The Rabbit in the Comic Book
One of the most famous nicknames in cricket, 'Cheeku', wasn't given by a family member or a famous teammate. During his early Ranji Trophy days, Kohli got a new, very short haircut. His then-coach at Delhi thought his big ears stood out, reminding him
of a rabbit character named 'Cheeku' from the popular children's magazine, Champak. The name stuck. It was later popularised globally by MS Dhoni, who would often call out to him using the nickname from behind the stumps, which was picked up by the stump microphone for all to hear.
A Test of Character at Eighteen
One of the most formative events in Kohli's life happened when he was just 18. During a crucial Ranji Trophy match for Delhi against Karnataka in 2006, his father, Prem Kohli, passed away overnight. It was his father who had been his biggest supporter, driving him to cricket academies and encouraging his dream. Despite the immense personal tragedy, a young Kohli made the difficult decision to return to the Feroz Shah Kotla ground the very next morning to continue his innings, ultimately scoring a match-saving 90 runs. He has often said that this moment changed his approach to life and cricket, instilling in him a fierce determination to fulfil his father's dream.
A Story Told in Ink
Virat Kohli's tattoos are not just for style; they are a visual autobiography of his beliefs, journey, and values. On his left forearm is a tattoo of Lord Shiva in meditation on Mount Kailash, which he says represents self-improvement and destroying the ego. A nearby monastery signifies peace and balance. He also has a Japanese Samurai warrior, symbolising the Bushido code of honour, discipline, and loyalty. His body art includes tributes to his parents with their names, Saroj and Prem, tattooed on his left hand. His ODI and Test cap numbers, 175 and 269 respectively, are also permanently etched, serving as a reminder of his pride in representing India.
The Under-19 World Cup Captain
Long before he led the senior Indian team, Virat Kohli had a taste of World Cup glory. In 2008, he was the captain of the Indian team that won the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup in Malaysia. This victory brought the aggressive, confident young batsman into the national spotlight and was a crucial stepping stone into the senior team. Many players from that U-19 squad went on to play for India, but Kohli's leadership and on-field performance marked him as a special talent destined for greater things. He made his senior ODI debut for India later that same year.
A Portfolio Beyond the Pitch
Kohli is not just a cricketer; he is a sharp businessman with a diverse investment portfolio. He has a significant stake in the sportswear brand Agilitas Sports and co-founded his own brand, One8. His business interests have spanned various sectors, including co-ownership of the ISL football team FC Goa and investments in tech startups. He has also invested in health and wellness ventures like plant-based meat brand Blue Tribe and Rage Coffee, aligning his business choices with his personal brand focused on fitness and a modern lifestyle.
Giving Back Off the Field
Beyond his on-field aggression and commercial success, Kohli has a dedicated philanthropic side. In 2013, he established the Virat Kohli Foundation (VKF), which focuses on supporting underprivileged children in areas of healthcare and education. The foundation also provides scholarships to promising young athletes who lack financial resources. Along with his wife, Anushka Sharma, he has been involved in numerous charitable activities, including raising substantial funds for COVID-19 relief and advocating for animal welfare.
