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Virat Kohli is one of the greatest cricketers of the modern era and has a massive global fanbase that extends far beyond Indian borders. His influence on the game is so significant that some argue cricket wouldn’t have made it to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics without his contribution. Kohli’s 35-year career has been nothing short of extraordinary. With numerous accolades and achievements across all formats, he is on the verge of breaking several of Sachin Tendulkar’s all-time records. Despite the long-standing rivalry between India and Pakistan, Kohli’s charisma and on-field brilliance have earned him admirers even across the border.
Recently, during a Champions One-Day Cup match in Faisalabad—Babar Azam’s home ground—a video surfaced showing a Pakistan fan proudly waving Kohli’s Indian jersey. The incident occurred during a match between Stallions and Markhors, with Babar Azam also participating. The video quickly went viral on social media, sparking conversations about Kohli’s massive following in Pakistan, a country where Indian cricket often draws both admiration and rivalry.
A Fan waving kohli's Jersey in Babar Azam's Home ground in Faisalabad.🔥 pic.twitter.com/fElFitdUfX
— Utkarsh (@toxifyxe) September 15, 2024
Virat Kohli’s Growing Popularity Among Pakistani Fans
This viral gesture was not an isolated incident. Kohli’s popularity in Pakistan has been evident in various moments over the years. During the 2022 Pakistan Super League (PSL), a fan was spotted holding up a sign urging the Indian captain to score a century on Pakistani soil. The poster, which read, “I want to see your century in Pakistan #Peace,” featured an image of Kohli playing a shot, symbolizing the deep respect and admiration he commands, even in a country where cricketing rivalry with India is fierce.
Another notable instance came during the T20 World Cup clash between India and Pakistan in New York, where a female Pakistan fan wearing a Kohli pendant went viral. These moments underscore how Kohli transcends borders, connecting fans through the universal love of cricket. His humility, aggressive playing style, and sportsmanship have earned him a unique place in the hearts of cricket enthusiasts globally, including in Pakistan.
Virat Kohli Prepares for Bangladesh Series
As Virat Kohli continues to shine on the global stage, he is now preparing for his next challenge—Bangladesh. Currently in Chennai, the former Indian captain is part of a training camp organized by the BCCI to gear up for the two-match Test series against Bangladesh. This series holds significant importance, with the first Test scheduled to begin on Thursday at the Chepauk Stadium, followed by the second at Green Park Stadium in Kanpur next week.
This series will mark Virat Kohli’s return to Test cricket for the first time since January 3, 2024, when India played in South Africa. It will also be his first home Test of the year, after he took time off from the February-March series against England to be with his family following the birth of his second child. His return is highly anticipated, especially as he looks to extend his remarkable form in the longest format of the game.
Virat Kohli’s Test Career and Bangladesh Series
Virat Kohli’s Test career is filled with milestones. He has scored over 8,000 runs in Test cricket, with 28 centuries to his name. His leadership has played a crucial role in India’s dominance in Test cricket, especially on home soil, where India has been unbeaten in a series since 2012. Kohli has been a key contributor to this run, playing critical innings under pressure and leading the team to historic victories, including the first-ever Test series win in Australia.
India is currently at the top of the World Test Championship points table, and the series against Bangladesh provides an opportunity to solidify their position further. A clean sweep would help India inch closer to their third consecutive appearance in the WTC final. Kohli, with his aggressive approach and consistency, is expected to play a pivotal role in this series, especially given India’s undefeated record against Bangladesh in Test matches. For Kohli, the series is not just about adding to his personal tally but also about leading India to another milestone in their Test journey.
As fans eagerly await his return to Test cricket, Virat Kohli remains focused on helping India maintain its impeccable home record and inch closer to another WTC final. His passion for the game, fitness, and unmatched skill continue to make him a force to be reckoned with, both as a batsman and as an inspirational figure in world cricket.
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