2015|date=24 July 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=The champion of the chase|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/684281.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=8 August 2014|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150604160343/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/684281.html|archivedate=4 June 2015|date=31 October 2013}}</ref> In ODIs, he averages around 69 in matches batting second as opposed to around 51 batting first.<ref name="odisummary">{{cite web|title=Statistics / Statsguru / V Kohli / One-Day Internationals|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/player/253802.html?class=2;template=results;type=batting|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=28 June 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150919205330/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/player/253802.html?class=2;template=results;type=batting|archivedate=19 September 2015}}</ref> 26 of his 43 ODI hundreds have come in run-chases and he holds the record for most hundreds batting second.<ref>{{cite web|title=Statistics / Statsguru / One-Day Internationals / Batting records|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/stats/index.html?class=2;filter=advanced;innings_number=2;orderby=hundreds;size=100;template=results;type=batting|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=28 June 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150217232306/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/stats|archivedate=17 February 2015}}</ref> Regarding his impressive record batting second, Kohli has said "I love the whole situation that comes with chasing. I like the challenge of testing myself, figuring out how to rotate strike, when to hit a boundary."<ref name="thisis" />
 
Kohli is often compared to Sachin Tendulkar, due to their similar styles of batting, and sometimes referred to as Tendulkar's "successor".<ref name=king>{{cite web|title=The king and his heir|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/magazine/content/story/685039.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=9 July 2014|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140708194251/http://www.espncricinfo.com/magazine/content/story/685039.html|archivedate=8 July 2014|date=3 November 2013}}</ref><ref name=donald>{{cite web|title=Kohli makes a Tendulkar-like ton|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/701693.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=9 July 2014|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150604160359/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/701693.html|archivedate=4 June 2015|date=18 December 2013}}</ref> Many former cricketers expect Kohli to break Tendulkar's batting records.<ref>{{cite web|title=Gavaskar expects Kohli to surpass Tendulkar in ODIs|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/684773.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=9 July 2014|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150604160422/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/684773.html|archivedate=4 June 2015|date=November 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Virat Kohli can break Sachin Tendulkar's record: Chetan Chauhan|url=http://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/news/220105-virat-kohli-can-break-sachin-tendulkars-record-chetan-chauhan|publisher=NDTV|accessdate=9 July 2014|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140131203149/http://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/news/220105-virat-kohli-can-break-sachin-tendulkars-record-chetan-chauhan|archivedate=31 January 2014}}</ref> Kohli has stated that growing up his idol and role model was Tendulkar and that as a kid he "tried to copy the shots [Tendulkar] played and hit sixes the way he used to hit them."<ref>{{cite news|last1=Kohli|first1=Virat|title=Sachin was my idol and role-model|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-sports/sachin-was-my-idol-and-rolemodel/article5580557.ece|newspaper=The Hindu|accessdate=24 August 2016|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140626031255/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-sports/sachin-was-my-idol-and-rolemodel/article5580557.ece|archivedate=26 June 2014|date=15 January 2014}}</ref> Former West Indies great Vivian Richards, who is regarded as the most destructive batsman in cricket, stated that Kohli reminds him of himself.<ref name=himself/> In early 2015, Richards said Kohli was "already legendary" in the ODI format,<ref>{{cite news|title=Kohli already {{sic|a ODI|hide=yes}} batting legend: Richards|url=http://www.thehindu.com/sport/cricket/kohli-already-a-odi-batting-legend-richards/article6852325.ece|newspaper=The Hindu|accessdate=1 June 2015|date=3 February 2015}}</ref> while former Australian cricketer Dean Jones called Kohli the "new king of world cricket".<ref>{{cite web|title=Combative Virat Kohli represents new-age India: Dean Jones|url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/combative-virat-kohli-represents-new-age-india-dean-jones|publisher=Sportskeeda|accessdate=2 January 2015|url-status=live|date=2 January 2015}}</ref>
 
