Virat Kohli with member of Karnataka wheelchair cricket team. | (Credits: X)
Team India and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) star cricketer Virat Kohli displayed a heartwarming gesture towards a member of the Karnataka wheelchair cricket team during the unbox event in Benglauru on March 17, Monday. With pictures of the same surfacing on social media, Kohli was seen giving his autograph and clicking a selfie with one of the players.
With the 36-year-old enjoying massive fan following, the stadium had been filled with spectators as they were also keen to watch the new set of players who will represent the Royal Challengers in IPL 2025. Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood, who joined the squad on Monday, proved to be their most expensive player in the auction as he fetched ₹12.50 crore from the franchise.
Virat Kohli won the Orange Cap in IPL 2024
Kohli, meanwhile, who is the highest run-getter in the tournament history, also won the Orange Cap last year for aggregating 741 runs and it proved to be the second time in history he achieved that feat.
While Kohli was one of the contenders to captain the Royal Challengers, the think tank decided to give the responsibility to Rajat Patidar. Nevertheless, the veteran has shown himself to be fully behind the decision and equally urged the fans to give Patidar all the support. The 36-year-old said in a video posted earlier on social media:
“The way you have grown in this franchise and the way you have performed, you have really made a place in the hearts of all the fans of RCB all over India and they get really excited to watch you play. I’ve seen Rajat evolve in the last couple of years as a player. He has got the chance to play for India. His game has improved many levels in the last couple of years.”
“The way he has led his state team as well and the responsibility that he’s taken and has shown everyone that he has what it takes to lead this amazing franchise and I just wish him all the very best and I would request all the fans to show him absolute support, get right behind him and know that he will always and always do what’s best for the team, what’s best for this franchise.”
The Royal Challengers will be in action against defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on March 22 at the Eden Gardens.
