A heartwarming moment during Virat Kohli's training session in Vadodara on January 9, 2026, has taken the internet by storm. The Indian cricket team is currently training in Vadodara ahead of the ODI series against New Zealand, which is set to begin on January 11. While signing autographs for young fans, the batting icon was visibly surprised to encounter a child who bore a striking resemblance to his younger self.

Images and videos of Kohli's interaction with the young fan quickly went viral on social media platforms, particularly on X (formerly Twitter). Fans were quick to draw comparisons between the youngster and photos of Kohli from his childhood days, highlighting the uncanny similarities. Social media users have affectionately dubbed the child "Mini Kohli". One X user wrote, “Mini Virat getting autograph from the real one." Another user commented, “The kid is looking so cute and same as Virat Kohli younger version.”

Kohli was seen with a broad smile on his face as he signed an autograph for the small boy. The viral moment has added a lighthearted and sentimental touch to the intense preparations for the upcoming series against New Zealand.

This incident occurred as Kohli prepares for the ODI series against New Zealand. Kohli arrived in Vadodara to a hero's welcome earlier in the week, with the city hosting a men's ODI for the first time in many years.

Kohli is currently in dominant form. He recently represented Delhi in the Vijay Hazare Trophy for the first time in 16 years, where he scored 131 followed by 77. During this stint, he surpassed 16,000 runs in List A cricket, becoming the fastest player to reach the milestone, eclipsing Sachin Tendulkar's record.

Following the ODI series, India and New Zealand will compete in a five-match T20I series.