Kohli is noted for his on-field aggression and was described in the media as "brash" and "arrogant" during his early career.<ref name=bstd>{{cite news|title=Why Virat Kohli is who he is|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/beyond-business/why-virat-kohli-is-who-he-is-113110800588_1.html|publisher=Business Standard|accessdate=1 June 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150423205633/http://www.business-standard.com/article/beyond-business/why-virat-kohli-is-who-he-is-113110800588_1.html|archivedate=23 April 2015|newspaper=Business Standard India|date=8 November 2013|last1=Sharma|first1=Aabhas}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=The Rise and Rise of Virat Kohli|url=http://www.vervemagazine.in/people/virat-kohli|publisher=Verve Magazine|accessdate=1 June 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150404122904/http://www.vervemagazine.in/people/virat-kohli|archivedate=4 April 2015|date=21 June 2014}}</ref> He has got into confrontations with players and umpires on several occasions.<ref name=bstd/><ref>{{cite web|title=Australia v India 2014: David Warner confrontation slammed by Indian media|url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/cricket/australia/australia-v-india-2014-david-warner-confrontation-slammed-by-indian-media/story-fn2mcu3x-1227154787433|publisher=Fox Sports AU|accessdate=1 June 2015|date=12 December 2014}}</ref> While many former cricketers have backed his aggressive attitude,<ref>{{cite web|title=Vivian Richards Backs Virat Kohli's Aggressive Attitude|url=http://sports.ndtv.com/australia-vs-india-2014-15/news/235409-vivian-richards-backs-virat-kohli-s-aggressive-attitude|publisher=NDTV|accessdate=1 June 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150709035104/http://sports.ndtv.com/australia-vs-india-2014-15/news/235409-vivian-richards-backs-virat-kohli-s-aggressive-attitude|archivedate=9 July 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Shastri strongly defends Kohli's aggressive attitude|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/shastri-strongly-defends-kohli-s-aggressive-attitude-115010400324_1.html|publisher=Business Standard|accessdate=1 June 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924143532/http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/shastri-strongly-defends-kohli-s-aggressive-attitude-115010400324_1.html|archivedate=24 September 2015|newspaper=Business Standard India|date=4 January 2015|last1=India|first1=Press Trust of}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=For me what matters are runs that Virat Kohli scores: Sourav Ganguly|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/icc-world-cup-2015/top-stories/For-me-what-matters-are-runs-that-Virat-Kohli-scores-Sourav-Ganguly/articleshow/47192449.cms|publisher=Times of India|accessdate=1 June 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150514210605/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/icc-world-cup-2015/top-stories/For-me-what-matters-are-runs-that-Virat-Kohli-scores-Sourav-Ganguly/articleshow/47192449.cms|archivedate=14 May 2015}}</ref> some have criticised it.<ref name=bstd/><ref>{{cite web|title=Virat Kohli Aggression Can be Counter-Productive for India in Australia: Sunil Gavaskar|url=http://sports.ndtv.com/australia-vs-india-2014-15/news/235223-virat-kohli-aggression-can-be-counter-productive-for-india-in-australia-sunil-gavaskar|publisher=NDTV|accessdate=1 June 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150219032733/http://sports.ndtv.com/australia-vs-india-2014-15/news/235223-virat-kohli-aggression-can-be-counter-productive-for-india-in-australia-sunil-gavaskar|archivedate=19 February 2015}}</ref> In 2012, Kohli had stated that he tries to limit his aggressive behaviour but "the build-up and the pressure or the special occasions make it tough to control the aggression."<ref>{{cite web|title=Dhoni tells me not to cross the line of aggression: Kohli|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/icc-world-cup-2015/top-stories/Dhoni-tells-me-not-to-cross-the-line-of-aggression-Kohli/articleshow/13998095.cms|publisher=Times of India|accessdate=1 June 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180303200120/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/icc-world-cup-2015/top-stories/Dhoni-tells-me-not-to-cross-the-line-of-aggression-Kohli/articleshow/13998095.cms|archivedate=3 March 2018}}</ref>
 
In September 2018, West Indies legend Brian Lara, who was in New York as a part of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 Trophy Tour, picked Kohli as one of the best batsmen in the world, alongside England captain Joe Root.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://sports.ndtv.com/england-vs-india-2018/india-vs-england-virat-kohli-joe-root-are-best-batsmen-in-the-world-says-brian-lara-1912432|title=India vs England: Virat Kohli, Joe Root Are Best Batsmen In The World, Says Brian Lara &#124; Cricket News|website=NDTVSports.com}}</ref>
 
{{clear left}}
 
==International centuries==
{{main|List of international cricket centuries by Virat Kohli}}
 
{{As of|2019|10}}, Kohli has scored 27 Test and 43 ODI centuries which makes him the second most successful centurion in ODI cricket after [[Sachin Tendulkar]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/records/282935.html|title=Records {{!}} One-Day Internationals {{!}} Batting records {{!}} Most hundreds in a career {{!}} ESPNcricinfo|work=Cricinfo|access-date=10 July 2018}}</ref>
 
==Awards==
{{see also|Player of the Match awards (cricket)}}
 
[[File:The President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind presenting the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award, 2018 to Shri Virat Kohli for Cricket, in a glittering ceremony, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on September 25, 2018.JPG|thumb|Kohli receiving the [[Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna]], India's highest sporting honour, from President [[Ram Nath Kovind]] in September 2018]]
 
