Virat Kohli is the gold standard for modern batting: technical precision, relentless fitness, and a competitive fire that has reshaped how India—and the world—thinks about cricket.

From a fearless teenager leading India’s U-19s to a generational superstar breaking ODI and World Cup records, Kohli’s story blends rare talent with obsessive discipline.

His journey also includes transformational leadership of Team India across formats, a prolific Indian Premier League (IPL) career with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), and a widely admired public life with actor-producer Anushka Sharma.

Early Life and Family

Born on November 5, 1988, in Delhi, India, Virat Kohli trained at the West Delhi Cricket Academy and quickly rose through age-group cricket with standout performances that hinted at greatness to come.

He married Anushka Sharma on December 11, 2017; the couple have two children—daughter Vamika (born January 2021) and son Akaay (born February 2024).

U-19 World Cup & Domestic Rise

Kohli’s national reputation accelerated when he captained India to the 2008 ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup title. That triumph, alongside consistent Ranji Trophy contributions for Delhi, propelled him toward international selection and framed his identity as a pressure player with a mature game beyond his years. (General career background corroborated in major profiles.)

International Debut and Breakthrough

Kohli debuted for India in 2008 (ODIs), added T20Is in 2010 and Tests in 2011, then vaulted into the elite with a chain of chases and hundreds that made him India’s batting heartbeat.

His hallmark? A compact technique, a pristine straight bat, and tempo control that lets him switch from accumulation to acceleration in a handful of balls.

The 2023 ODI World Cup crystallized his dominance: Kohli scored a record 765 runs—the most by any player in a single men’s Cricket World Cup—and was named Player of the Tournament. He also struck his 50th ODI century in the semifinal against New Zealand, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s tally of 49.

In June 2024, India lifted the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Barbados. Kohli scored a vital 76 in the final against South Africa and was named Player of the Match for the title-clinching win.

Captaincy and Leadership

Kohli became India’s all-format on-field standard-bearer in the mid-to-late 2010s, prioritizing elite fitness and fast-bowling depth.

Under his Test captaincy, India climbed to the top of the rankings and won historic series abroad. He stepped down from Test captaincy in January 2022, closing a landmark leadership chapter while continuing as a premier batter.

Batting Style: Why Kohli Works Everywhere

• Technique & Alignment: Neutral head position, tight hands, late hands through the line—especially strong through cover and mid-wicket.
• Chase Mastery: Reads required rate, targets match-ups, and rotates strike ruthlessly before unleashing the straight drive, pick-up flick, or inside-out loft.
• Fitness Edge: Between-the-wickets intensity converts 50-50 twos, turns pressure back on fielders, and sustains high-skill execution deep into innings.
• All-Format Skill: White-ball control with risk management; red-ball patience outside off; and, in T20s, preferring classical options over high-variance power.

Records & Milestones

• Most ODI hundreds (50); landmark ton in the 2023 World Cup semifinal vs New Zealand.
• Most runs in a single men’s Cricket World Cup (765)—Player of the Tournament, 2023.
• Player of the Match, 2024 T20 World Cup Final (India beat South Africa).
• RCB stalwart and 2024 IPL Orange Cap winner (741 runs).
• Part of RCB’s maiden IPL title (2025)—a historic first for the franchise.

IPL Journey: From Run-Machine to Title Winner

Kohli’s IPL arc mirrors his international evolution. He has been the face of Royal Challengers Bengaluru since the league’s early years, peaking in run-glut seasons and energizing the Chinnaswamy crowd with classical stroke-play at T20 pace.

In 2024, he topped the season charts to win the Orange Cap with 741 runs at a formidable strike rate—proof that classical technique still dominates T20 when paired with tempo awareness.

The crowning moment arrived on June 3, 2025, when RCB defeated Punjab Kings by six runs in Ahmedabad to lift their first-ever IPL trophy; Kohli contributed a crucial 43 in the final and the dressing room scenes will live long in franchise lore.

Off the Field: Philanthropy, Business & Public Life

Beyond cricket, Kohli is a prominent philanthropist through the Virat Kohli Foundation, supports child welfare and sports development initiatives, and partners with multiple brands and ventures. He and Anushka Sharma are among India’s most influential public couples, often using their platforms for social causes and to promote fitness and animal welfare. (Marriage and family details confirmed above.)

Net Worth

Kohli’s earnings blend central contracts, match fees, IPL income, and long-term brand endorsements. Public estimates vary widely year to year; rather than repeating speculative numbers, it’s fair to say he remains among the world’s best-compensated cricketers, with significant brand equity in India and abroad. (Figures fluctuate; verify with the latest financial reporting before citing a number.)

