Virat Kohli holds the top spot as the most-followed cricketer on Instagram. With a global fan base, many aspiring cricketers aspire to play alongside or against him.
Thanks to the IPL, numerous young Indian players have had the chance to be in the same dressing room as Kohli. Known for his active presence, he frequently engages in on-field competition with various opponents.
Whenever a player does well or asks him, Kohli gives them a signed jersey. Here are five times he gifted a signed jersey to opponents:
#5 In Ahmedabad, Virat Kohli gave Babar Azam a jersey with his autograph as a gift
Pakistan made their first visit to India since 2016 for the 2023 World Cup. The Green Team faced their arch-rivals at Narendra Modi Stadium on October 14, experiencing a significant defeat to India.
Following the match, Virat Kohli was seen gifting a signed jersey to Pakistan captain Babar Azam. Kohli and Azam share a strong friendship off the field, and the Pakistan skipper had even posted a supportive tweet for Kohli during his struggles with poor form.
#4 Virat Kohli presented a jersey to Roelof van der Merwe as a gift
Few fans may be aware that Kohli and Roelof van der Merwe were teammates in 2009, playing together for the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL.
14 years later, in Bengaluru, they faced each other on the grand stage of the 2023 World Cup. After the India-Netherlands match, Kohli had a conversation with van der Merwe and even gave him a signed jersey as a gift.
#3 Kohli presents a jersey to Mehidy Hasan Miraz as a gift
In December, India visited Bangladesh for a two-match Test series and a three-match ODI series. All-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz stood out as one of Bangladesh’s most impressive players during that tour.
Following the conclusion of the Test series, Kohli presented Miraz with a signed jersey. The all-rounder proudly showcased his gift on social media.
#2 Virat Kohli presents a signed jersey as a gift to Haris Rauf
A few weeks before delivering the ‘Shot of the Century’ against Haris Rauf, Kohli gave the Pakistani fast bowler a signed jersey. This happened in Dubai after the Asia Cup 2022 group stage game between India and Pakistan.
Following India’s victory, Kohli presented Rauf with the signed jersey, and the video was shared by BCCI on their official Twitter profile. You can view it above.
#1 Kohli sends a jersey with his signature as a gift to Dhananjaya de Silva
Dhananjaya de Silva, a standout all-rounder from Sri Lanka, got a special gift from Kohli during the IPL 2022, where Kohli was playing for the Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Kohli sent de Silva one of his Test jerseys along with his best wishes and signature. The Sri Lankan all-rounder posted a picture of it on his official social media account.
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