===National honours===
*2013 - [[Arjuna Award]]<ref name=arjuna>{{cite web|title=Arjuna Award for Virat Kohli, PV Sindhu; Ronjan Sodhi gets Khel Ratna|url=http://sports.ndtv.com/othersports/news/212289-arjuna-for-kohli-sindhu-sodhi-gets-khel-ratna|publisher=NDTV|accessdate=12 May 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518085331/http://sports.ndtv.com/othersports/news/212289-arjuna-for-kohli-sindhu-sodhi-gets-khel-ratna|archivedate=18 May 2015}}</ref>
*2017 - [[Padma Shri]], India's fourth highest civilian award.<ref name=PS1 />
*2018 - [[Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna]]<ref name="The Times of India"/>
 
===Sporting honours===
* [[Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy]] (ICC Cricketer of the Year): 2017,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.icc-cricket.com/media-releases/596948|title=ICC Awards: Virat Kohli named Cricketer of the Year|access-date=18 January 2018|language=en|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180118182257/https://www.icc-cricket.com/media-releases/596948|archivedate=18 January 2018}}</ref> 2018<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://www.icc-cricket.com/media-releases/980937|title=Kohli clean sweep of three major ICC awards|last=|first=|date=|website=|archive-url=|archive-date=|url-status=|access-date=}}</ref>
* [[ICC ODI Player of the Year]]: 2012,<ref>{{cite news|title=Virat Kohli named ICC ODI Player of the Year|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-09-15/top-stories/33862024_1_virat-kohli-icc-odi-cricketer-sir-garfield-sobers-trophy|accessdate=16 September 2012|newspaper=Times of India|date=15 September 2012}}</ref> 2017,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/596888|title=Kohli re-claims ODI award|access-date=18 January 2018|language=en|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180118181855/https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/596888|archivedate=18 January 2018}}</ref> 2018<ref name=":0" />
* [[ICC Test Player of the Year]]: 2018<ref name=":0" />
* [[ICC ODI Team of the Year]]: 2012, 2014, 2016 (captain), 2017 (captain), 2018 (captain), 2019 (captain)<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/596961|title=Men's ODI Team of the Year|access-date=18 January 2018|language=en|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180118182204/https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/596961|archivedate=18 January 2018}}</ref>
* [[ICC Test Team of the Year]]: 2017 (captain), 2018 (captain), 2019 (captain)<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.icc-cricket.com/media-releases/597047|title=ICC Awards: Men's Test and ODI Teams of the Year 2017 announced|access-date=18 January 2018|language=en|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180118182249/https://www.icc-cricket.com/media-releases/597047|archivedate=18 January 2018}}</ref>
*ICC Spirit of Cricket :2019<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/news/surprised-at-winning-spirit-of-cricket-award-after-years-of-being-under-scanner-virat-kohli/articleshow/73267707.cms|title=Surprised at winning 'Spirit of Cricket' award after years of being under scanner: Virat Kohli - Times of India|website=The Times of India|access-date=19 March 2020}}</ref>
* [[Polly Umrigar Award]] for International Cricketer of the Year: 2011–12, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18
* [[Wisden Leading Cricketer in the World]]: 2016, 2017,<ref name="m.wisdenindia.com"/> 2018<ref>{{cite web |title=Virat Kohli named Wisden's 'Leading Cricketer' for third straight year - Times of India |url=https://m.timesofindia.com/sports/cricket/news/virat-kohli-named-wisdens-leading-cricketer-for-third-straight-year/articleshow/68810565.cms |website=The Times of India |accessdate=10 April 2019}}</ref>
* [[CEAT International Cricketer of the Year]]: 2011–12, 2013–14,<ref>{{cite web|title=Virat Kohli wins Ceat Cricketer of the Year award|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/sport/report-virat-kohli-wins-ceat-cricketer-of-the-year-award-1993057|publisher=DNA India|accessdate=24 December 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140604205535/http://www.dnaindia.com/sport/report-virat-kohli-wins-ceat-cricketer-of-the-year-award-1993057|archivedate=4 June 2014|date=2 June 2014}}</ref>  2018-19
* [[Barmy Army]] - International Player of Year: 2017, 2018<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.barmyarmy.com/news-king-kohli-bags-a-brace.html|title=King Kohli Bags a Brace|website=www.barmyarmy.com|language=en|access-date=28 November 2018}}</ref>
* A stand at [[Arun Jaitley Stadium]] is named Virat Kohli Stand on 12 September 2019.<ref>{{cite web |last1=DelhiAugust 18 |first1=Press Trust of India New |last2=August 18 |first2=Press Trust of India New |last3=Ist |first3=Press Trust of India New |title=Virat Kohli to have a stand named after him at Feroz Shah Kotla stadium in Delhi |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/cricket/story/virat-kohli-stand-feroz-shah-kotla-stadium-delhi-district-cricket-association-ddca-1582084-2019-08-18 |website=India Today |accessdate=21 September 2019 |language=en}}</ref>
===Other honours and awards===
*[[People's Choice Awards India]] For Favourite Sportsperson: 2012
*[[CNN-News18]] Indian of the Year 2017<ref>{{Cite web|date=2017-11-30|title=CNN-News18 Indian of the Year 2017: Virat Kohli is Indian of the Year|url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/cnn-news18-indian-of-the-year-2017-live-virat-kohli-is-indian-of-the-year-1591419.html|access-date=2020-06-03|website=News18}}</ref>
 
