Do you know who the king of Indian cricket is? Yes, it is Virat Kohli. After debuting for India on 18 August 2008, he has never looked back. He has helped his national and franchise team win on countless occasions. Today, we are here to discuss what makes Virat the king of the cricketing world. Read on as we share interesting facts about some other kings of cricket.
Table of Contents
Cricket of King—Basic Career Overview
Virat Kohli is a renowned Indian cricketer and former captain of the Indian national team. Widely regarded as one of the greatest batsmen of all time, Kohli’s exceptional skills and achievements have earned him the nickname “King Kohli.” Known for his aggressive playing style and consistent performance, he has been a key player in the Indian team, leading India to numerous victories in various formats, including Test matches, One Day Internationals (ODIs), and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). Kohli’s ability to score runs under pressure and leadership qualities have made him a role model for aspiring cricketers worldwide.
Early Life and Career
Virat Kohli was born in Delhi, India on November 5, 1988. From a young age, he showed a keen interest in cricket, a passion supported and nurtured by his father, Prem Kohli. At nine, Kohli joined the West Delhi Cricket Academy, where he trained under coach Rajkumar Sharma. His dedication and talent quickly became evident as he rose through the ranks, representing Delhi in various age-group cricket games. Kohli’s breakthrough came in 2008 when he captained the Indian Under-19 team to victory in the Under-19 World Cup. This success began his illustrious international career, as he soon made his ODI debut for the Indian team.
King of Cricket — Kohli
Kohli started his career with significant milestones and moments that marked his rise in professional cricket. He has helped his national and franchise team win on countless occasions. During his early career with RCB, Daniel Vettori served as a mentor figure, helping him refine his skills.
| Born | 5 November 1988 (age 36) |
| Birthplace | Delhi, India |
| Nicknames | Cheeku, King Kohli, Chase Master, Run Machine |
| Batting Style | Right-handed |
| Bowling Style | Right-arm medium |
| Role | Top-order batter |
| Test Debut (Cap 269) | 20 June 2011 vs West Indies |
| ODI Debut (Cap 175) | 18 August 2008 vs Sri Lanka |
| T20I Debut (Cap 31) | 12 June 2010 vs Zimbabwe |
King of Cricket in World—ODI Stats of Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli is a once-in-a-generation player. He is the modern-day GOAT of ODI cricket. He has scored the most centuries (100s) in ODI history (51). Out of these, he has scored 28 centuries while chasing. In the year 2017, he scored 2818 runs. This is still the most runs made by any Indian in a single year across all formats. He led India to numerous victories in ODIs. During the 2023 World Cup, he scored 765 runs. Again, this is the most runs ever scored by a player in one World Cup tournament. Kohli has also received several tournament awards for his exceptional performances.
Virat also reached some significant milestones faster than anyone else. He was the fastest player to reach:
- 8,000 runs (in just 175 innings),
- 9,000 runs (in 194 innings),
- 10,000 runs (in 205 innings),
- 11,000 runs (in 222 innings),
- 12,000 runs (in 242 innings),
- 13,000 runs (in 267 innings), and
- 14,000 runs (in 287 innings).
Take a look at his stats below, and you’ll know why he is the king of cricket in the world.His ODI records include being the fastest to reach 9000 and 10,000 runs, showcasing his exceptional performance and consistency.
| Category | Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | Avg | BF | SR | 100s | 50s | 4s | 6s |
| Batting | 302 | 290 | 45 | 14181 | 183 | 57.88 | 15192 | 93.34 | 51 | 74 | 1325 | 152 |
| Category | Ct | St | ||||||||||
| Fielding | 161 | 0 | ||||||||||
| Category | Inns | Balls | Runs | Wkts | BBI | BBM | Avg | Eco | SR | 4w | 5w | 10w |
| Bowling | 50 | 662 | 680 | 5 | 1/13 | 1/13 | 136 | 6.16 | 132.4 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
King of the Cricket—Test Stats of King Kohli
In Test matches, Virat Kohli has done many amazing things, too. In his career, he has scored double centuries seven times. Kohli faced significant challenges during his initial test match cricket, particularly in Australia, but he adapted his batting technique to succeed. This is the most by any Indian in Test cricket. In the years 2016 and 2017, he scored three double centuries. This is a record for the most double centuries in two back-to-back years. In 2018, Virat reached a very high rating of 937 points in the ICC Test rankings. This is the best rating any Indian player has ever got in Test cricket. His performances in various test series, especially critical innings, have significantly shaped his reputation as a formidable player.
