Virat Kohli instructs Delhi Cricketers and staff to stop behaving like his fanboys
Published - 29 Jan 2025, 04:37 PM | Updated - 29 Jan 2025, 11:35 PM
![Virat Kohli At Delhi Practice Session](https://static.cricketaddictor.com/images/posts/2025/Virat-Kohli-at-Delhi-practice-session.jpg?q=80)
Virat Kohli's former coach, Mahesh Bhati, shared a memorable interaction with the star batter ahead of the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 match against Railways, starting on Thursday, January 30. Mahesh Bhati, who coached Kohli during his Under-17 and Under-19 years, stated that the batter continues to be humble.
The batter is set to return to the domestic tournament after more than a decade. Authorities plan to host 10,000 fans for free at the stadium for the four-day match. The BCCI and JioCinema will live-stream the upcoming Ranji Trophy match in Delhi due to the high fan interest surrounding Virat's participation.
Virat Kohli Replied, 'Bhaia, Kya Baat Kar Rahe Ho?' - Mahesh Bhati
Virat Kohli arrived at the Arun Jaitley Stadium amidst a cheering crowd, dressed casually in shorts, a T-shirt, and a sweater with the Delhi District Cricket Association logo. The Delhi players were waiting for him to join their light football session, and Kohli encouraged them with a cheerful, "Chalo bey, shuru karo."
Mahesh Bhati stated that Virat Kohli declined the young players' help with a smile. Bhati emphasized that Kohli remained the same humble person he always was. He stated that Kohli carried his kit bag both to and from the dressing room while practicing all day.
"He is still the same. He is the same Virat for everyone. In fact, on the first day of the training session, he went inside the dressing room and carried his own kit bag. Then, he practiced the entire day and carried his kit bag back to the dressing room," Bhati told TimesofIndia.com.
I said, 'Virat, teri help kara dete hain ["Virat, let us help you].' He replied, '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 carried the kit bag on his shoulders and went inside the dressing room," he added.
He said, 'Cricket Ka Maza Usi Mein Tha' - Mahesh Bhati
Mahesh Bhati shared that Virat Kohli reminisced about his early days playing on grounds with uneven surfaces and long grass. Bhati added that he told Virat how much cricket had changed since then, but Virat fondly replied that the true fun of cricket was in those early days.
"Virat also recalled the moments when he used to play on grounds with uneven surfaces and long grass. Back then, matting used to serve as the pitch for them. Bouncers, cuts, pulls, and short-pitched deliveries were the scenes cricketers loved, and Virat spoke about all of that."
"Maine kaha, 'Matting ki story khatam ho gayi hai, cricket bahut change ho gayi hai [The matting story is over; cricket has changed a lot]' He said, 'Cricket ka maza usi mein tha [The fun of cricket was in that]."
All Eyes on Virat Kohli for Ranji Trophy Return
Virat Kohli declined the Delhi captaincy, with Ayush Badoni continuing to lead the team. Kohli struggled in the latter part of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 after scoring a century in the first Test, particularly against deliveries outside the off-stump. Railways bowlers may adopt a similar strategy.
This match marks Kohli's first Ranji Trophy game for Delhi since the 2012/13 season, where he played against Uttar Pradesh. Kohli's last Ranji match was in November 2012 against Uttar Pradesh, where he scored 14 and 43, but Delhi lost. After this match, Kohli will feature in the ODI series against England.
Also read: Gautam Gambhir backstabbed amidst reports of Rohit Sharma tussle