==Outside cricket==
 
===Personal life===
[[File:Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli at Vogue Beauty Awards.jpg|right|thumb|Kohli and Anushka Sharma at Vogue Awards]]
[[File:Virat Kohli with his wife Anushka.jpg|thumb|Anushka Sharma in pregnancy period with Virat Kohli.Image posted by Virat Kohli on [https://twitter.com/imVkohli/status/1298856026544906240 Twitter] on August 27, 2020]]
Kohli started dating [[Bollywood]] actress [[Anushka Sharma]] in 2013; the couple soon earned the [[supercouple#Celebrity|celebrity couple nickname]] "Virushka".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/anushka-sharma-virat-kohli-ad-watch-video-4899286/|title=Finally! Anushka Sharma confesses love for Virat Kohli in this new TVC|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20171023230936/http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/anushka-sharma-virat-kohli-ad-watch-video-4899286/|archivedate=23 October 2017|date=21 October 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Virat Kohli's post supporting Anushka Sharma declared the 'Golden Tweet' of 2016|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Virat-Kohlis-post-supporting-Anushka-Sharma-declared-the-Golden-Tweet-of-2016/articleshow/55848486.cms|publisher=The Times of India|accessdate=8 December 2016|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161207192508/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Virat-Kohlis-post-supporting-Anushka-Sharma-declared-the-Golden-Tweet-of-2016/articleshow/55848486.cms|archivedate=7 December 2016}}</ref> Their relationship attracted substantial media attention, with persistent rumours and speculations in the media, as neither of the two publicly talked about it.<ref>{{cite web|title=Virat Kohli swears by girlfriend Anushka, abuses HT journalist|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket-world-cup-2015/worldcup2015-topstories/virat-kohli-abuses-ht-journalist-covering-world-cup-hurls-expletives-/article1-1322655.aspx|publisher=Hindustan Times|accessdate=29 April 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150422065440/http://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket-world-cup-2015/worldcup2015-topstories/virat-kohli-abuses-ht-journalist-covering-world-cup-hurls-expletives-/article1-1322655.aspx|archivedate=22 April 2015|date=3 March 2015}}</ref> The couple married on 11 December 2017 in a private ceremony in [[Florence]], Italy.<ref>{{cite news|title=It's official: Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli are married|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1581527/4-official-anushka-sharma-virat-kohli-married/|date=11 December 2017|accessdate=11 December 2017|work=The Express Tribune|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20171212015758/https://tribune.com.pk/story/1581527/4-official-anushka-sharma-virat-kohli-married/|archivedate=12 December 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Virat Kohli officially announces marriage to Anushka Sharma, Twitter goes berserk|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/story-JOqE1uBbeBrAjXJeac2KpK.html|date=11 December 2017|accessdate=11 December 2017|work=Hindustan Times|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20171212084301/http://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/story-JOqE1uBbeBrAjXJeac2KpK.html|archivedate=12 December 2017}}</ref>
 
Kohli has admitted that he is superstitious. He used to wear black [[wristbands]] as a cricket superstition; earlier, he used to wear the same pair of gloves with which he had "been scoring". Apart from a religious black thread, he has also been wearing a [[kara (Sikhism)|kara]] on his right arm since 2012.<ref>{{cite web|title=World Cup 2015: Cricketers and their superstitions|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/india-in-australia/top-stories/World-Cup-2015-Cricketers-and-their-superstitions/articleshow/46466406.cms|publisher=The Times of India|accessdate=17 January 2016|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170326200126/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/india-in-australia/top-stories/World-Cup-2015-Cricketers-and-their-superstitions/articleshow/46466406.cms|archivedate=26 March 2017}}</ref>
 
On 27th August 2020, Kohli and his wife [[Anushka Sharma]] have announced that they are expecting their first child arriving in January 2021.
 
