Virat Kohli once again proved why he is more than just India’s biggest cricket star, as he stole hearts during the first ODI against New Zealand in Vadodara with a touching off-field moment that quickly went viral. Even before he faced a single delivery, Kohli lit up the stadium by meeting a young fan who looked uncannily like him, turning the stands into a scene of laughter and excitement.

Ahead of Sunday’s match, Kohli noticed the boy in the crowd and shared a playful exchange that fans instantly fell in love with. The youngster later revealed how the interaction unfolded. He said that after calling out Kohli’s name, the Indian batter smiled, waved, and told him he would come back in a bit.

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Virat Kohli even pointed the fan out to Rohit Sharma, jokingly saying, “Oye, udhar dekh, mera duplicate baitha hai,” before calling him “Chhota Chiku,” a nickname that sent social media into a frenzy. The wholesome moment became one of the most talked-about highlights of India’s four-wicket win, but Kohli ensured he backed it up with class on the field as well.

Virat Kohli said to Rohit Sharma, “Wha dekh Mera duplicate betha hai (Look, my duplicate is sitting there)”.

– Virat Kohli called him a Chota Cheeku 😭❤️ pic.twitter.com/b4r1DopMUa

— Virat Kohli Fan Club (@Trend_VKohli) January 12, 2026

The former India captain played a sublime knock of 93, anchoring the chase and guiding India home with his trademark composure. While he narrowly missed out on a century, his impact on the game was undeniable.

What made the day even more special was Kohli’s gesture after the match. As players headed back, he stayed behind to acknowledge the BCA ground staff, patiently posing for photographs and sharing smiles. It was a quiet yet powerful tribute to the people who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make every match possible.

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This is not a one-off act for Kohli. Over the years, he has consistently shown respect and warmth toward support staff, whether it was during Ranji Trophy matches at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, IPL games in Jaipur, the 2023 World Cup in Kolkata, or even in Kanpur in 2024. Moments like these remind fans that Virat Kohli’s legacy goes far beyond runs and records.