Virat Kohli is not only a cricket icon for Indians, but he is considered to be one of the highest paid celebrities in the country due to his appearance, conduct and fashion style, particularly as he stands out with tattoos on his body.
The tattoos on the Indian star makes him stand out from the majority of cricketers and celebrities in the country, which has made it a part of his iconic personality as well.
Bet on India vs Bangladesh and other cricket matches here!
Since getting his first-ever tattoo during his teenage years, which was a tribal art on his forearm, which he later covered up with his latest tattoo, which he inked ahead of the IPL 2023 season.
Kohli is known as someone who has always been passionate about his tattoos due to the significance and stories behind each of his 12 tattoos.
The Sporting News provides a breakdown of all of his tattoos and explains the meaning behind each one of them.
Explained: What is the meaning behind each of Virat Kohli's tattoos?
1. God's eye tattoo:
According to Kohli, the famous God's eye tattoo on his left shoulder signifies that everything that is happening in this universe is being watched by someone and he is keeping a count.
He revealed that the tattoo helps him understand and reminds him of the essence of life - about his goals is in life and what he needs to do as a human being.
2. '175' tattoo:
The 175 tattoo on his left arm has a straightforward meaning. It is his ODI cap number, that is, he is the 175th player to play ODI cricket for India.
He had made his ODI debut in August 2008 when India faced Sri Lanka in Dambulla. He has since played 295 ODIs with a record-breaking 50 centuries to his name.
3. '269' tattoo:
Just like the 175 tattoo, the 269 tattoo just above the other number holds a similar significance but for Test cricket. He debuted as the 269th Test player for India in West Indies in June 2011.
So far, he has played 114 Tests with close to 9000 runs to his name alongside 29 centuries.
Read More: Where will the IPL 2025 mega auction be held?
4. Japanese Samurai tattoo:
According to the Kohli, the Japanese Samurai tattoo on his left bicep resembles living life as a samurai - one who is respectful, ethical and has incredible discipline and constraint in life.
5. Saroj tattoo:
On his upper left arm, just beside the 175, he has inked his mother's name in Hindi.
6. Prem tattoo:
Above Saroj and just beside 269, he has Prem written in Hindi, which is his late father's name.
7. Monastery tattoo:
On his left shoulder, he has also inked a monastery which symbolizes peace and balance in life during tough situations.
8. Lord Shiva tattoo:
The Lord Shiva tattoo on his left forearm symbolizes his faith in the divine. The Lord is also seen meditating on Kailash with a lake which symbolizes the power of meditation and the destruction of the ego.
9. Om symbol tattoo:
Just below the Shiva tattoo, the Om tattoo shows Virat's belief in spirituality, ultimate reality and consciousness according to Hinduism.
10. Scorpio tattoo:
The Scorpio tattoo on his right arm is his zodiac sign since his birthday is on the 5th of November.
Bet on India vs Bangladesh and other cricket matches here!
11. Tribal tattoo:
The tribal tattoo, which was his first one, on his right forearm has a funny story behind it.
In 2007, he supposedly picked the design at the tattoo parlour at random, without knowing any meaning behind it. Since the tattoo looked like an F, he told people that it meant faith before eventually covering it up.
12. Dot work tattoo:
The latest dot work tattoo, according to his artist himself represents Virat's belief in the interconnection and oneness of everything in life. The tattoo was a cover-up for an old tattoo which depicts the structure of life and the source of all.
MORE: Ashwin becomes the oldest Indian to take a fifer in Tests
If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Learn more >