===Commercial investments===
According to Kohli, football is his second favourite sport.<ref name=isl>{{cite web|title=ISL: Virat Kohli starts a new innings as FC Goa co-owner|url=http://www.mid-day.com/articles/isl-virat-kohli-starts-a-new-innings-as-fc-goa-co-owner/15630166|publisher=Mid Day|accessdate=5 May 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140925004011/http://www.mid-day.com/articles/isl-virat-kohli-starts-a-new-innings-as-fc-goa-co-owner/15630166|archivedate=25 September 2014|date=24 September 2014}}</ref> In 2014, Kohli became a co-owner of [[Indian Super League]] club [[FC Goa]]. He stated that he invested in the club with the "keenness of football" and because he "wanted football to grow in India".<ref>{{cite web|title=Virat Kohli: 25, Cricket star, co-owner of ISL team FC Goa|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/sports/football/virat-kohli-25-cricket-star-co-owner-of-isl-team-fc-goa/|publisher=The Indian Express|accessdate=5 May 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150629143639/http://indianexpress.com/article/sports/football/virat-kohli-25-cricket-star-co-owner-of-isl-team-fc-goa/|archivedate=29 June 2015|date=23 September 2014}}</ref> He added, "It's a business venture for me for the future. Cricket's not going to last forever and I'm keeping all my options open after retirement."<ref name=isl/>
 
In September 2015, Kohli became a co-owner of the [[International Premier Tennis League]] franchise [[UAE Royals]],<ref>{{cite news|title=Kohli becomes co-owner of UAE Royals|url=http://www.thehindu.com/sport/cricket/kohli-becomes-coowner-of-uae-royals/article7638986.ece|newspaper=The Hindu|accessdate=16 September 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180303200120/http://www.thehindu.com/sport/cricket/kohli-becomes-coowner-of-uae-royals/article7638986.ece|archivedate=3 March 2018|date=10 September 2015}}</ref> and, in December that year, became a co-owner of the [[JSW Group|JSW]]-owned Bengaluru Yodhas franchise in [[Pro Wrestling League]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Virat Kohli becomes co-owner of PWL franchise Bengaluru Yodhas|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/more-sports/wrestling/Virat-Kohli-becomes-co-owner-of-PWL-franchise-Bengaluru-Yodhas/articleshow/50122996.cms|publisher=The Times of India|accessdate=10 July 2016|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160321030709/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/more-sports/wrestling/Virat-Kohli-becomes-co-owner-of-PWL-franchise-Bengaluru-Yodhas/articleshow/50122996.cms|archivedate=21 March 2016}}</ref>
 
In November 2014, Kohli and Anjana Reddy's Universal Sportsbiz (USPL) launched a youth fashion brand WROGN. The brand started to produce men's casual wear clothing in 2015 and has tied up with [[Myntra]] and [[Shopper's Stop]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Virat Kohli takes a 'WROGN' turn|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/virat-kohli-takes-a-wrogn-turn/articleshow/45228555.cms|newspaper=The Economic Times|accessdate=28 May 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150328190153/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/virat-kohli-takes-a-wrogn-turn/articleshow/45228555.cms|archivedate=28 March 2015|date=21 November 2014|last1=Menon|first1=Rashmi}}</ref> In late 2014, Kohli was announced as a shareholder and brand ambassador of the social networking venture 'Sport Convo' based in [[London]].
 
In 2015, Kohli invested {{INRConvert|900|m}} to start a chain of gyms and fitness centres across the country. Launched under the name Chisel, the chain of gyms is jointly owned by Kohli, Chisel India and CSE (Cornerstone Sport and Entertainment), the agency which manages Kohli's commercial interests.<ref>{{cite web|title=Virat Kohli to invest Rs 90cr, set up chain of gyms|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/Virat-Kohli-to-invest-Rs-90cr-set-up-chain-of-gyms/articleshow/46994068.cms|publisher=The Times of India|accessdate=5 May 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150426091215/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/Virat-Kohli-to-invest-Rs-90cr-set-up-chain-of-gyms/articleshow/46994068.cms|archivedate=26 April 2015}}</ref> In 2016, Kohli started Stepathlon Kids, a children fitness venture, in partnership with Stepathlon Lifestyle.<ref>{{cite news|title=Virat Kohli promotes a healthy lifestyle; launches Stepathlon Kids|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/virat-kohli-promotes-a-healthy-lifestyle-launches-stepathlon-kids-116062800919_1.html|publisher=Business Standard|accessdate=20 July 2016|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160803065322/http://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/virat-kohli-promotes-a-healthy-lifestyle-launches-stepathlon-kids-116062800919_1.html|archivedate=3 August 2016|newspaper=Business Standard India|date=28 June 2016|last1=Malvania|first1=Urvi}}</ref>
 
