# 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. - Title: Happy Birthday, Virat Kohli: A Journey from Reeboks to 228 - Summary: 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… - Keywords: virat kohli, pradeep sangwan, reebok, tattoo challenge, 228, nfl, cricket, delhi, meera bagh, west delhi cricket academy, chiku, sachin tendulkar - Source: Sportstar — https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cricket/virat-kohli-38th-birthday-vijay-lokapally-memories/article71664521.ece - Author: Vijay Lokapally - Published: 2026-11-04T18:30:14+00:00 - Read time: 2 min - Topics: virat kohli, pradeep sangwan, reebok, tattoo challenge, 228, nfl, cricket, delhi, meera bagh, west delhi cricket academy, chiku, sachin tendulkar ## 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. ## Key takeaway 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.