Kohli Stays in Hometown for Special Academy Inauguration Amid IPL Rush
In the busy Indian Premier League (IPL) season, where players are constantly on the move with back-to-back matches, Virat Kohli showcased that some connections are truly lasting. A day after leading the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) to victory against the Delhi Capitals, Kohli opted to skip an early flight to participate in a heartfelt event in his hometown.
On Monday, Kohli joined his childhood coach, Rajkumar Sharma, for the opening of a new branch of the West Delhi Cricket Academy (WDCA) at Delhi Public School, RK Puram. Despite RCB having an important match against the Gujarat Titans scheduled for Thursday, Kohli chose to spend an extra day in Delhi to honor the coach who played a vital role in his career. The event also saw the presence of DDCA President Rohan Jaitley.
Kohli took the time to award students at the academy, many of whom looked up to him in awe. In a touching gesture, one student tried to touch Kohli’s feet, but the cricket star kindly nudged him towards a handshake and offered words of encouragement instead.
Kohli Inspires Young Cricketers
During his speech to the students, Kohli shared important lessons about pursuing dreams. “I chose to play sports at a young age, and it came from a genuine passion,” he explained. “I made sure to communicate my desire to follow cricket to my family and teachers.”
He urged the young athletes to commit fully to their aspirations: “Be honest about what you want to achieve and follow that dream wholeheartedly. Only you know if you are truly committed.”
Kohli’s visit comes while he is enjoying an exceptional run in the IPL 2026 season. He has scored 351 runs in just eight innings, maintaining an impressive average of 58.50. His remarkable season includes an unbeaten 81 against the Gujarat Titans and a milestone moment at Kotla, where he became the first player in IPL history to surpass 9,000 runs.
Reflecting on his long connection with the academy, Kohli remarked, “I started practicing here when I was eight, and I still visit whenever possible. It’s an important part of my childhood, and I hope everyone learning here appreciates it.”
Rajkumar Sharma expressed his pride in Kohli’s accomplishments. “I’m grateful to DPS RK Puram for making this possible. With the excellent facilities and hard work, I believe we can produce more talented athletes like Virat for our country.”
