From Sportstar · Vijay Lokapally · · 2m
Happy Birthday, Virat Kohli: A Journey from Reeboks to 228
Virat Kohli's 38th birthday: From damaged Reeboks to a 228 after a tattoo challenge, a story of friendship and resilience.
In brief
Virat Kohli's 38th birthday: From damaged Reeboks to a 228 after a tattoo challenge, a story of friendship and resilience. Virat Kohli, at 38, scored a 228 in a tattoo challenge after a straight drive damaged Reebok shoes, highlighting his journey from Delhi's cricketing circles to global stardom. Originally reported…
A damaged shoe and a promise
Pradeep Sangwan recalls how Virat's straight drive damaged a new pair of Reebok shoes during a 2002 National Stadium camp.
“Sangwan laughed and told Virat he would have to buy him another pair.”
A friendship forged in Delhi
Virat and Pradeep Sangwan, both born on November 5, celebrated India's 2008 U-19 World Cup triumph together.
“Both born on November 5, both part of India's 2008 U-19 World Cup-winning team.”
How Chiku came to be
A coach named Ajit Chaudhary gave Virat the nickname 'Chiku' after a haircut that resembled a rabbit character.
“Chiku lag raha hai.”
The boy from Meera Bagh
Virat started cricket at 15 in Meera Bagh, Delhi, where his coach Rajkumar Sharma spotted his talent during throwdown drills.
“He sent a throw flat and straight into the wicketkeeper's gloves.”
A tattoo and a double hundred
Virat scored a 228 in a U-17 Vijay Merchant Trophy match after getting a tattoo, proving his cricketing potential.
“Coach saab, ab theek hai naa?”
The selectors who nearly missed him
Virat was initially turned away at Delhi's selection trials but later scored an unbeaten 120 against New Zealand in Australia.
“He did not throw his wicket away after reaching three figures.”
From chole bhature to sprouts
Virat shifted from chole bhature and samosas to sprouts and boiled eggs for fitness around 2012-13.
“He gave up the chole bhature and samosas, followed a disciplined diet.”
A wonderful host and generous gesture
Virat hosted the author at his Gurgaon home, offering parathas and sharing his spiritual side.
“Main sprouts khaunga, aapko paranthe khilaunga.”
Remembering Sachin
Virat admired Sachin Tendulkar and inherited his generosity, supporting causes and young athletes.
“He gives cricket equipment to those who need it.”
The innings I will never forget
Virat scored a 90 against Karnataka hours after his father's death, showing emotional strength.
“I will go and bat. I will bat and then go home.”
A special moment in my journey
Virat launched the author's book 'Driven' at the Maurya Hotel in Delhi on October 18, 2016.
“Humbled to have a book written about me by @bradsobers.”
Remembering where it all began
Virat returns to the West Delhi Cricket Academy, where his journey began, for quiet net sessions.
“The West Delhi Cricket Academy, where Rajkumar Sharma first spotted the spark in a young boy from Meera Bagh.”
The story that made Chiku, King Kohli
Virat's journey from a damaged Reebok to a 228 after a tattoo challenge defined his legacy.
“From a straight drive that damaged Reeboks to a 228 after a tattoo challenge.”
The essence
Virat Kohli, at 38, scored a 228 in a tattoo challenge after a straight drive damaged Reebok shoes, highlighting his journey from Delhi's cricketing circles to global stardom.
