'Thank you, Virat Bhaiya': Virat Kohli's heartwarming gesture to little boy goes viral ahead of RCB vs KKR IPL match

A young cricket fan’s persistence paid off when Virat Kohli noticed him and signed his portrait. The moment, captured on video, has gone viral, drawing admiration from fans online. The video, shared by Instagram user Abdul Hasib, has garnered over 18 million views in a day. It shows the boy holding up his sketch of Kohli, hoping to catch the cricketer’s attention. After multiple attempts, Kohli noticed him, called for the portrait, signed it, and returned it with a smile. The boy’s joyful reaction made the moment even more special.

Fans react to Kohli’s gesture

Social media was filled with reactions praising Kohli’s kindness. One user commented, “This is why Kohli is the GOAT. He never ignores his fans!” Another wrote, “Imagine being this kid! This moment will stay with him forever.” A third user said, “Kohli’s humility makes him stand out. He always values his supporters.”

Many others expressed similar sentiments. One remark read, “The boy’s smile says it all. Pure happiness!” Another user pointed out, “Kohli might be fierce on the field, but off the pitch, he’s a gem.”


A fan added, “RCB fans are lucky to have a player who truly cares about the people who support him.”

Video likely from Eden Gardens ahead of RCB vs KKR match IPL 2025

The video appears to have been filmed outside Eden Gardens in Kolkata, where Kohli and the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) squad were training ahead of their IPL 2025 opener against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).

RCB vs KKR IPL Match 2025: Weather concerns for IPL opening match

The much-awaited IPL 2025 season opener between KKR and RCB could face weather disruptions as Kolkata has seen overnight rain. While the sun briefly appeared around midday, raising hopes for a full match, forecasts remain uncertain. Overcast conditions are expected for most of the day, with intermittent showers predicted, including during match hours, according to ESPNcricinfo.

On Friday, the Indian Meteorological Department issued an "orange alert" for Gangetic West Bengal, indicating the likelihood of continued rain in the region. Kolkata has experienced persistent, though not particularly heavy, rainfall in the days leading up to the match.

Rain has already affected preparations, cutting short both teams' training sessions on Friday. Earlier in the week, a KKR intra-squad practice match was washed out after one innings, while light rain also impacted training on Wednesday and Thursday.

The match at Eden Gardens is set for a 7:00 PM toss and a 7:30 PM start. IPL rules allow a one-hour extension, requiring at least a five-overs-a-side game to be completed by midnight. If rain forces an abandonment, both teams will receive one point each.

After this fixture, KKR will travel to Guwahati to face Rajasthan Royals on March 26, while RCB will head to Chennai for a match against Chennai Super Kings on March 28.

Adding to the excitement, an opening ceremony is planned before the toss, setting the stage for another thrilling IPL season. The KKR vs. RCB clash also revives memories of the first-ever IPL match in 2008, when Brendon McCullum’s iconic 158-run innings set the tone for the tournament.