Virat Kohli’s Mini Doppelganger Spotted As Star Indian Cricketer Gives Autograph to Kids Ahead of IND vs NZ 1st ODI 2026 (See Viral Pic)
The interaction, which took place at the Baroda Cricket Association (BCA) Stadium, quickly went viral. Images and videos surfaced showing a beaming Kohli laughing in disbelief as he signed a mini-bat for the youngster, whose hairstyle and facial features closely mirrored the cricketer's famous childhood photos.
Indian batting legend Virat Kohli shared a heartwarming moment with a young fan during a practice session on Friday, January 9, 2026. While signing autographs for a group of eager supporters, the 37-year-old superstar was visibly taken aback when he encountered a child who appeared to be a near-perfect "miniature" version of himself from his early days in Delhi. Fan Spots Virat Kohli Wearing Personal Brand 'One8' Shoes and Socks in Practice Session Ahead of IND vs NZ 1st ODI 2026 Amid Significant Business Pivot.
The interaction, which took place at the Baroda Cricket Association (BCA) Stadium, quickly went viral. Images and videos surfaced showing a beaming Kohli laughing in disbelief as he signed a mini-bat for the youngster, whose hairstyle and facial features closely mirrored the cricketer's famous childhood photos.
Virat Kohli Signs Autograph For Kid Looking Like His Younger Self
A "Time Travel" Moment in Vadodara
The Indian team is currently in Vadodara preparing for the three-match ODI series against New Zealand, set to begin on January 11. Despite the high-pressure environment of international cricket, Kohli took a brief hiatus from his drills to engage with the fans.Social media users were quick to post side-by-side comparisons of the young boy and vintage photos of Kohli. Fans on X (formerly Twitter) affectionately dubbed the child "Mini Kohli," with some jokingly questioning if the star had encountered a "time traveler" from the late 90s.
Virat Kohli With His Young Lookalike Fan
Virat Kohli's Elite Form Ahead of the Series
This lighthearted moment comes as Kohli enters the 2026 season in dominant form. The veteran batter recently made headlines for his return to domestic cricket in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he smashed 131 and 77 in consecutive innings.During that stint, he surpassed the $16,000$-run mark in List A cricket, eclipsing Sachin Tendulkar’s long-standing record to become the fastest player to reach the milestone. His recent success against South Africa and in domestic play suggests he remains a pivotal force in India’s top order. Ro-Ko Reloaded! India's Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli Undergo Intensive Preparations Ahead of IND vs NZ 1st ODI 2026 (Watch Video).
Looking Ahead to the New Zealand Challenge
The series opener in Vadodara marks a significant moment for the city, which is hosting its first men's ODI in several years. Led by Shubman Gill, the Indian squad features a mix of veteran stability and young talent, with senior players like Rohit Sharma and Kohli returning to the 50-over format.Following the first match, the teams will travel to Rajkot and Indore for the remaining ODIs before transitioning into a five-match T20I series. For Kohli, who turns 38 this year, the series is a crucial building block as India begins its long-term preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 10, 2026 03:51 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).