A heartwarming moment from Virat Kohli’s net session in Vadodara has once again underlined why the Indian superstar’s impact goes far beyond just scoring runs. Ahead of the opening ODI against New Zealand, a simple yet powerful interaction between Kohli and a local net bowler went viral, capturing the attention of fans across the cricketing world.
The incident took place at Kotambi Stadium on January 10, a day before the three-match ODI series was set to begin. India’s training session was intense and purpose-driven, with Kohli spending close to an hour facing pacers, spinners and throwdown specialists in conditions designed to mirror match pressure. Yet, once his work with the bat was done, Kohli didn’t simply walk back to the dressing room. Instead, he stayed behind for a moment that would leave a lasting impression on a young net bowler.
After a long and physically demanding session, Kohli walked up to the youngster, spoke to him calmly and offered a few words of encouragement. He even signed a cricket ball for the bowler, turning what would have been an ordinary practice day into a memory that will be cherished for a lifetime. In a sport where stars often seem distant, Kohli’s gesture showed his grounded nature and his deep respect for everyone who plays the game.
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What made the moment even more special was the advice Kohli shared. Speaking in Hindi, the former India captain told the bowler that conceding runs is part of cricket, but belief and conviction are non-negotiable. “Even if you get hit, it’s fine. But you must have the conviction that you are bowling the delivery you want to bowl, not the one the batter wants you to,” Kohli was heard saying. It was a simple message, but one that carried the wisdom of a player who has thrived at the highest level for over a decade.
Virat Kohli shared his experience and gave tips to the net bowler. pic.twitter.com/XzdxvfOtCV
— Virat Kohli Fan Club (@Trend_VKohli) January 10, 2026
Kohli comes into this ODI series in excellent form. In the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025–26, the Delhi batter smashed 131 against Andhra and followed it up with a fluent 77 against Gujarat, looking assured against both pace and spin. Those domestic performances were a clear reminder that his hunger for runs remains undiminished.
His international form has been just as impressive. In the recent ODI series against South Africa, Kohli was named Player of the Series after piling up 302 runs in just three matches at a staggering average of 151. With India now focusing on the New Zealand challenge, Kohli’s presence at No. 3 gives the side a huge boost.
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He also enjoys a formidable record against the Black Caps in ODIs. In 33 matches, Kohli has scored 1,657 runs at an average of 55.23, making him one of India’s biggest weapons in the series. But beyond the numbers, moments like the one in Vadodara show why Virat Kohli remains such a powerful figure in world cricket — not just for what he does on the field, but for how he inspires those around him.
