A heartwarming and humorous incident involving Virat Kohli and a young fan who bears a striking resemblance to him has taken social media by storm. The encounter occurred in Vadodara ahead of India's first ODI against New Zealand on January 11, 2026.
As the Indian team was training at the Baroda Cricket Association Stadium, a young boy named Garvit Uttam caught the attention of everyone due to his uncanny resemblance to Kohli's childhood photos. From his facial features and hairstyle to his expressions, Garvit looked like a spitting image of the Indian superstar.
The internet quickly took notice, with photos and videos of the encounter going viral across social media platforms. Fans were quick to point out the similarities, with many affectionately calling Garvit "Mini Kohli". Memes and side-by-side comparisons of Garvit and Kohli's childhood pictures flooded the internet, drawing widespread attention and praise.
The story took an even more charming turn when Garvit revealed details of his interaction with Kohli. According to Garvit, Kohli spotted him in the crowd and turned to teammate Rohit Sharma, jokingly saying, "Woh dekh, mera duplicate baitha hai" (Look, my duplicate is sitting there). This playful remark delighted those present and further amused millions online.
Adding to the heartwarming nature of the encounter, Kohli also gave Garvit a playful nickname, calling him "Chhota Cheeku". "Chiku" is a well-known nickname for Kohli, famously revealed by MS Dhoni. The gesture further highlighted Kohli's warmth and sense of humor, resonating deeply with fans.
Garvit himself is reportedly a cricketer and admires Kohli's style and aura. He also revealed that he had the opportunity to take pictures with KL Rahul, Arshdeep Singh, and Rohit Sharma.
The incident has been met with an overwhelmingly positive response online. Fans have praised Kohli's engaging interaction with his young admirer, noting how he consistently shows a soft spot for kids. It is also reported that Kohli has grown fond of kids since becoming a father.
While Kohli remains focused on the ongoing ODI series against New Zealand, this lighthearted moment provided a glimpse into the cricketer's personal connection with his fans. It served as a reminder that beyond the runs and records, Kohli's bond with his supporters remains strong.
