In a frenzied IPL season with schedules packed with games and relentless travel, Virat Kohli has 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 missed an early flight to stay in his hometown for a deeply personal matter.
On Monday, the former India captain joined his childhood coach Rajkumar Sharma to inaugurate the new West Delhi Cricket Academy (WDCA) branch at Delhi Public School, RK Puram. Despite RCB having a crucial game against Gujarat Titans on Thursday, Kohli made sure to stay in the capital for an extra day to support the man who shaped his career. DDCA President Rohan Jaitley also attended the ceremony. RCB vs DC: HIGHLIGHTS | SCORECARD
Kohli took time out to present the awards to the academy students, many of whom were visibly star-struck. In a touching moment of traditional respect, one student moved to touch Kohli’s feet; however, the modern-day legend immediately instructed the youngster not to do so, preferring instead a handshake and a word of encouragement.
KOHLI’S ADDRESS TO CHILDREN TO SCHOOLS
Kohli’s address to the students was a masterclass in self-awareness.
“I chose sports very early in my life, but it came from a very honorable place,” the 37-year-old was quoted as saying by ANI.
“I was very sure that I wanted to go on and do cricket and I had to be honest with myself, my family and also my teachers to tell them that this is the path I want to take.”
He advised aspiring cricketers to commit fully to their ambitions: “Be honest about your dreams, what you want to do and go after that dream with absolute commitment. Only you will know if you are 100% sincere or not.”
Kohli’s visit comes amid a sensational run of form in the ongoing IPL 2026 season. He has been a pillar of consistency for RCB, amassing 351 runs in just 8 innings at a staggering average of 58.50. His season has already been punctuated by an incredible unbeaten 81 off 44 balls against Gujarat Titans and a historic milestone on Monday at the Kotla where became the first player in IPL history to cross the 9000-run mark.
Kohli recalled his long association with the academy, noting that it remains a significant anchor in his life. “I started training when I was eight years old and I still go to the academy whenever I have time. It’s a big part of my childhood and I hope all the kids who come here to learn cricket appreciate that,” he concluded.
In an interview with ANI, Rajkumar Sharma expressed his pride in his most famous protege. “I am very happy and thank DPS RK Puram for this opportunity. I hope with the infrastructure and hard work we have put in, we will be able to produce more athletes for the country like Virat Kohli.”
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Issued by:
Akshay Ramesh
Published on:
28 Apr 2026 14:03 IST
