Indian cricket star Virat Kohli had a heartwarming moment ahead of the first ODI against New Zealand in Rajkot when he met a young fan who looked remarkably like his younger self. The striking resemblance quickly caught everyone’s attention, including Kohli’s, leading to smiles, photos, and a special nickname.
On the eve of the series opener, the young fan met several members of the Indian team, including Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, and Arshdeep Singh. However, it was Kohli’s reaction that stole the spotlight. Amused by the resemblance, Kohli affectionately called the boy ‘Chhota Chiku’, a nod to his own long-time nickname.
‘Woh dekh mera duplicate baitha hai,’ Kohli tells Rohit
In a video interview, the young fan shared his memorable interaction with the Indian great.
“I really like Virat Kohli’s style and aura,” the fan said. “When I took his name, he waved at me and said he would come back shortly. Then he told Rohit Sharma, ‘Woh dekh mera duplicate baitha hai’ (Look, my duplicate is sitting there). He called me Chhota Chiku.”
The fan also revealed that he received autographs and photos with several players, making the experience unforgettable.
Kohli’s Special Bond With Young Fans
Virat Kohli, who is now a father of two, has often been seen showing warmth towards children during public interactions. He and his wife Anushka Sharma welcomed their daughter Vamika in January 2021 and their son Akaay four years later. While the couple keeps their children away from the public eye, Kohli has consistently displayed a soft spot for young fans.
What’s Next for Virat Kohli
Kohli’s public appearances have become less frequent in recent years. After retiring from Test cricket and T20 Internationals, he now features mainly in ODIs and spends much of his time with family in London when not playing.
For fans, there is good news. Following the New Zealand ODI series, Kohli will return to action in the IPL starting March 26, followed by India’s tour of England in July. India is also scheduled to play 12 more ODIs later in the year against Bangladesh, Afghanistan, West Indies, Sri Lanka, and New Zealand.