You can check his test cricket stats below. Kohli’s test captaincy from 2014 to 2021 was marked by key milestones, including leading India to the number one spot in ICC Test rankings:
| Category | Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | Avg | BF | SR | 100s | 50s | 4s | 6s |
| Batting | 123 | 210 | 13 | 9230 | 254* | 46.85 | 16608 | 55.57 | 30 | 31 | 1027 | 30 |
| Category | Ct | St | ||||||||||
| Fielding | 121 | 0 | ||||||||||
| Category | Inns | Balls | Runs | Wkts | BBI | BBM | Avg | Econ | SR | 4w | 5w | 10w |
| Bowling | 11 | 175 | 84 | 0 | – | – | – | 2.88 | – | 0 | 0 | 0 |
King of World Cricket—VK 18’s T20is Stats
Virat Kohli had a great T20 international career. In the 2014 T20 World Cup, he scored 319 runs. This was the most runs scored by any player in one T20 World Cup. He also scored two centuries in a single tournament, showcasing his exceptional talent. In the same year, 2014, he also reached a very high player rating of 897 points. He was also the fastest to score:
- 3,000 runs (in 81 innings),
- 3,500 runs (in 96 innings), and
- 4,000 runs (in 107 innings).
VK has won 16 Player of the Match awards. He has been awarded the Player of the Series award a total of 7 times. This is the most by any player in T20Is. In a significant tournament, he also achieved two fifties, further solidifying his reputation. Virat, the king of india cricket, has even helped India win the 2024 T20 World Cup.
| Category | Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | Avg | BF | SR | 100s | 50s | 4s | 6s |
| Batting | 125 | 117 | 31 | 4188 | 122* | 48.69 | 3056 | 137.04 | 1 | 38 | 369 | 124 |
| Category | Ct | St | ||||||||||
| Fielding | 54 | 0 | ||||||||||
| Category | Inns | Balls | Runs | Wkts | BBI | BBM | Avg | Econ | SR | 4w | 5w | 10w |
| Bowling | 13 | 152 | 204 | 4 | 1/13 | 1/13 | 51 | 8.05 | 38 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
King of Cricket in India—Kohli’s IPL Stats
| Category | Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | Avg | BF | SR | 100s | 50s | 4s | 6s |
| Batting | 263 | 255 | 40 | 8509 | 113 | 39.58 | 6417 | 132.61 | 8 | 62 | 749 | 290 |
| Category | Ct | St | ||||||||||
| Fielding | 117 | 0 | ||||||||||
| Category | Inns | Balls | Runs | Wkts | BBI | BBM | 92.0 | Econ | SR | 4w | 5w | 10w |
| Bowling | 26 | 251 | 368 | 4 | 2/25 | 2/25 | 51 | 8.8 | 62.75 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Virat Kohli has been a standout performer in the Indian Premier League, consistently delivering top-notch performances. He holds the record for the most runs in a single edition of the IPL, showcasing his exceptional batting prowess. Additionally, Kohli has won the Orange Cap twice, cementing his status as one of the league’s top run-scorers.
Virat Kohli’s Captaincy Stats
Virat is one of the most successful captains of the Indian team. In ODIs, he led the team in 95 matches and won 65 with a win rate of 68.42%. He captained 68 matches in Tests, and India won 39 (24 at home and 15 away). In T20Is, India, under his leadership, had a win rate of 64.58%. He also captained India to victory in the 2008 Under-19 World Cup.
| Format | Matches Captained | Won (Home) | Won (Away) | Won (Neutral) | Total Won | Lost | Tie/No Result | Win % |
| ODI | 95 | 24 | 29 | 12 | 65 | 27 | 3 | 68.42 |
| Test | 68 | 24 | 15 | – | 39 | 16 | 13 | 58.82 |
| T20I | 50 | 13 | 14 | 3 | 30 | 16 | 4 | 64.58 |
| IPL | 140 | – | – | – | 64 | 69 | 7 | 45.71 |
Awards and Recognition
Throughout his career, Virat Kohli has received numerous awards and accolades for his outstanding performance on the cricket field. He has been named the ICC ODI Player of the Year four times (2012, 2017, 2018, and 2023) and has won the prestigious Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy, awarded to the Cricketer of the Year, twice (2017 and 2018). In recognition of his contributions to Indian cricket, Kohli has been honored with the Arjuna Award (2013), the Padma Shri (2017), and the Khel Ratna Award (2018), India’s highest sporting honor. In 2018, he was included in Time magazine’s list of the 100 most influential people in the world. Kohli’s achievements have solidified his status as a legend in the cricket world, inspiring fans and aspiring cricketers alike.
