Indian cricket star Virat Kohli announced his retirement from T20I after leading Team India to victory in the T20 World Cup 2024. Despite facing a slump in the tournament, Kohli emerged as the hero of the final match against South Africa, smashing 76 runs and earning the Player of the Match award. In a revealing podcast, former India football team captain Sunil Chhetri shared a different side of Kohli, describing him as a humorous and genuine person. Chhetri also spoke about their bond of friendship, often revolving around memes and food.
Virat Kohli and Sunil Chhetri: Shared Rivalry, Unbreakable Bond
In the vibrant tapestry of Indian sports, two icons stand tall: Virat Kohli, the indomitable captain of the Indian cricket team, and Sunil Chhetri, the legendary captain of the Indian football team. Their contrasting paths, marked by both rivalry and camaraderie, have forged an unbreakable bond between these two sporting stalwarts.
A Friendly Rivalry
Despite representing different sports, Kohli and Chhetri share a deep-seated competitive streak. The duo often engage in playful banter, each trying to outdo the other in their respective fields. In a recent interview, Chhetri joked that he would love to swap roles with Kohli, taking on the captaincy of the cricket team while Kohli ventured into football.
A Common Ground
Beyond their rivalry, Kohli and Chhetri share a common ground in their unwavering passion for their country. They have both represented India with immense pride and distinction, inspiring countless young athletes. In a podcast with Chhetri, Kohli revealed that his biggest dream was to win the T20 World Cup for India, a goal he ultimately achieved in 2024.
A Humorous and Genuine Bond
Off the field, Kohli and Chhetri enjoy a close friendship. Chhetri, known for his witty sense of humor, has described Kohli as a "genuine and humble" person. The duo often share memes and food, bonding over their shared interests and experiences.
Top 5 FAQs
1. Has Sunil Chhetri ever scored a goal against Virat Kohli?
No, Chhetri has never faced Kohli in a football match.
2. What team does Sunil Chhetri play for?
Chhetri currently plays for Bengaluru FC in the Indian Super League.
3. What was the result of the 2024 T20 World Cup final?
India defeated South Africa by 7 wickets to win the 2024 T20 World Cup.
4. How many runs did Virat Kohli score in the T20 World Cup 2024 final?
Kohli scored 76 runs in the T20 World Cup 2024 final.
5. What is the Durand Cup?
The Durand Cup is the oldest football tournament in Asia, first played in 1888.
Get all the updates on the Premier League news conferences for Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur, as well as reaction to Nottingham Forest's win over Man Utd and Arsenal's victory over Fulham with Saka returning but Gabriel injured. Is Ruben Amorim right about the pressure being too big for young players at Man Utd? Join the conversation on #bbcfootball or via WhatsApp and text. Tune in for live updates and commentary on tonight's six Premier League matches.
Rising Indian cricketer, Yashasvi Jaiswal, has made a shocking decision to leave Mumbai and join Goa in the upcoming domestic season, as he seeks a change for personal reasons. The left-handed opener, who has already shown great potential in international cricket, will now represent a lesser-known team in hopes of making a bigger impact. This move is unprecedented, especially considering Jaiswal's successful stint with Mumbai and a lack of big names in the Goa team. Fans eagerly await the results of this surprising shift.
After Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) faced their first eight-wicket home defeat during IPL 2025, team mentor Zaheer Khan expressed his dissatisfaction with the pitch conditions. He stated that the curator did not consider it a home game, and requested for more support from the home facilities in order for the team to perform better in their home ground. Despite expecting the track to favour spin bowling, LSG's decision to bring in M Siddharth instead of Prince Yadav backfired as PBKS's fast bowling group proved to be too much for them.
On Monday, Mumbai Indians' medium-pacer Ashwani Kumar, a 23-year-old from Punjab's Jhanjeri, became the first Indian ever to take four wickets on his Indian Premier League debut, helping his team to an easy win against defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders at the Wankhede Stadium. Despite appearing at trials for multiple IPL franchises, Ashwani's humble village background and love for classic Punjabi food kept him grounded and motivated for his record-breaking performance. Coach Varinder Singh worked with Ashwani to develop his skills, and his proud mother, Meena Kumari, shared his love for besan ka chilla and aloo parathas with the media after the match.
Batting superstar Virat Kohli recently expressed his criticism towards the BCCI's decision to limit family time on international tours. This move has caused controversy, with players feeling that it affects their focus and personal well-being. Yuvraj Singh's wife, Hazel Keech, has spoken out in support of the updated policy, stating that it benefits both players and their families. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia has confirmed that the rule will remain in place for the time being, citing its importance to the country and the board.
After leading the Indian cricket team to victory in the ICC Champions Trophy, Virat Kohli has announced his next big goal - winning the ODI World Cup in 2027. Amid speculation about his potential retirement, Kohli made it clear that he is not looking to slow down anytime soon. Meanwhile, other Indian players, including Rohit Sharma and Shreyas Iyer, are set to retain their A+ grade contracts.
Pakistan's struggles continued in the second ODI against New Zealand as they lost seven wickets while chasing a target of 293. Star batter Babar Azam, who failed to perform in the first ODI, could only manage 1 run before being dismissed by Jacob Duffy. With fans and cricket enthusiasts expressing frustration over his ongoing struggles with the bat, the pressure is on Babar to deliver in the upcoming matches of the three-match ODI series against New Zealand. Despite his form difficulties, many still believe that Babar's class is permanent and a big innings is just around the corner.
In a high-scoring and intense game, the Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Denver Nuggets, 140-139, in double overtime. Despite a career-high 61 points from Nikola Jokic, the Timberwolves were able to rally and secure the win with two clutch free throws from Nickeil Alexander-Walker. The win also marks the Timberwolves' fourth consecutive victory over the Nuggets this season.
Nishant Dev, a young boxer from India, has recently turned professional after being inspired by legends like Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. The 23-year-old made his debut in the professional boxing world after falling in love with the sport while watching YouTube videos. Despite his loss in the Paris Olympics, Nishant's decision to go pro was not influenced by that defeat and he continues to train hard under the guidance of former American boxer Ronald Simms.
KKR all rounder Ramandeep Singh gives glowing praise to Mumbai Indians' Ashwani Kumar for his four-wicket haul in Mumbai's victory against Kolkata Knight Riders in Match 12 of the IPL 2025. Ashwani becomes the first player to achieve this feat on his IPL debut.