Virat Kohli turns 29- The unknown side of Indian skipper
What's the story
At his current pace and form, Virat Kohli is on an unstoppable road to breaking almost all the batting records in cricket history.
The Indian skipper with his dependable batting skills and intelligent captaincy is arguably the best batsman of current times.
As Kohli turns 29, let us look Kohli's life beyond cricket and what makes him an inspiration off the field as well.
Identifying as a feminist
A champion of feminism
Time and again Virat Kohli, through interviews and social media platforms, proclaimed his stand for gender equality and the concept of "fairness" holds great importance in his life.
Kohli who identifies as a feminist had said, "At some point it becomes a personal choice, and I would definitely want to think about life from the side of a woman. Everyone should be a feminist."
Compassion
Caring for animals
Kohli is an animal lover and displays his affection towards them by posting messages about caring for street animals.
Being a huge dog lover that he is, Kohli constantly reminds his millions of followers to not hurt or harass dogs with colours or fireworks on festivals.
He credits his partner Anushka Sharma for changing the way he feels about animals.
Fitness icon
A true fitness icon who refused cola ad deal
Kohli is among the fittest cricketers and is an endorser of living healthy.
In this light, the Indian captain turned down a multi-crore ad deal with Pepsi as it goes against what he follows in real life.
He is the only second sportsperson from India to do so after Pullela Gopichand, thus staying true to himself and inspirational for others to follow.
Business Interests
A cricketer with business acumen
Kohli has made several sensible investments in sporting leagues which includes: ISL where he is the co-owner of FC Goa, IPTL where he is part-owner of UAE Royals, co-owner of Pro Wrestling league's Bengaluru Yodhas.
He is also a co-owner of youth fashion brand Wrogn, and has his own chain of gyms under the name "Chisel."
Do you know?
Kohli's Delhi-based restaurant 'Nueva'
A juggler of many hats, Kohli also owns a restaurant in Delhi named "Nueva" which serves authentic South American food and also serves food inspired from Spain, Portugal, Italy, France, Japan and Asia.