The Origin of 'Cheeku'
While MS Dhoni's calls of 'Cheeku' from behind the stumps made the nickname famous, the name wasn't his invention. During his early Ranji Trophy days, a young Kohli, worried about hair fall, got a short haircut that made his ears stand out. His then-coach
thought he resembled a rabbit character named 'Cheeku' from the popular children's comic 'Champak', and the name stuck. It was only when Dhoni started using it on the stump mic that the name went viral among fans.
A Defining Moment at 18
One of the most defining moments of Kohli's early career came in 2006. At just 18, he was playing a crucial Ranji Trophy match for Delhi against Karnataka. In the middle of the game, he received the news that his father had passed away overnight. Displaying immense mental fortitude, he chose to return to the field the next day to continue his innings, scoring a vital 90 runs to save his team from a follow-on. This incident marked a turning point, transforming his passion for cricket into a deep-seated purpose.
The Story Told in Tattoos
Kohli's extensive collection of tattoos is not just for style; each one carries a deep personal meaning. On his left arm, a Japanese Samurai warrior symbolises the Bushido code of honour, courage, and discipline. His left shoulder features a 'God's Eye', representing the idea that a higher power is watching over his actions. He also has his parents' names, Saroj and Prem, tattooed, along with his ODI and Test cap numbers—175 and 269—to signify his pride in representing India.
The U-19 World Cup Captain
Long before he led the senior Indian side, Kohli showcased his leadership skills on the world stage. In 2008, he captained the Indian Under-19 team to victory at the ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup in Malaysia. This triumph brought him into the national spotlight and was a significant stepping stone to his debut for the senior Indian team later that same year. His aggressive and confident captaincy style was evident even then.
A Philanthropist at Heart
Beyond the cricket field, Kohli is deeply involved in social causes. In 2013, he started the Virat Kohli Foundation (VKF) to support underprivileged children in sports. His philanthropic efforts are wide-ranging. He has worked with UNICEF, advocated for animal rights, and promoted mental health awareness by speaking openly about his own struggles with anxiety. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he and his wife, Anushka Sharma, launched a fundraising campaign that raised crores for relief efforts.
The Savvy Businessman
Kohli has quietly built an impressive business empire, extending his brand far beyond cricket. He's a co-founder of the sportswear brand One8 and the youth fashion label WROGN. His investment portfolio is diverse, spanning fitness, technology, and food. He has backed plant-based meat startup Blue Tribe, Digit Insurance, and Rage Coffee. He also previously co-owned the ISL football team FC Goa, showing his strategic business acumen and interest in promoting other sports.
