Virat Kohli: Biography, Net Worth & Retirement Rumors

Virat Kohli’s name is everywhere—on cricket scorecards, Instagram feeds, and in heated debates about who’s the richest player in the game. But beyond the headlines and the rumors, what do we actually know about the man who has dominated Indian cricket for over a decade?

Full name: Virat Kohli ·
Born: 5 November 1988, Delhi, India ·
Role: Batsman, former all-format captain ·
Net worth (estimated): USD 120+ million ·
International centuries: 80+ ·
Spouse: Anushka Sharma (married 2017)

The pattern is clear: the line between confirmed and rumored is sharp. Here are the verified numbers and dates.

The pattern: Kohli’s official stats are rock-solid, while financial figures remain estimates with wide variance.

Who is Virat Kohli’s ex?

Past relationships of Virat Kohli

• Kohli has never publicly named a former girlfriend; his marriage to Anushka Sharma in December 2017 is his only confirmed long-term relationship (Britannica).
• Rumors about past relationships circulate online but lack attribution from any credible source.

Anushka Sharma as his spouse

• He married actress Anushka Sharma on 11 December 2017 in Italy (Wikipedia).
• The couple have two children: daughter Vamika (born 2021) and son Akaay (born 2024).

Will Virat Kohli retire?

Retirement speculation timeline

• Kohli retired from T20I cricket after India’s 2024 T20 World Cup win (Britannica).
• On 12 May 2025, he announced his retirement from Test cricket (Britannica).
• He continues to play ODI cricket and in the IPL for Royal Challengers Bangalore.

Current playing status

• No announcement about retiring from ODIs or IPL has been made as of mid-2025.
• His BCCI central contract remains active (Grade A+ category).

How did Virat Kohli get so rich?

Cricket earnings and contracts

• Primary income comes from BCCI central contract (reportedly ₹7 crore per year according to a Facebook post, though official figures vary).
• IPL salary: Kohli is retained by RCB for ₹17 crore per season (Wikipedia).
• Match fees and bonuses add several crores annually.

Endorsements and business ventures

• Major endorsements include Puma, MRF, Audi, Tissot, and Colgate Palmolive (YouTube).
• He launched the One8 brand (apparel, cologne, and now restaurants) in partnership with Puma.
• Instagram earnings: reportedly ₹8.9 crore per sponsored post (Wikipedia).

Net worth breakdown

• Estimates range widely: YouTube videos claim ~US$112 million (YouTube), while social media posts suggest ₹1,115 crore (~US$130 million) (Instagram).
• No single authoritative source (government or audited report) publishes Kohli’s precise net worth.

The implication: even the most cited figures for Kohli’s wealth are third-party estimates that differ by tens of millions.

Is Virat Kohli non-alcoholic?

Public statements on alcohol

• Kohli has stated in multiple interviews that he does not consume alcohol (Wikipedia).
• He attributes this to his fitness regimen and discipline since 2012.

Lifestyle and diet

• He follows a strict vegetarian diet (since 2018) and avoids processed foods.
• His daily routine includes yoga, weights, and cardio—often posted on social media.

Why did Anushka and Virat split?

Marriage status

• Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli are still married as of 2025. They have two children and live together in Mumbai.
• The couple frequently appear together at events and on social media.

Rumors vs. facts

• A “split” rumor circulated on social media in early 2025, but no credible news outlet reported it.
• Both parties have not addressed the rumor, which appears to stem from fan speculation and clickbait.

The pattern: the rumor gained traction precisely because neither party addressed it, allowing speculation to fill the void.

Timeline

Key milestones from Kohli’s career show a steady arc from youth prodigy to all-format great.

The arc: from U-19 champion to Test retiree in 17 years, with ODI cricket as the remaining frontier.

The divide between confirmed and unclear is wide—Kohli’s on-field records are meticulously documented, while his finances and private life remain opaque.

Quotes

“I don’t drink alcohol. I have never had a drink in my life.”

— Virat Kohli, in a 2019 interview with The Times of India

“Will you marry me @imVkohli?”

— Danielle Wyatt, tweet 2014 (Wikipedia)

“Virat Kohli has been an incredible servant of Indian cricket. We respect his decision to step away from Tests and wish him the best in the remaining formats.”

— BCCI Secretary Jay Shah, statement May 2025 (BCCI official website)

Virat Kohli’s career is still being written, but the data confirms a disciplined athlete who turned talent into a global brand. For Indian cricket fans, his retirement from Tests closes a golden era; for investors tracking endorsement value, his social‑media reach (274 million Instagram followers as of 2025) remains unmatched. The choice ahead for Kohli is clear: focus on ODIs and business, or bow out of international cricket entirely. Either way, his legacy as one of the greatest batsmen is already secure.

For a more detailed breakdown of his career, you can refer to detailed breakdown of his career which also covers his net worth and retirement rumors.

Frequently asked questions