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Virat Kohli has undeniably been one of India’s most prominent cricketers over the past 15 years. His impact on the sport transcends records and statistics, and he is celebrated not only for his cricketing talent but also for his off-field interactions, especially with young fans and budding cricketers.
Kohli’s journey in cricket has been nothing short of spectacular. From a young and fiery talent bursting onto the scene to becoming the captain of the Indian cricket team, he has achieved numerous milestones. His records in the game are a testament to his dedication and skill.
A role model on and off the field
What sets the Indian stalwart apart from others is his ability to connect with fans, especially children, in a profound way. His interactions with young cricket fans have left an indelible mark, inspiring a generation of aspiring cricketers. Kohli’s commitment to nurturing talent at the grassroots level is commendable.
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A glimpse into Kohli’s compassion
In a heartwarming promotional video shared by Star Sports ahead of the ODI World Cup 2023, Kohli demonstrated his compassionate side. The video, titled ‘Let Kids Play,’ captured a special moment where Kohli engaged in a game of gully cricket with street children.
What made this interaction extraordinary was Kohli’s effort to retrieve a cricket ball that had landed in a woman’s house in the colony. He emphasized the significance of allowing children to play freely in such spaces, highlighting how these seemingly small moments can shape a child’s sporting journey.
Kohli’s personal story of perseverance resonated in the video. He shared that if someone had discouraged him from playing in his formative years, he might not have realized his dream of representing India. His message at the end of the video was poignant: “Let the children play…because it all starts from here…”
Here’s the video:
From role-playing as Sehwag, Sachin & Ganguly on the field as kids, to inspiring the next generation of athletes, Virat Kohli believes that it is imperative for us to #LetKidsPlay
For only when we let kids play will we pave the way for the next Kohli!#StarSportsNetwork #Cricket pic.twitter.com/Cesb6v6AJS
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) September 20, 2023
Kohli’s 2023 ODI performance and the upcoming World Cup
While the 34-year-old continues to be an icon off the field, his on-field performance in 2023 has also been noteworthy. In 15 ODI matches, he accumulated 556 runs, showcasing his ability to consistently contribute to the team’s success. With three centuries and a half-century, Kohli’s batting skills remains top-notch.
As India prepares to host the ODI World Cup 2023, the nation’s expectations are firmly fixed on Kohli. He has been the guiding force for Team India for over a decade, and once again, all eyes will be on him to lead the team to victory on the world stage. Kohli’s impact extends beyond the boundaries of cricket, making him an inspirational figure for aspiring cricketers and a symbol of hope for the nation.