===Endorsements===
Kohli was signed up by [[sports agent]] Bunty Sajdeh of Cornerstone Sport and Entertainment after the 2008 Under-19 World Cup. Sajdeh recalls, "I didn’t go after them after they became stars. In fact, I watched Virat at the 2008 ICC Under-19 World Cup in Kuala Lumpur. I was mighty impressed with his attitude and the way he was marshalling his team. He had that spark. And I told [[Yuvraj Singh|Yuvi]] to set up the meeting."<ref name=jerry/> Sajdeh manages Kohli's endorsement deals, along with those of other Indian cricketers Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma and Murali Vijay. It was reported in 2013 that Kohli's brand endorsements were worth over {{INRConvert|1|b}}.<ref>{{cite web|title=Brand Virat Kohli is now worth Rs 100 crore|url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/brand-virat-kohli-is-now-worth-rs-100-crore/1089766/|publisher=The Indian Express|accessdate=24 December 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222151949/http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/brand-virat-kohli-is-now-worth-rs-100-crore/1089766/|archivedate=22 December 2015}}</ref> His bat deal with [[MRF Limited|MRF]] is said to be the costliest deal in Indian cricket history.<ref name=jerry>{{cite web|title=You can call him Jerry Maguire|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/sport/report-you-can-call-him-jerry-maguire-1924003|publisher=DNA India|accessdate=28 May 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150506210508/http://www.dnaindia.com/sport/report-you-can-call-him-jerry-maguire-1924003|archivedate=6 May 2015|date=24 November 2013}}</ref> In 2017, he signed an eight-year endorsement deal with [[Puma SE|Puma]] worth about {{INRConvert|1.1|b}}, becoming the first Indian sportsperson to sign a {{INRConvert|1|b}} deal with a brand.<ref>{{cite web|title=Virat Kohli strikes Rs 100-crore deal with Puma|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/off-the-field/virat-kohli-strikes-rs-100-crore-deal-with-puma/articleshow/57243206.cms|publisher=The Times of India|accessdate=20 February 2017|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170220091647/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/off-the-field/virat-kohli-strikes-rs-100-crore-deal-with-puma/articleshow/57243206.cms|archivedate=20 February 2017}}</ref>
 
In 2014, [[American Appraisal]] estimated Kohli's brand value at {{USD}}56.4 million placing him fourth on the list of India's most valued celebrity brands.<ref>{{cite web|title=Brand wars: SRK, Ranbir worth more than $100 mn but Virat Kohli kicks Salman's ass|url=http://www.firstpost.com/business/money/brand-wars-srk-ranbir-worth-more-than-100-mn-but-virat-kohli-kicks-salmans-ass-1995397.html|publisher=Firstpost|accessdate=24 December 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151217201226/http://www.firstpost.com/business/money/brand-wars-srk-ranbir-worth-more-than-100-mn-but-virat-kohli-kicks-salmans-ass-1995397.html|archivedate=17 December 2015}}</ref> The same year, UK-based magazine ''[[SportsPro]]'' rated Kohli as the second most marketable athlete in the world behind only [[Lewis Hamilton]], placing him above the likes of [[Cristiano Ronaldo]], [[Lionel Messi]] and [[Usain Bolt]].<ref name=market>{{cite web|title=Virat Kohli only Indian in SportsPro's 'most marketable athlete' list|url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2014-05-20/news/49974897_1_list-andy-murray-novak-djokovic|publisher=Economic Times|accessdate=12 May 2015}}</ref> In an October 2016 report by [[Duff & Phelps]] on India's most valued celebrity brands, Kohli's brand value was estimated to be {{USD}}92 million, second only to that of Bollywood actor [[Shah Rukh Khan]].<ref name=brandsecond>{{cite web|title=Virat Kohli's brand value is worth $92 million, second only to Shah Rukh Khan|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/business-news/virat-kohli-s-brand-value-is-worth-92-m-second-only-to-shahrukh-khan/story-GJW77Ns2pA72ocn9F514lN.html|publisher=Hindustan Times|accessdate=20 February 2017|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170219221244/http://www.hindustantimes.com/business-news/virat-kohli-s-brand-value-is-worth-92-m-second-only-to-shahrukh-khan/story-GJW77Ns2pA72ocn9F514lN.html|archivedate=19 February 2017|date=17 February 2017}}</ref>
 
