The discussion began casually, amidst the bustling ambiance of a shopping mall, revolving around the quintessential Modinagar shikanji. This Indian lemonade, a beloved summer cooler, is more than just a drink; it’s a cultural emblem.
Type “Virat Kohli shirtless” into any search engine, and a series of compelling images instantly appear. One captures Kohli in a swimming pool, seemingly lost in thought, eyes closed, hand running through his wet hair, displaying a raw virility reminiscent of a Bond film scene. Another, taken in Sri Lanka in August, shows him wrapped only in a towel. His physique is further highlighted in Nike’s Bleed Blue campaign, showcasing his sculpted abs. Yet, it’s a shirtless selfie, shared on his Instagram earlier in the year, that reveals more than just his impressive pectoral muscles, six-pack abs, and heavily tattooed arm. It offers a glimpse into the persona of one of India’s most dedicated and talented cricketers – a young man comfortable in his skin and not afraid to show it.
Virat Kohli's captivating shirtless selfie showcasing his physique and tattoos, embodying modern virat fashion and confident Indian menswear style.
My argument extends to Indian menswear itself, which is desperately seeking a bold and determined figure to champion its cause. It needs a man of conviction to represent clothing that is finally carving out a distinct identity, moving beyond the clichés of vibrant floral patterns and rigid classic designs. This is where “Virat Fashion” comes into play – a style that embodies confidence, athleticism, and modern Indian masculinity.
Recent fashion weeks in Delhi and Mumbai generated considerable media coverage, with countless photographs circulating in newspapers and online. However, the Indian personality who commanded the most attention during this period, and for truly noteworthy achievements, was Kohli, the captain of the Indian Test cricket team. Despite India’s defeat in the World Twenty20 semi-finals, Kohli garnered the loudest applause, celebrated for his unwavering focus and dedication to the sport. His commitment to excellence and his powerful presence both on and off the field make him a natural fit for representing “Virat Fashion.”
Kohli has endorsed various products, from shampoos to cars and beverages. He has even graced red carpet events alongside his former partner, Anushka Sharma. However, for the most part, he is like a peacock that reserves the full display of its vibrant plumage for the cricket pitch. Currently, the direct connection between mainstream fashion and Kohli remains largely untapped, a missed opportunity for both industries.
This is precisely why I advocate for a strong link between “Virat Fashion” and Virat Kohli. This connection is particularly relevant given the global movement towards body positivity in popular culture. India, however, remains somewhat confined by ideals of “perfection.” These ideals are perpetuated on magazine covers and in fashion shows, often defined by celebrity status or the use of young, tall, and slender models, often of foreign origin. These models often appear detached, showing little engagement with either the clothes or the audience, and are frequently overshadowed by Bollywood actors who dominate the finale walk.
At the Lakmé Fashion Week’s Summer/Resort 2016 in Mumbai, a predictable lineup of film stars served as mannequins. Shraddha Kapoor for Masaba, Sonakshi Sinha for Anita Dongre, and so on. The collections often become secondary to the celebrity appearances. Despite careful examination of numerous photographs and detailed collection notes, the essence of the fashion itself often gets lost. The reliance on film actors as showstoppers is failing to elevate fashion weeks beyond a predictable routine. This highlights the need for a fresh approach, one that “Virat Fashion” and Virat Kohli can bring.
However, if fame and “perfection” remain the dominant criteria in fashion, then Virat Kohli emerges as an ideal candidate. His physique is a testament to why the finest menswear would look exceptional on him. His composure and confidence are products of rigorous discipline. Known for his organized approach, he believes in meticulous preparation to nurture and sustain his talent. And his success is undeniable proof of this philosophy. For those interested in details, Kohli is known for never skipping breakfast, favoring Japanese cuisine for its health benefits (a departure from the dal makhni and chhole bhature of his Delhi upbringing), and maintaining a precisely tailored regimen of diet, hydration, sleep, and fitness. He is also known for his proactive approach to self-improvement. For example, after identifying a pattern of getting dismissed on the off-side, he dedicated himself to mastering the cover drive, transforming it into a signature strength. Even in his personal life, during his relationship with Sharma, he openly expressed his affection on social media, and even after their reported separation, he publicly defended her against online harassment. According to a cricket journalist, who preferred to remain anonymous, “(He is the) No.1 superstar in Indian cricket now, and I am surprised no big clothing brand has approached him to be its face.” This underscores the untapped potential of “Virat Fashion” and Kohli’s brand value.
Menswear brand Raymond has long used the tagline Complete Man. Virat Kohli embodies a “complete man in the making,” perfectly suited for a campaign titled “The Stages of Manhood,” representing the evolution of “Virat Fashion” and modern Indian masculinity. And concerns about his height are irrelevant. His powerful presence and commanding personality transcend physical stature, making him a true icon of “Virat Fashion.”
Clothes should tell compelling stories or become integral characters within significant narratives to be truly memorable. This is the narrative that Kohli could bring to Indian fashion: a story that would resonate deeply and endure, defining “Virat Fashion” for years to come, both in the annals of fashion and in the public consciousness. He represents a new era for Indian menswear, one defined by confidence, athleticism, and authentic Indian style – the very essence of “Virat Fashion.”
