Team India captain Virat Kohli has finally revealed the incident that led to his nickname ‘Cheeku’. Kohli shared the story during a freewheeling chat show with Bollywood star Aamir Khan which will get televised during Diwali.
Journalist Sameer Allana made a series of tweets on Tuesday (October 1), revealing the conversation between the two superstars. Kohli said his teammates began calling him ‘cheeku during his under-17 days when a haircut made his ears look bigger than usual. Kohli went on to say that his predecessor MS Dhoni picked it up and it was one big reason behind his nickname becoming famous.
Aamir Khan further asked the World Cup-winning star about his experience when he went out to bat after Sachin Tendulkar’s departure in the 2011 World Cup final. In reply, Kohli said just like many he too was fearing for the worse.
Chasing 275 in the final, India were staring down the barrel after Lasith Malinga sent back both the in-form openers – Virender Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar – with only 31 runs on the board. However, Kohli along with Gautam Gambhir stitched together an 83-run partnership to steady the ship before the then 22-year-old Kohli was sent back by Tillakaratne Dilshan after scoring 35 off 49.
Kohli has now become India’s batting lynchpin and had led the team to several memorable victories. However, Aamir said the knock in the final was his favourite Kohli knock.
Aamir on fav Kohli innings:-
The one he played in World Cup final after Sachin got out, I thought India gayiKohli: Haa mujhe bhi yehi laga
— Sameer Allana (@HitmanCricket) October 3, 2017
Kohli also revealed he was nervous when he came out to bat and was scared to face Lasith Malinga, but settled down after playing a couple of balls. Kohli went on to speak on several topics ranging from his girlfriend Anushka Sharma, his childhood and much more. But the fans will have to wait a bit more to see the whole show.