Who is the King of Cricket?

In the modern cricketing world, no name shines brighter than Virat Kohli. He is not just a cricketer; he is an icon, a phenomenon in itself. From Delhi’s local grounds to global stadiums packed with thousands, Kohli’s rise has been nothing short of legendary. Often called the “king Kohli”, it’s a title that Kohli earned over his years of batting consistency, fielding dominance, and leadership excellence across the formats.

Kohli began his international journey after leading India to victory in the U19 World Cup in 2008. He made his ODI debut the same year and has never looked back. As of 2025, he has played 123 Tests, 302 ODIs, and 125 T20Is, scoring over 27,500 international runs and 82 centuries. To add to these numbers, he has played in 263 IPL matches, has 8509 runs 8 centuries. These numbers not just define what kind of player he is, but also tell us why fans around the globe crown him as the “King of Cricket.”

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Why does the Title “King” fit?

Kohli’s dominance isn’t just in stats, it’s in moments that he has given to his fans while playing across different games of the format. He built his legacy around match-winning chases, especially in the ODI format. His aggressive yet calculated batting style, often marked by his trademark cover drives and enthusiastic presence on the field, has won him games and hearts alike.

But beyond the bat, it’s the leadership and fitness that set him apart. As captain, he led India to their first-ever Test series win in Australia and kept them No. 1 in Tests for over 40 consecutive months. Under him, India played fearless cricket and focused heavily on improving with every match. His obsession with fitness raised the bar across Indian cricket. Today, he’s not just respected as King but also as a player who refined the culture of Indian Cricket.

He has also broken several iconic records, like as fastest to 8K, 9K, 10K, and 12K ODI runs, and most ODI centuries after Sachin Tendulkar, and is also has the highest runs in a single IPL Season (973 in 2016). While Babar Azam is often pitched as a contender for the “King” tag, Kohli’s impact is wider, impactful, and overall numbers still keep him in the elite record.

Virat Kohli- Career Stats(as of 2025)

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More than a cricketer: A Global Icon

Virat Kohli isn’t just king on the field; he ruled off it too. With 271M Instagram followers, 67.7M on Twitter(X), and 51M on Facebook, he’s the third most-followed athlete globally behind only Ronaldo and Messi. His digital presence, brand value, and mass following make him the most marketable cricketer ever.

Despite all the fame and achievements, Kohli remains grounded. During the 2024 T20 World Cup, when he returned to form with a match-winning 76 after a dip in performances, he held it humbly and urged his fans to stop calling him “King”. But for fans, that title isn’t just about runs or trophies; it’s about the impact, the fire, and the unwavering spirit that Kohli brings every time he walks out to bat on the field.