In the frenetic IPL season, where schedules are packed with back-to-back games and relentless travel, Virat Kohli proved that some bonds are timeless. A day after starring in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) clinical win over Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Kohli bypassed an early flight to stay back in his hometown for a deeply personal cause.
On Monday, the former Indian captain joined his childhood coach, Rajkumar Sharma, for the inauguration of a new branch of the West Delhi Cricket Academy (WDCA) at Delhi Public School, RK Puram. Despite RCB having a crucial fixture against Gujarat Titans on Thursday, Kohli ensured he stayed an extra day in the capital city to support the man who shaped his career. The ceremony was also attended by DDCA President Rohan Jaitley.
Kohli took time to give away awards to the academy’s students, many of whom were visibly starstruck. In a touching moment of traditional respect, one student moved to touch Kohli’s feet; however, the modern-day legend immediately signalled the youngster not to do so, preferring a handshake and a word of encouragement instead.
Addressing the students, Kohli’s speech was a masterclass in self-awareness.
“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.”
