Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) star Virat Kohli took time out of his busy schedule for his childhood coach Rajkumar Sharma.
While in Delhi for RCB’s match against Delhi Capitals on April 27, Kohli stayed in the city for another day. The objective of this stay was to inaugurate a branch of the West Delhi Cricket Academy in the Delhi public school, RK Puram.
As a child, Virat Kohli learned all about cricket under Sharma’s tutelage at the West Delhi Cricket Academy. Over the years, Kohli has spoken at length about his coach’s role in his life.
Be honest about your dreams: Virat Kohli to the youth
During the inauguration ceremony, Kohli gave away awards to the young achievers and even asked one of them not to touch his feet. After the ceremony, Kohli addressed the students of the school in the presence of Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) president Rohan Jaitley.
“I chose sport very early in my life, but I did it very honestly,” said the 37-year-old. “I was very sure that I wanted to go ahead and pursue cricket, and I had to be honest with myself, with my family and also with my teachers to convey to them that this is the path I want to take.”
“Be honest with your dreams, with what you want to do and follow that dream with absolute commitment. Only you will know if you are being 100% honest or not.”
“I started practicing when I was eight years old and I still come to the academy whenever I have time. It’s a big part of my childhood, and I hope all the children who come to learn cricket here can value it,” he concluded.
#LOOK | Delhi: Cricket star Virat Kohli inaugurated a branch of West Delhi Cricket Academy at DPS RK Puram. His childhood coach Rajkumar Sharma was also with him. pic.twitter.com/gQumDN5om8
– ANI (@ANI) April 28, 2026
Later, Sharma spoke about his superstar student Kohli with ANI and his plans for the Academy.
“I am very happy and grateful to DPS RK Puram for this opportunity. With the infrastructure here and the hard work we put in, I hope we can produce more sportspersons for the country like Virat Kohli,” he said.
Virat Kohli in IPL 2026
Currently, RCB is second in the points table with 6 wins in 8 matches and the best net return rate in the league. Kohli has played the most pivotal role in this domain.
The former RCB captain has made 351 runs with a strike rate of 163 and a staggering average of 58.5. He has already held the Orange Cap twice during the season for brief periods and is currently the fourth-highest scorer in the tournament.
Also read: England Women’s T20 World Cup squad: Nat Sciver-Brunt as captain, 18-year-old spinner called up
RCB’s next match
Kohli’s extra day in Delhi means he will have to rush to get to RCB’s next match, against the Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad on April 30.
RCB have already beaten GT this season, with Kohli himself scoring a decisive 81 in a successful chase of 206. He took home the Player of the Match award for this sublime knock.