November 5 is a special day for cricket fans across the world as Indian cricket superstar Virat Kohli celebrates his 38th birthday. Born on November 5, 1988, in Delhi, Kohli has established himself as one of the greatest batters in modern cricket. From overcoming personal struggles during his childhood to breaking numerous international records, his journey has been nothing short of extraordinary.

Often regarded as one of the finest successors to Sachin Tendulkar, Kohli has achieved remarkable milestones in all three formats of international cricket. His aggressive batting, remarkable consistency and passion for the game have earned him millions of admirers.

On his 38th birthday, here are 38 interesting facts about Virat Kohli that reveal lesser-known details about his childhood, personal life and cricketing career.

38 Interesting Facts About Virat Kohli

1. Why does Virat Kohli wear jersey number 18?

Kohli's jersey number 18 holds emotional significance. It is associated with December 18, 2006, the day his father, Prem Kohli, passed away.

2. He played cricket immediately after his father's death

Despite losing his father, Kohli decided to continue playing and represented Delhi in a Ranji Trophy match the following day. He scored a memorable 90 runs.

3. His family faced financial difficulties

Following his father's death, the family went through a difficult financial period. Kohli continued pursuing cricket while his family supported his ambitions.

4. His first cricket bat cost ₹1,000

Kohli's first cricket bat was reportedly from the RNS Larson brand and cost approximately ₹1,000.

5. How did he get the nickname 'Cheeku'?

His childhood coach Ajit Chaudhary gave him the nickname Cheeku because of his appearance after a haircut.

6. He started playing cricket at just three years old

Kohli developed an interest in cricket at a very young age and reportedly held a cricket bat for the first time when he was around three.

7. He joined West Delhi Cricket Academy in 1998

On May 30, 1998, Kohli joined the West Delhi Cricket Academy, marking an important step in his cricketing journey.

8. He wanted to play against older players

During his junior cricket days, Kohli was so confident in his abilities that he insisted on playing in the senior group rather than continuing with younger players.

9. He had predicted his cricketing future as a child

Kohli reportedly wrote in his childhood scrapbook that he wanted to become an Indian cricketer. Years later, he fulfilled that dream.

10. He once dreamed of marrying an actress

As a child, Kohli reportedly expressed his desire to become successful and marry a Bollywood actress. He eventually married actress Anushka Sharma.

11. He has also kept wickets for India

Kohli has occasionally taken up wicketkeeping duties for the Indian team, including in a Test match and an ODI.

12. He has a unique T20 International wicket record

Kohli once dismissed Kevin Pietersen through a stumping off a wide delivery while bowling. This is an unusual statistical achievement in T20 International cricket.

13. He has never participated in an IPL auction

Royal Challengers Bengaluru selected Kohli ahead of the inaugural IPL season in 2008. He has remained associated with the franchise throughout his IPL career.

14. He enjoys Japanese cuisine

Japanese food is reportedly among Kohli's favourite cuisines. He has also expressed his fondness for biryani and kheer.

15. Karisma Kapoor was his childhood crush

Kohli has reportedly spoken about Bollywood actress Karisma Kapoor being his childhood crush.

16. He has several tattoos

Kohli is known for his collection of tattoos, which includes designs such as a samurai warrior and a dragon.

17. He is particular about his drinking water

Kohli has been associated with Evian natural spring water, which is known for its premium pricing and international reputation.

18. He scored a century on his ODI World Cup debut

Kohli became the first Indian batter to score a century on his ODI World Cup debut. He achieved the milestone against Bangladesh during the 2011 World Cup.

19. He became the youngest ICC ODI Player of the Year

At just 23 years old, Kohli won the ICC ODI Player of the Year award in 2012.

20. He has scored a century in a rain-shortened T20 match

Kohli has achieved the unusual feat of scoring a century in a rain-affected T20 match reduced to just 15 overs.

21. He follows certain batting superstitions

Kohli has reportedly preferred using the same batting gloves and pads when he is enjoying good form.

22. Herschelle Gibbs was one of his favourite cricketers

Former South African batter Herschelle Gibbs was among the players Kohli admired during his younger days.

23. He used unusual methods during childhood fitness sessions

During his early training days, Kohli reportedly used to ride ahead on a milkman's bicycle during cross-country running sessions.

24. He has an interesting ODI score statistic

One of the lesser-known statistical claims associated with Kohli is that he has never been dismissed after scoring exactly 17 runs in ODI cricket.

25. October has been a special month for his ODI centuries

Kohli has enjoyed considerable success during October, a month in which he has scored several memorable ODI centuries.

26. He has scored international centuries on both national holidays

Kohli has achieved the distinction of scoring international centuries on both India's Independence Day and Republic Day.

27. He holds the record for most Test double centuries as captain

Kohli scored seven Test double centuries while leading India, establishing a world record in this category.

28. He attended Phil Hughes' funeral

Kohli was among the Indian cricketers who paid their respects at the funeral of Australian cricketer Phil Hughes, who tragically died after being struck by a cricket ball.

29. He has an extraordinary collection of ODI centuries

Kohli has scored more than 50 ODI centuries and is among the most prolific century-makers in the history of the format.

30. He has scored the most runs in ODI run chases

Kohli's ability to chase targets has earned him the reputation of one of the greatest finishers in ODI cricket. He holds the record for the most runs in successful and overall ODI chases as reported in this category.

31. He has broken multiple fastest-to-milestone records

Kohli has reached several ODI run milestones, including 8,000, 9,000, 10,000, 11,000, 12,000, 13,000, 14,000 and 15,000 runs, in fewer innings than previous record-holders.

32. He reached 10,000 ODI runs in just 205 innings

Kohli became the fastest batter to reach 10,000 ODI runs, achieving the milestone in just 205 innings.

33. He has scored 10 ODI centuries against Sri Lanka and West Indies

Kohli has registered double-digit ODI centuries against both Sri Lanka and West Indies, demonstrating his consistency against different opponents.

34. He holds the record for most ODI centuries in run chases

Kohli's ability to perform under pressure has helped him become the leading century-maker in ODI run chases.

35. He scored 765 runs in the 2023 ODI World Cup

Kohli created history during the 2023 ODI World Cup by scoring 765 runs, the highest individual run tally in a single edition of the tournament.

36. He has crossed 13,000 ODI runs batting at number three

Kohli has scored more than 13,000 ODI runs while batting at number three, making him one of the most successful players in that position.

37. He has an exceptional ODI batting average

Among batters who have scored more than 10,000 ODI runs, Kohli has maintained one of the highest career batting averages in the format.

38. He averages more than 50 in all four SENA countries

One of Kohli's most remarkable achievements is maintaining an ODI batting average above 50 in South Africa, England, New Zealand and Australia. His consistency across these challenging overseas conditions highlights his ability to perform around the world.

From a young Delhi cricketer to a global superstar

Virat Kohli's journey is an example of determination, discipline and consistency. From purchasing his first cricket bat for approximately ₹1,000 to becoming one of the most celebrated players in international cricket, he has experienced an extraordinary transformation.

His achievements go beyond individual records. Kohli has played an important role in Indian cricket as a batter and captain, inspiring a generation of young cricketers to pursue the sport.

As he celebrates his 38th birthday, fans across the world continue to admire his passion for cricket and look forward to witnessing more memorable performances from one of the game's biggest superstars.