During a training session in Vadodara ahead of India’s ODI series against New Zealand, a young fan went viral for his striking resemblance to Virat Kohli. The encounter gave fans a touching glimpse of Kohli’s childhood as the boy approached the former captain for an autograph.
The child, nicknamed “Mini-Kohli” by fans, shared a remarkable likeness to Kohli’s early photos. Social media users compared the boy’s facial features and hairstyle to Kohli’s childhood, calling it a “glitch in the matrix.” Admirers joked about the resemblance, with one tweeting, “Yeh Akaay Kohli nahi hai? (Isn’t this Akaay Kohli?),” while another noted, “19-20 ka fark bhi nahi! (Not even a slight difference!)”
Virat Kohli, usually reserved around crowds, was seen smiling broadly during the encounter. Fans remarked that it felt as if Kohli’s childhood had come to life, with the former captain delighting in meeting his younger lookalike. The moment has since been widely shared on social media, including a video where the boy appears alongside bowler Arshdeep Singh.
This heartwarming incident comes amid Kohli’s ongoing resurgence in ODI cricket. Once ranked the No. 1 ODI batter for over three years, he has not held the top spot since Babar Azam overtook him in April 2021. However, a prolific three-match ODI series against South Africa, where he scored 302 runs and earned Player of the Series, has pushed him back up the rankings. Kohli is now ranked No. 2 in ODI batting, just eight points behind teammate Rohit Sharma.
Fans have enjoyed seeing this lighter side of the “Chase Master,” celebrating both his cricketing achievements and the viral moment with his young lookalike. The encounter reminded everyone of Kohli’s childhood, his humble beginnings, and his journey to becoming one of India’s cricketing legends.
Moments like these highlight not only Kohli’s enduring popularity but also the way fans connect emotionally with cricket icons, bridging generations through shared admiration.
In other news read more about: Ranveer Singh: A Journey From Childhood Dreams to Wax Figure Reality
