Virat Kohli Stays Grounded: Declines This Offer
January 30, 2025: New Delhi: Virat Kohli is all set to make his much-anticipated return to domestic cricket in Delhi’s final Ranji Trophy group game against Railways at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. This marks Kohli’s first domestic appearance since 2012 and is shaping up to be one of the most high-profile games in recent Ranji Trophy history, despite Delhi’s imminent elimination from the tournament.
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Ahead of the match, Kohli’s training sessions were nothing short of a spectacle. With shutterbugs, media personnel, and fans swarming the venue, the spotlight was firmly on the former India captain. However, Kohli’s actions during training reminded everyone why he remains a fan favorite—not just for his cricketing prowess but also for his humility.
Delhi team manager Mahesh Bhati, who coached Kohli during his Under-17 and Under-19 days, shared a heartwarming anecdote with Times of India. On Kohli’s first day of practice, Bhati noticed him carrying his own kit bag to the nets. When Bhati suggested that younger players help him, Kohli firmly declined, saying, “Bhaia, kya baat kar rahe ho? Mere khelne ka samaan hai, mai khud leke jaunga” (Bhaia, what are you saying? It’s my playing gear; I’ll carry it myself).
“He is still the same Virat for everyone,” Bhati remarked, recalling how Kohli carried his bag both to and from the dressing room.
Bhati also shared moments of camaraderie as the two reminisced about their earlier days. Kohli humorously asked, “Bhaia, matting pe ab ladke nahi khelte kya?” (Bhaia, don’t boys play on matting anymore?). Bhati jokingly replied, “Pagal ho gaya hai tu! Matting kaha hai ab?” (Where’s matting now? You won’t find it in Delhi anymore).
Kohli fondly recalled playing cut and pull shots on matting pitches, remarking, “Maza bada aata tha pull marne mein, awaaz sahi aati thi” (Hitting pull shots was so much fun; the sound was perfect).
Kohli’s return to the Arun Jaitley Stadium is more than just a cricket match—it’s a homecoming. As he gears up to represent Delhi, his actions and attitude off the field have set an example for young cricketers, proving that humility and discipline are as crucial as talent.
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