In 2017, Kohli was ranked 7th in the list released by ''[[Forbes]]'' as the Most Valuable Brand among athletes, ahead of sportspeople like [[Lionel Messi]], [[Rory McIlroy]] and [[Stephen Curry]], with an estimated brand value of $14.5 million.<ref>{{cite web|title=Brand Kohli beats Messi on Forbes top 10|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/india/content/story/1124779.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|accessdate=27 October 2017|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20171109022608/http://www.espncricinfo.com/india/content/story/1124779.html|archivedate=9 November 2017|date=27 October 2017}}</ref> In 2018, Kohli was again listed 83 in the top 100 highest paid athletes in the world. In 2019, Kohli dropped 17 places to No. 100 on ''[[Forbes]]''{{'}} World's 100 Highest-Paid Athletes" list, making him the only Indian and the only cricketer to feature in that list. His earnings were estimated at about $25 million, earning $21 million from endorsements and the rest from salary and winnings.<ref>{{cite web|title=Virat Kohli is the only Indian on the Forbes World's Highest-Paid Athletes list—again|url=http://www.forbesindia.com/article/special/virat-kohli-is-the-only-indian-on-the-forbes-worlds-highestpaid-athletes-listmdash-again/53925/1|publisher=Forbes India|accessdate=13 June 2019}}</ref>
 
As of September 2017, Kohli has endorsement deals with 17 brands.<ref>{{cite news|title=Virat Kohli to pick and choose endorsements, drops fairness creams, soft drinks|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-vs-australia-2017/virat-kohli-to-pick-and-choose-endorsements-drops-fairness-creams-soft-drinks/story-SD28SDcqKGP672aGbttjPJ.html|accessdate=16 September 2017|work=Hindustan Times|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170916104348/http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-vs-australia-2017/virat-kohli-to-pick-and-choose-endorsements-drops-fairness-creams-soft-drinks/story-SD28SDcqKGP672aGbttjPJ.html|archivedate=16 September 2017}}</ref> Among the brands he endorsed in early 2018 are [[American Tourister]], [[Audi]], Boost, [[Colgate-Palmolive]], [[Gillette]], [[Gionee]], [[Herbalife Nutrition|Herbalife]], [[MRF (company)|MRF]], [[Manyavar]], [[New Era Cap Company|New Era]], [[Puma (brand)|Puma]], [[Punjab National Bank]], [[Tissot]], [[Uber]] and [[Vicks]].<ref>{{cite news |title=The rainmaker |url=https://www.theweek.in/theweek/cover/2018/03/16/virat-kohli-the-rainmaker.html |accessdate=7 July 2018 |work=The Week}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Big deal! Uber could pay whopping Rs 4.5-5 crore for its brand new poster boy Virat Kohli |url=https://www.financialexpress.com/sports/big-deal-uber-could-pay-whopping-rs-4-5-5-crore-for-its-brand-new-poster-boy-virat-kohli/1093543/ |accessdate=7 July 2018 |work=The Financial Express}}</ref> The brands Kohli previously endorsed include 3C Company, [[Celkon Mobiles]], Cinthol (from [[Godrej Consumer Products Limited|Godrej]]), [[Clear (shampoo)|Clear]] (from [[Unilever]]), [[Fair & Lovely (cosmetics)|Fair & Lovely]], [[Fastrack (fashion accessories)|Fastrack]] (from [[Titan Industries|Titan]]), [[PepsiCo|Pepsi]], Flying Machine, [[Mattel]], [[Munch (coated wafer)|Munch]] (from [[Nestle]]), [[Oakley, Inc.|Oakley]], Red Chief Shoes, [[Royal Challenge]] (from [[United Breweries Group|United Breweries]]), Sangam Suiting and [[Toyota Motors]].<ref>{{cite web|title=At Rs 3 crore, Brand Virat Kohli breaks into big league|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/At-Rs-3-crore-Brand-Virat-Kohli-breaks-into-big-league/articleshow/12347561.cms|publisher=The Times of India|accessdate=10 July 2016|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160624151440/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/At-Rs-3-crore-Brand-Virat-Kohli-breaks-into-big-league/articleshow/12347561.cms|archivedate=24 June 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Brand Virat Kohli is now worth Rs 100 crore|url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/brand-virat-kohli-is-now-worth-rs-100-crore/1089766/|publisher=The Indian Express|accessdate=10 July 2016|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306041035/http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/brand-virat-kohli-is-now-worth-rs-100-crore/1089766/|archivedate=6 March 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Virat Kohli set to score heavily off the field, too|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/virat-kohli-set-to-score-heavily-off-the-field-too-115010100035_1.html|publisher=Business Standard|accessdate=28 May 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924035634/http://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/virat-kohli-set-to-score-heavily-off-the-field-too-115010100035_1.html|archivedate=24 September 2015|newspaper=Business Standard India|date=31 December 2014|last1=Malvania|first1=Urvi}}</ref>
 
In March 2019, Kohli was signed up as brand ambassador of mobile esports platform [[Mobile Premier League]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/gaming-startup-mpl-ropes-in-kohli-in-rs-12-crore-deal/articleshow/68262218.cms|title=Gaming startup MPL ropes in Kohli in Rs 12-crore deal - Times of India|website=The Times of India|access-date=27 April 2019}}</ref>
 