Legacy & Impact

Virat Kohli changed the conversation about Indian cricket. He fused classic Test-match batting values with modern white-ball efficiency, demanded elite fitness standards, and carried run-chases like a personal responsibility. His 2023 World Cup mastery, 2024 T20 World Cup final performance, and RCB’s 2025 IPL triumph together form a trilogy that underlines his durability and big-game temperament.

FAQs

Q1. When and where was Virat Kohli born?

November 5, 1988, in Delhi, India.

Q2. Who is Virat Kohli married to, and do they have children?

He married actor-producer Anushka Sharma on December 11, 2017; they have two children—Vamika (2021) and Akaay (2024).

Q3. What are Kohli’s biggest ICC tournament highlights in recent years?

A record 765 runs at the 2023 ODI World Cup (Player of the Tournament) and Player of the Match in India’s 2024 T20 World Cup final win.

Q4. How many ODI centuries does he have?

Fifty—he went past Sachin Tendulkar’s 49 during the 2023 World Cup semifinal vs New Zealand.

Q5. Did Kohli captain India?

Yes. He led across formats through the late 2010s; he stepped down as Test captain in January 2022.

Q6. What are his standout IPL achievements lately?

Orange Cap in 2024 (741 runs) and part of RCB’s first IPL title in 2025.

Q7. What makes Kohli’s batting unique?

Classical technique, match-ups awareness, elite fitness, and proven chase mastery across conditions.

Conclusion

Virat Kohli’s biography is still being written, but its outlines are already historic: an all-format giant, a standard-setting leader, a World Cup difference-maker, and the face of a franchise that finally climbed IPL’s highest peak.

As he continues to evolve, the constants remain—discipline, intensity, and an unwavering commitment to winning—qualities that make Kohli both a statistical phenomenon and a timeless sports story.

Mfundo Vilakazi has emerged as one of South African football’s most talked-about teenage talents.

Since breaking into the senior setup, his flair, close control, and attacking instincts have attracted
attention from fans, pundits and scouts across the Premier Soccer League (PSL).

Profile Data

• Full Name: Mfundo Obrigado Vilakazi.
• Known As: Mfundo Vilakazi.
• Born: 19 November 2005.
• Age: 19 (as of 2025).
• Nationality: South African.
• Occupation: Professional footballer (attacking midfielder / winger).
• Current Club: Kaizer Chiefs (jersey #28).
• Joined Kaizer Chiefs: 14 January 2024; contract until 30 June 2028.

Early Life and Youth Career

While exact early-life details are limited in public sources, Vilakazi progressed through youth ranks and
impressed in junior competitions — performances that opened a pathway to Kaizer Chiefs and national youth
selectors.

Breakthrough: Signing for Kaizer Chiefs

Mfundo signed into Kaizer Chiefs’ senior environment in January 2024 on a contract that signals the club’s
long-term intention to develop him into a first-team contributor.

Playing Style and Strengths

Primarily an attacking midfielder, Vilakazi is comfortable on either wing. He is known for close ball control,
quick feet, and a willingness to take defenders on. His left foot provides an extra dimension in attack.

Senior Debut & Early Impact

Vilakazi made his first-team debut in late February and quickly became one of the most talked-about teenage
prospects in South African football, turning heads with dynamic cameos and growing fan support.

2024–25 Season: Stats & Achievements

Season trackers record his appearances, minutes and attacking contributions for the 2024–25 cycle. These figures
show a young player being carefully introduced to top-flight football while already contributing to results.

Recognition & Public Profile

Media coverage and social media have amplified Vilakazi’s profile: feature articles, match reports and highlight
clips have made him a recognizable young talent in the domestic game.

What Scouts and Analysts Say

Scouts note his technical flair and creativity; the focus for development is converting those attributes into
consistent performances through game time and physical/tactical growth.

Challenges & Room To Grow

Consistency and adaptation to professional demands are standard challenges at this stage — how he handles competition,
training and media attention will shape his trajectory.

Off the Pitch

Public information about Vilakazi’s personal life is limited. He maintains a social presence and engages with fans, but private family and personal details are not widely published.

Future Prospects

With consistent minutes and continued development, potential next steps include regular first-team starts,
national team recognition and, eventually, interest from clubs abroad.

FAQs

When was Mfundo Vilakazi born?

19 November 2005.

What position does he play?

Attacking midfielder and winger.

Which club does he play for?

Kaizer Chiefs; joined the senior setup in January 2024.

Has he made senior appearances?

Yes — he debuted in late February and has had appearances in the 2024–25 cycle.

Where can I get his latest stats?

ESPN, Soccerway and Transfermarkt maintain up-to-date season stats.

Conclusion

Mfundo Vilakazi is still at the beginning of a promising professional career. His technical skill and early exposure at Kaizer Chiefs make him one to watch — the next few seasons will show whether potential becomes consistent top-level performance.