Virat Kohli's complete tattoo list, decoded — What every symbol on his body really means

Virat Kohli’s tattoos have become an important part of his personality, with each design carrying a different meaning. From symbols linked to his beliefs and family to tattoos representing important stages of his career, the Indian star has built a unique collection over the years.

The Indian superstar recently added another tattoo to his left arm, featuring a design that appears to show ripples spreading across water after a single drop falls on the surface. The new artwork is part of his plan to restore and refine his existing tattoos and bring them together into one connected sleeve.

Throughout this article, we will decode Virat Kohli’s complete tattoo list and explain the meaning behind each symbol. We will look at his old and new tattoos and explore how they reflect his beliefs, personal life and journey as one of cricket’s biggest stars.

13. Om symbol

Virat Kohli’s Om tattoo is often placed near or alongside his God’s Eye tattoo. The sacred symbol represents the universal sound of existence and reflects Kohli’s spiritual beliefs.

For Kohli, the Om symbol is also a reminder to stay humble and grounded. It represents his belief that the human ego is small compared to the vastness of the universe and reminds him that his journey in life has a deeper purpose.

12. Tribal Art

The tribal art tattoo was the first tattoo Virat Kohli got inked on his body. He got it as a teenager because he thought it looked cool, without fully understanding its meaning at the time. However, the tattoo later became important to him as it reminded him of where he started and how far he has come.

Kohli has said that his early tattoos were about looking cool, but they gradually became a part of his identity. The tribal design represents his early years and shows how his thoughts and outlook on life have changed over time.

11. The Monastery

The Monastery tattoo is placed on Virat Kohli’s left forearm and represents inner peace and a mental sanctuary. He got the tattoo after his difficult 2014 England tour, where he scored only 134 runs in 10 innings.

The tour taught Kohli to stop putting too much pressure on himself and focus more on enjoying the game. The Monastery tattoo became a symbol of peace and strength for him, helping him develop a better approach to cricket and life.

10. Scorpio Zodiac

Virat Kohli has a Scorpio symbol tattooed on his right upper arm. He was born on November 5, 1988, making Scorpio his zodiac sign. The tattoo has a personal meaning and represents an important part of his identity.

Scorpios are often associated with passion, intensity and determination. These qualities also match Kohli’s personality and aggressive approach on the cricket field, making the tattoo a fitting choice for the former India captain.

9. Japanese Samurai

The large tattoo on Kohli’s left upper arm represents the philosophy of the Japanese Samurai and the Bushido code. The Bushido code is based on seven virtues: justice, courage, benevolence, politeness, honesty, honour and loyalty.

Kohli believes the tattoo reminds him of the basic values of life and helps him both personally and professionally. He has also compared it to going back to the basics of the game, as the seven virtues continue to guide his approach to cricket and life.

8. God’s Eye

Virat Kohli has a celestial eye tattoo just above his Japanese Samurai tattoo on his left shoulder. He calls it the “God’s Eye” or the “all-seeing eye”. The tattoo represents his belief that every action is being watched and that this keeps him accountable for his choices.

For Kohli, the tattoo also reminds him to understand the purpose of life and his responsibilities as a human being. It reflects his spiritual side and helps him stay connected to his values and the bigger purpose of his journey.

7. New Ripple Tattoo

Kohli recently added a new tattoo to his left arm, with the artwork appearing to show ripples spreading across water after a single drop falls on the surface. The tattoo is located around his left bicep and has attracted significant attention from fans on social media.

The new design is part of Kohli’s larger plan to restore and connect his existing tattoos into one unified sleeve. His left arm now features redesigned elements, including a Shiva-inspired armband, a dotwork mandala, a lotus and a peony. While the designs are linked with ideas such as balance, focus and personal growth, Kohli has kept their deeper meanings private.

6. Lord Shiva Tattoo

Virat Kohli’s Lord Shiva tattoo is placed on his left forearm and shows Shiva meditating on Mount Kailash. The tattoo reflects Kohli’s spiritual beliefs and his focus on personal growth and self-improvement.

The design also represents the destruction of ego and the importance of maintaining discipline. These ideas closely match Kohli’s mental transformation and disciplined approach to both cricket and life.

5. Peony Tattoo

The peony tattoo is part of the artwork on Virat Kohli’s left sleeve. The flower has strong cultural significance in Asia, especially in Chinese tradition, where it is often associated with good fortune, nobility and wealth.

The peony also adds a softer and more flowing look to Kohli’s sleeve. Its design creates a contrast with the warrior-inspired tattoos around it, giving the entire sleeve a more balanced appearance.

4. Metatron’s Cube Tattoo

Metatron’s Cube is placed on Kohli’s right forearm and covers an older tribal tattoo. The design comes from sacred geometry and is made up of shapes that are believed to represent the building blocks of everything in the universe.

For Kohli, the tattoo represents the idea that everything is connected and part of something much bigger. It reminds him to stay focused and maintain perspective during both the highs and lows of his cricket career.

3. 175 and 269

The numbers 175 and 269 are two of the most important numbers in Virat Kohli’s life. They are his ODI and Test cap numbers and are not related to any of his batting records. Kohli has proudly kept these numbers as a reminder of his journey with the Indian team.

Kohli made his ODI debut against Sri Lanka in 2008 before making his Test debut against the West Indies in 2011. He has said that these numbers will always remain special to him because they represent his place in Indian cricket history.

2. The New Lotus Tattoo

Virat Kohli added a new lotus tattoo to his left triceps and shoulder in early 2026. In Hindu and Buddhist philosophy, the lotus grows in dirty water but blooms clean and beautiful. Kohli relates to this idea because he has always faced constant attention and criticism.

For Kohli, the lotus represents staying pure, calm and grounded despite the environment around him. It reflects his ability to remain focused on his journey while dealing with the pressure and challenges that come with being a top cricketer.

1. Prem and Saroj – His Parents’ Names

Virat Kohli has tattoos of his parents’ names, Prem and Saroj, on his arm as a tribute to them. His father, Prem Kohli, introduced him to cricket when he was just three years old and continued to support his dream. He also enrolled Virat in a professional cricket academy when he was nine.

Kohli has often spoken about the important role his parents played in his life and career. He got their names tattooed because he wanted to keep their connection with him forever. For him, the tattoos are a permanent reminder of the love and support he received from his parents.