===Charity and Service===
[[File:Virat Kohli charity (cropped).jpg|215px|right|thumb|Kohli at a VKF charity event in June 2016]]
In March 2013, Kohli started a charity foundation called Virat Kohli Foundation (VKF). The organisation aims at helping underprivileged kids and conducts events to raise funds for the charity.<ref>{{cite web|title=Virat Kohli to start charity foundation for underprivileged kids|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/off-the-field/Virat-Kohli-to-start-charity-foundation-for-underprivileged-kids/articleshow/19094868.cms|publisher=The Times of India|accessdate=31 May 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130325034422/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/off-the-field/Virat-Kohli-to-start-charity-foundation-for-underprivileged-kids/articleshow/19094868.cms|archivedate=25 March 2013}}</ref> According to Kohli, the foundation works with select [[NGO]]s to "create awareness, seek support and raise funds for the various causes they endorse and the philanthropic work they engage in."<ref>{{cite web|title=Interview: Charity is a matter of personal passion, willingness and preference - Virat Kohli|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-interview-charity-is-a-matter-of-personal-passion-willingness-and-preference-virat-kohli-1987473|publisher=DNA India|accessdate=31 May 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150109010923/http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-interview-charity-is-a-matter-of-personal-passion-willingness-and-preference-virat-kohli-1987473|archivedate=9 January 2015|date=12 May 2014}}</ref> In May 2014, [[eBay]] and [[Save the Children]] India conducted a charity auction with VKF, with its proceeds benefiting the education and healthcare of underprivileged children.<ref>{{cite web|title=Ebay and Save The Children setting up a charity auction with Virat Kohli|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/ebay-and-save-the-children-setting-up-a-charity-auction-with-virat-kohli/articleshow/34818306.cms|publisher=The Economic Times|accessdate=31 May 2015|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161030173426/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/ebay-and-save-the-children-setting-up-a-charity-auction-with-virat-kohli/articleshow/34818306.cms|archivedate=30 October 2016}}</ref>
 
Kohli has captained the All Heart Football Club, owned by VKF, in charity football matches against All Stars Football Club, owned by [[Abhishek Bachchan]]'s Playing for Humanity. The matches, known as "Celebrity Clasico", feature cricketers playing for All Heart and Bollywood actors in the All Stars team, and are organized to generate funds for the two charity foundations.<ref>{{cite web|title=Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni to play charity match against Bollywood stars on June 4|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/sports/football/virat-kohli-ms-dhoni-to-play-charity-match-against-bollywood-stars-2829278/|publisher=The Indian Express|accessdate=20 July 2016|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160720030125/http://indianexpress.com/article/sports/football/virat-kohli-ms-dhoni-to-play-charity-match-against-bollywood-stars-2829278/|archivedate=20 July 2016|date=3 June 2016}}</ref>
 
To promote the [[Swachh Bharat Mission]] (SBM) which is aiming to achieve a cleaner India, he along with Anurag Sharma and the Indian team cleaned the Eden Gardens on [[Gandhi Jayanti]] of 2016.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2016-10-03|title=Swachh Bharat: Virat Kohli, Anurag Thakur, other players clean up Eden Gardens stadium on Gandhi Jayanti|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/swachh-bharat-virat-kohli-anurag-thakur-other-players-clean-up-eden-gardens-stadium-on-gandhi-jayanti/403351/|access-date=2020-08-01|website=The Financial Express|language=en-US}}</ref>  In 2018, he tweeted a video in which [[Anushka Sharma]] is seen stopping a man littering the street from their car.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2018-06-17|title=Don’t Miss Anushka Sharma’s Swachh Message In The Viral Video Posted By Virat Kohli {{!}} News|url=https://swachhindia.ndtv.com/anushka-sharmas-swachh-message-in-the-viral-video-posted-by-virat-kohli-21434/|access-date=2020-08-01|website=NDTV-Dettol Banega Swasth Swachh India|language=en-US}}</ref>
 
==See also==
* [[List of players who have scored 10,000 or more runs in One Day International cricket]]
* [[List of cricketers by number of international centuries scored]]
* [[List of cricketers who have scored centuries in both innings of a Test match]]
 
==References==
{{Reflist}}
 
==Bibliography==
*{{Cite book| last = Lokapally | first = Vijay| title = Driven: The Virat Kohli Story| year = 2016 | publisher = Bloomsbury Publishing India| location = New Delhi| isbn = 978-9385936265}}
 
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| title = [[Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy]]
| before = [[Ravichandran Ashwin]]
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{{succession box
| title = [[ICC ODI Player of the Year Award|ICC ODI Player of the Year]]
| before = [[Quinton de Kock]]
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| title = [[ICC Test Player of the Year]]
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[[Category:1988 births]]
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