Virat Kohli's birthday: 5 lesser known facts about the ace cricketer

Virat Kohl turns 34 on Saturday. The ace cricketer's batting records and exploits at the crease are legendary, but for all the 'King Kohli' fans out there, here are five exciting and lesser-known facts about him. It's compiled by IANS from his biography on Audible titled 'Virat Kohli'.

Cricket or Tennis?

Kohli was once torn between his love for cricket and tennis. He eventually took to cricket due to the accessibility of the sport and the encouragement of the many important people in his life, the audiobook says. A few years later, he decided to make a career out of it.


Father's death

His father Prem Kohli's demise changed his approach to the game. His father was his biggest support system. Prem Kohli passed away in December 2006.

"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," Kohli says in the audiobook on Audible.

It happened while Delhi was playing Karnataka in a Ranji trophy match. Virat Kohli turned up for his match the next day

His inspiration

Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar had a massive influence on Kohli when he was a young boy, mentions the audiobook on Audible.

After the 2011 World Cup win, Kohli proudly carried Tendulkar on his shoulders. The moment was symbolic - it was the last World Cup game for Tendulkar who was passing on the mantle to the future of Indian cricket. Kohli's line, " He has carried the burden of this nation for 24 years, so it is about time we carried him on our shoulders," gave us goosebumps then.

Loves football

He loves football and has a stake in FC Goa, a team in the Indian Super League football tournament that started in September 2014. Kohli showed a keen interest in the franchisee-based sports league when it first arrived in the country. I want football to grow in India," Kohli said then.

Used to love fast food

Virat Kohli is vegan now, but he was once a true-blue desi foodie. From burgers to butter chicken to his mom's tasty delicacies, Kohli used to indulge in everything. Including the scrumptious fare available on the streets of Delhi. He started to get choosy once he realised the need to maintain a healthy diet.