Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Virat Kohli’s Tattoo Journey: An Overview
- Spiritual and Religious Tattoos
- Cricket Milestone Tattoos
- Philosophical and Cultural Influences
- Personal and Family Tattoos
- Evolution and Recent Additions
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Introduction
Virat Kohli is not just a cricketing legend, he is also a style icon whose tattoos tell a fascinating story.
Each piece of ink on his body represents a chapter from his life, reflecting his spiritual beliefs, professional achievements, and personal values.
This article dives deep into the meanings behind Virat Kohli’s tattoos, offering an exclusive look at the symbols that inspire him every day.
Virat Kohli’s Tattoo Journey: An Overview
Virat Kohli’s tattoo collection is as unique as his cricketing career.
Over the years, he has carefully chosen each tattoo to mark important moments, beliefs, and people in his life.
His body art is a visual autobiography, blending spirituality, culture, and personal milestones. Kohli’s tattoos are more than just fashion statements—they are meaningful reminders of his journey and values.
Spiritual and Religious Tattoos
Lord Shiva Tattoo
- Location: Left forearm
- Meaning: Lord Shiva in meditation on Mount Kailash with Lake Mansarovar in the background.
- Significance: Kohli says this tattoo reminds him to let go of negativity and strive for self-improvement. He believes Lord Shiva, the “God of Destruction,” helps remove negative traits and create a better version of himself.
Om Symbol
- Location: Left tricep
- Meaning: The sacred Hindu symbol representing the universal sound of existence.
- Significance: This tattoo keeps Kohli spiritually grounded. It reminds him of the greater forces at play in the universe and helps him find peace during challenging times.
God’s Eye Tattoo
- Location: Shoulder
- Meaning: Symbolizes the all-seeing divine eye.
- Significance: Kohli explains this tattoo as a reminder that a higher power is always watching, guiding, and judging. It keeps him humble and focused on his path.
Cricket Milestone Tattoos
ODI Cap Number (175)
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Left arm |
| Meaning | ODI cap number |
| Significance | Commemorates his debut as India’s 175th ODI player |
Story: Kohli made his ODI debut in August 2008 against Sri Lanka in Dambulla. The “175” tattoo is a tribute to that special moment.
Test Cap Number (269)
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Not specified |
| Meaning | Test cap number |
| Significance | Marks his Test debut as India’s 269th player |
Story: Kohli debuted in Test cricket in June 2011 against the West Indies. The “269” tattoo is a permanent reminder of this milestone.
Philosophical and Cultural Influences
Japanese Samurai Tattoo
- Location: Left bicep
- Meaning: Depicts a samurai warrior with a raised sword.
- Significance: Inspired by the Bushido code, this tattoo represents values like loyalty, discipline, honor, and courage. Kohli says it reflects his approach to life and cricket.
Monastery Tattoo
- Location: Left shoulder
- Meaning: Represents a monastery.
- Significance: This tattoo symbolizes Kohli’s quest for peace and spiritual power. It reminds him to stay calm and balanced, even under pressure.
Personal and Family Tattoos
Parents’ Names: Prem and Saroj
- Location: Not specified
- Meaning: Tattoos of his parents’ names.
- Significance: These tattoos honor his parents for their love and support. Kohli says he wants to carry their names with him forever.
Scorpio Zodiac Tattoo
- Location: Right bicep
- Meaning: Scorpio symbol
- Significance: Kohli was born on November 5, 1988, under the Scorpio sign. The tattoo reflects his passionate and determined personality.
Evolution and Recent Additions
Metatron Cube Cover-Up
- Location: Right forearm (cover-up of old tribal tattoo)
- Meaning: Geometric Metatron cube design
- Significance: This tattoo represents the interconnectedness of all things and the source of creation. It marks Kohli’s spiritual growth and desire for higher consciousness.
- Artist: Sunny Bhanushali at Aliens Tattoo Studio
- Time Taken: Over 12 hours
Kohli’s first tattoo was a tribal design, chosen for its cool look. As he matured, he covered it with the Metatron cube, reflecting his deeper spiritual journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tattoos does Virat Kohli have?
Virat Kohli has multiple tattoos spanning spiritual symbols, cricket milestones, and personal tributes, including a Lord Shiva tattoo on his left forearm, an Om symbol on his left tricep, a God’s Eye on his shoulder, ODI and Test cap number tattoos, a Japanese samurai warrior, a monastery design, his parents’ names, a Scorpio zodiac symbol, and a Metatron cube cover-up on his right forearm.
What does Virat Kohli’s Lord Shiva tattoo mean?
Virat Kohli’s Lord Shiva tattoo, inked on his left forearm, depicts Shiva meditating on Mount Kailash with Lake Mansarovar in the background. Kohli has said it reminds him to let go of negativity and strive for continuous self-improvement.
What do Virat Kohli’s cricket-themed tattoos represent?
Virat Kohli’s cricket tattoos mark his international debuts: “175” on his left arm commemorates his ODI cap number from his 2008 debut against Sri Lanka, while “269” marks his Test cap number from his 2011 debut against the West Indies.
Why did Virat Kohli cover up his first tattoo?
Virat Kohli’s first tattoo was a tribal design chosen mainly for its look. As his spiritual outlook matured, he covered it with a Metatron cube design on his right forearm, a project that took artist Sunny Bhanushali over 12 hours to complete.
Does Virat Kohli have a tattoo dedicated to his parents?
Yes, Virat Kohli has tattoos of his parents’ names, Prem and Saroj, as a personal tribute to their love and support. He has said he wants to carry their names with him permanently.
What does Virat Kohli’s Japanese samurai tattoo symbolize?
Virat Kohli’s Japanese samurai tattoo, located on his left bicep, depicts a warrior with a raised sword and draws on the Bushido code, representing loyalty, discipline, honor, and courage, values Kohli associates with his approach to cricket and life.
Conclusion
Virat Kohli’s tattoos are a unique window into his life. Each piece of ink tells a story of faith, family, ambition, and personal growth. From spiritual symbols to cricket milestones, his tattoos are a living tribute to the values and experiences that shape him. Kohli’s body art is more than just decoration—it is a roadmap of his journey, inspiring fans worldwide.