Fan Base and Popularity
Virat Kohli boasts a massive fan base in India and worldwide, and he is admired for his exceptional skills, aggressive playing style, and leadership qualities. His popularity extends beyond the cricket field, with millions of fans following him on social media platforms. Kohli’s influence is not limited to his on-field performances; he has been associated with various brands and has appeared in numerous advertisements, further increasing his visibility and popularity. As the captain of the Indian team, Kohli led India to several significant victories, including the 2011 World Cup and the 2013 Champions Trophy. His achievements have made him a household name in India, often called the “King of Cricket.” Kohli’s fan base continues to grow, with fans worldwide appreciating his dedication to the sport and his commitment to excellence.
Other Kings of the Cricket Games
While the title “King” is most commonly associated with Virat Kohli, several legendary players in the past have also earned similar regal nicknames due to their certain specialities. For instance, Sachin Tendulkar is known as the God of Cricket. Playing for India, he has scored nearly 35000 runs in Test, ODIs, and T20s. So he is the “god king of cricket”. Kohli’s journey from emerging player to a cricketing superstar is a testament to his exceptional talent and dedication.
Similarly, the title of “Sixer King of Cricket” is held by Chris Gayle and Shahid Afridi. It won’t be wrong to include hitman Rohit Sharma in this list; after all, he is the player who has hit the most sixes (637). Kohli’s early performances in junior cricket laid the foundation for his illustrious career. If you want to learn more about other kings of cricket, check the table below:
| Title | Player |
| King Father of Cricket | Sir William Gilbert Grace |
| King of Swing in Cricket | Wasim Akram |
| World King of Cricket | Virat Kohli |
| Yorker King of Cricket | Lasith Malinga |
| King of Cricket Captain in the World | Ricky Ponting |
| New King of Cricket or Prince | Shubman Gill |
| King Maker of Cricket | MS Dhoni |
Final Words
Virat Kohli, the king of cricket, is a game-changer. No matter the situation, he is one player who can take his team across the finishing line. Kohli’s status as the leading run scorer in various formats further cements his legacy as one of the greatest batsmen in cricket history. This is why expert bettors often make their predictions based on how Virat performs. If you want to do the same, download the Parimatch app and create an account for free. After that, you can bet on IPL, Test, and ODIs. Kohli’s services to the Indian cricket team have been invaluable, often stepping up in critical moments. Do you think King Kohli can help RCB win IPL 2025? Make your prediction today.
FAQs
Who is the king of cricket?
Virat Kohli is known around the world as the king of cricket. He is currently the third-highest run-scorer in ODI international (and all formats) and has the second-most centuries in all formats combined.
Who is King of cricket?
Virat “Run Machine” Kohli is the king of cricket. As of 2025, he has scored 27599 runs in 550 matches that he played for India in ODIs, Tests, and T20Is.
Who is the new king of cricket?
Virat Kohli is the king of cricket, while Shubman Gill is the prince of cricket. He is often considered the future or new king of cricket.
Who is the King of cricket in the world of all time?
Fans around the world consider Virat Kohli to be the king of cricket. However, he considers Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar to always be the world’s king.
Who is the King of cricket in India?
Virat Kohli is the king of cricket in India. He has 82 centuries and 143
half centuries across three formats.
Who is the old King of cricket?
Viv Richards, also known as “King Viv”, is the old king of cricket. Playing for the West Indies, Viv has scored 15261 runs in test and ODI formats.
Who is known as King of cricket?
Virat Kohli is the world’s king of cricket. He is also known as the king of Indian cricket. Virat is even considered the king of cricket in IPL.
Who is the king of cricket in IPL?
Suresh Raina is known as Mr. IPL, and the term King goes with Virat Kohli. Representing RCB for 18 seasons straight, Kohli has over 8500 runs by the end of the 18th season.