It was a moment to cherish on January 28, 2025, when cricketing icon Virat Kohli reunited with his childhood friend, Chavez Khan, at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. This was especially because Kohli was back to domestic cricket after a 12-year gap, as he joined Delhi for its Ranji Trophy match against Railways, during which this reunion took place during a practice session.
The stadium was abuzz as people came to catch a glimpse of Kohli, as the batting maestro was training with his state team. Among them was Chavez Khan, a former Delhi cricketer and Kohli’s close friend. With him was eight-year-old son who wanted to meet the cricketing legend.
During a practice break, Kohli went to meet Chavez and his son. The reunion was filled with a warm embrace between the two friends as onlookers snapped pictures of the scene. Kohli’s interaction with Chavez’s son was adorable. The little boy wanted to be a cricketer like his father and Kohli. Kohli, who is known for his approachability, knelt down to the child’s level and gave him words of encouragement and posed for photographs.
This touching interaction was recorded on camera and immediately became viral on social media sites. Fans revered Kohli for his humility and the spontaneous love shown during this reunion. Footage showed not only the relationship between Kohli and Chavez but also emphasized that Kohli always strives to inspire the next cricket generation.
Kohli’s comeback to the domestic circuit has been a much-talked-about event in the cricketing fraternity. Kohli chose to play under 25-year-old Ayush Badoni, declining the opportunity to become the captain of the team, as he wants to step aside and give young captains an opportunity to lead their respective sides in the leagues to be a part of the bigger process of developing these cricketing talents and further enriching cricket through grassroots development.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recognized that the interest in the match would be high since Kohli was playing and hence arranged for it to be live-streamed. This enabled cricket fans across the country to watch Kohli play and his on-field interactions.
The reunion at Arun Jaitley Stadium serves as a poignant reminder of Kohli’s journey from a young Delhi cricketer to an international superstar. His connection with his roots and the people who have been part of his early life remains strong. Such moments resonate deeply with fans, offering a glimpse into the personal side of a public figure celebrated for his on-field achievements.
As Kohli continues to inspire through both his cricketing skills and personal interactions, this reunion stands out as a testament to the bonds that endure through the sport and the importance of humility and gratitude, regardless of stature.