Virat Kohli’s 12 Tattoos Explained: From Family Love to Spiritual Symbols

By: Cricbites | September 23, 2025

One of the greatest cricketers of modern times, Virat Kohli is admired for his unparalleled consistency with the bat. We all know it but do you know why he was invented? Yes, it is none other than the “living canvas” of tattoos on his body. While his records and achievements are widely celebrated, his tattoos often arouse curiosity among fans. For Kohli, tattoos are an extension of his personality, a spiritual guide and a journal of his life.

Kohli once famously said, “The game of cricket doesn’t look at tattoos, it looks at commitment.” Yet, each tattoo he gets represents a value, belief or memory that defines him both on and off the field.

This blog takes you deep into the world of Virat Kohli’s tattoos, explaining their meanings, stories and significance.

The Silent Language of Athlete Tattoos

For athletes, tattoos are more than just a design, but why? Because they are not just fashion, but symbols of their struggles, victories and personal philosophies. Research suggests that tattoos act as non-verbal communication, expressing identity and values. From basketball stars to footballers, body art reflects personality and transformation.

For Kohli, tattoos have played a similar role. Each tattoo reflects his spiritual quest, respect for family and a strong desire to excel.

Virat Kohli’s Tattoos: Complete List & Meanings

Kohli has about 12 well-known tattoos, each of which has a deep story behind it. Let’s take a look at them in detail:

1. God’s Eye Tattoo

Location: Left shoulder
Meaning: Symbolizes the “all-seeing eye of God.” It keeps reminding Kohli that a higher power constantly watches, guides, and protects him. It also inspires humility and wisdom.

2. Japanese Samurai Tattoo

Location: Left arm/bicep
Meaning: Inspired by the Bushido code, this one shows justice, honor, loyalty, courage, honesty, and politeness. He relates this to his warrior-like approach to cricket, where discipline and courage define his success.

3. Monastery Tattoo

Location: Left forearm
Meaning: A symbol of peace and spiritual balance. It reminds him to stay calm, centered, and focused, even during tough times on and off the field.

4. Lord Shiva Tattoo

Location: Left forearm
Meaning: Shows Lord Shiva meditating on Mount Kailash by Lake Mansarovar. For Kohli, it shows his ability to destroy negativity and come back stronger. It is a symbol of willpower and inner strength.

5. Om Symbol Tattoo

Location: Left tricep
Meaning: Here ‘Om’ mean the sound of the universe. It helps in connecting him to spirituality, grounding him, and helping him remain humble despite fame.

6. Parents’ Names – Saroj and Prem

Location: Arms
Meaning: A tribute to his parents. “Saroj” (his mother’s name) and “Prem” (his late father’s name) are cemented forever, reminding him of their love and sacrifices.

7. ODI Cap Number (175)

Location: Left arm
Meaning: Marks him as the 175th cricketer to play One Day Internationals for India (debut in 2008 against Sri Lanka).

8. Test Cap Number (269)

Location: Near his father’s name
Meaning: Represent his debut as India’s 269th Test cricketer (against West Indies in 2011). These numbers remind him of his biggest career achievements.

9. Scorpio Zodiac Tattoo

Location: Right bicep
Meaning: Since he was born on November 5, Kohli’s Scorpio sign shows passion, determination, and strength qualities. These qualities can be seen both by his fans and comrades on and off field..

10. Tribal Art Tattoo (His First Tattoo)

Location: Right forearm (2007, later covered up)
Story: Kohli admitted he got this tattoo just “to look cool.” It was his first tattoo, but he later removed it due to its lack of meaning.

11. Metatron Cube / Sacred Geometry (Latest Tattoo)

Location: Right forearm (covered over Tribal Tattoo)
Meaning: A complex design featuring a cube, septagon, and geometric flower. It represents higher consciousness, interconnectedness of life, and spiritual growth. Created in 2023 after 12-14 hours of work.

The Evolution of Kohli’s Tattoos

Kohli’s tattoo journey shows his growth as a person:

His first tattoo (Tribal Art) reflected youthful aggression.
The cap number tattoos captured his professional achievements.
The parents’ names tattoo expressed gratitude.
The Samurai, Shiva, Om, and Metatron Cube tattoos showed him as spiritual, balanced and self-aware individual.

His tattoos are no longer about show off; they now symbolize identity, and connection with something greater.

Conclusion

Virat Kohli’s tattoos are the inked story of his life. Each tattoo on his body tells a story as it reflects his evolution from an angry young man to a balanced leader who values a higher purpose.

For Kohli, tattoos are a visual autobiography; quiet yet powerful. They remind him (and his fans) that true greatness is not just about runs and records, but also about being spiritual and connected to one’s roots.

FAQs

Q1. How many tattoos does Virat Kohli have?

Virat Kohli has 12 tattoos. Each tattoo has a spiritual, personal or professional significance. These tattoos are a tribute to the milestones of his cricketing career by his family.

Q2. Which tattoo is most spiritual in nature?

His tattoo of Lord Shiva and the Om symbol stand out for their deep spiritual meaning. It represents inner strength, the ability to overcome negativity, and the importance of balance.

Q3. What is Virat Kohli’s most recent tattoo?

His latest tattoo is a Metatron’s Cube / Sacred Geometry design (inked in April 2023). It replaces his previous tribal art tattoo and symbolizes the interconnectedness of the universe.

Q4. Why does Virat Kohli have his cap numbers tattooed?

The numbers 175 (ODI) and 269 (Test) are etched in his memory to remind him of his proud milestones, his international cricket debut. For him, these numbers are a permanent reminder of where his journey began.

Q5. Do Virat Kohli’s tattoos inspire fans?

Yes, many fans are inspired by his tattoos, especially the samurai, Om, and Shiva designs. While some copy them for their style, others create them with deep spiritual meaning.