Virat Kohli makes heartfelt gesture for childhood coach during IPL 2026

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) star Virat Kohli took time out from his busy schedule for his childhood coach, Rajkumar Sharma.

While in Delhi for RCB's encounter against Delhi Capitals on April 27, Kohli stayed an extra day in the city. The purpose of this stay was to inaugurate a branch of the West Delhi Cricket Academy in Delhi Public School, RK Puram.

As a child, Virat Kohli learnt all his cricket under Sharma's tutelage in the West Delhi Cricket Academy. Over the years, Kohli has spoken at length about his coach's role in his life.

Be honest with your dreams- Virat Kohli to youngsters

During the inauguration ceremony, Kohli handed out awards to the young achievers and even asked one not to touch his feet. After the ceremony, Kohli addressed the students of the school in the presence of Delhi and Districts Cricket Association (DDCA) President Rohan Jaitley.

"I chose sport very early on in my life, but that came from a very honest place," the 37-year-old said. "I was very sure that I wanted to go ahead and pursue cricket, and I had to be honest with myself, my family, and also my teachers to convey to them that this is the path I want to take."

"Be honest with your dreams, about what you want to do and follow that dream with absolute commitment. Only you will know whether you are being 100% honest or not."

"I started practising when I was eight years old, and I still continue to come to the academy whenever I get time. It's a big part of my childhood, and I hope all the kids that come to learn cricket here can value it," he concluded.

#WATCH | Delhi: Cricket star Virat Kohli inaugurated a branch of West Delhi Cricket Academy at DPS RK Puram. His childhood coach, Rajkumar Sharma was also with him. pic.twitter.com/gQumDN5om8

— ANI (@ANI) April 28, 2026

Sharma later spoke about his superstar student Kohli to ANI and his plans for the Academy.

"I am very happy and thankful to DPS RK Puram for this opportunity. With the infrastructure here and the hard work we put in, I am hopeful we will be able to produce more sportspersons for the country like Virat Kohli," he said.

Virat Kohli in IPL 2026

Currently, RCB are second on the points table with 6 wins in 8 matches and the best net run rate in the league. Kohli has played the most pivotal role in this dominance.

The former RCB skipper has made 351 runs at a strike rate of 163 and an astounding average of 58.5. He has already held the Orange Cap twice in the season for brief periods and is currently the fourth-highest run-scorer in the tournament.

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RCB next match

Kohli's extra day in Delhi means that he will have to rush to RCB's next match - against Gujarat Titans at Ahmedabad on April 30.

RCB have already defeated GT this season, with Kohli himself making a pivotal 81 in a successful chase of 206. He took the Player of the Match Award home for this sublime knock.