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In a touching moment that captured the essence of sportsmanship and fan connection, Indian cricket star Virat Kohli gifted a signed bat to a young admirer during the second Test match against New Zealand in Pune. This heartwarming incident unfolded at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, where Kohli, known for his generosity towards fans, once again showcased his commitment to making dreams come true. The 35-year-old cricketer has built a reputation for his kind gestures, often taking time to engage with fans through selfies and autographs.
A moment of joy for the Virat Kohli fan
In a video that quickly circulated on social media, Kohli is seen presenting the autographed bat to the ecstatic young fan. The sheer joy on the boy’s face was palpable as he received the prized possession from his idol.
“I am so grateful, I just got Virat Kohli’s signature. Dream comes true. I love you, Virat Kohli,” the fan exclaimed, embodying the excitement that many young cricket enthusiasts feel when they meet their heroes. This act of kindness is not an isolated incident; earlier in the series, Kohli had similarly delighted another young fan with a signed bat, reinforcing his status as a beloved figure in Indian cricket.
Also READ: Video of Rohit Sharma’s response on fan’s touching appeal for Virat Kohli wins internet
Here’s the video:
Virat Kohli giving autograph to a little fan at Team Hotel, Pune 🥰❤️ pic.twitter.com/U8NQrsGJ4z
— Virat Kohli Fan Club (@Trend_VKohli) October 25, 2024
Kohli’s recent on and off performing form
Despite his off-field heroics, Kohli’s recent performances on the pitch have been a mixed bag. In the first Test match at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, he struggled initially, scoring a duck in the first innings before redeeming himself with a commendable 70 runs in the second innings.
However, he faced another setback in Pune, where he was dismissed for just one run by Mitchell Santner. Reflecting on this surprising dismissal, Santner commented on the rarity of getting Kohli out with a full toss: “I was in more of a shock getting Kohli out off the full toss. He doesn’t usually miss those,” he noted after the day’s play.
The pressure of expectations
As India aims to qualify for the WTC final after losing the first Test by eight wickets and the Pune Test by 113 runs margin, Kohli finds himself under immense pressure to perform. The team has not lost more than one home Test in a series since 2012-13, making this match crucial for both Kohli and his teammates. With 9,017 runs to his name in Test cricket and recently becoming only the fourth Indian to surpass 9,000 runs, expectations are high for him to lead by example during challenging times.
Kohli’s interactions with fans go beyond mere autographs; they reflect a deeper connection that resonates with many who admire him not just for his cricketing prowess but also for his humility and approachability. His willingness to take time out of his busy schedule to engage with young fans is commendable and serves as an inspiration for many aspiring cricketers.
