Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde calls Virat Kohli 'down to earth' after batter's THIS gesture
(Courtesy : Twitter)
Virat Kohli is close to another major milestone ahead of the IND vs WI ODI series.
Indian cricket is set for another important ODI assignment later this month as the Men in Blue prepare to host the West Indies for a three-match series. The series will begin on September 27, with India’s experienced players expected to take centre stage.
Virat Kohli is likely to be one of the major talking points ahead of the series. The former India captain has continued to be a key player in the 50-over format and was among India’s best performers during their recent ODI series against England.
Kohli scored 144 runs across three innings in England, including back-to-back half-centuries in the second and third ODIs. He finished the series with scores of 5, 65 and 74 as India completed the ODI assignment in July.
Kohli is close to achieving a personal milestone as he has scored 14,941 runs in 314 ODIs and needs only 59 more runs to become the second batter after Sachin Tendulkar to reach the 15,000-run mark in the format.
Virat Kohli goes to meet Eknath Shinde in London
Catch Every Update, Anytime, Anywhere
While Kohli is set to come to India for West Indies, he made sure that he make the headlines while being in London. Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde is currently in London as part of his official visit and met Kohli during his stay in the English capital. The meeting covered several topics, including sports development, infrastructure and welfare schemes in Maharashtra.
According to Shinde, Kohli met him after learning that the Maharashtra Deputy CM was in London. He described the meeting as a goodwill visit and praised the Indian cricketer for his simple nature.
“Virat Kohli lives in London, and when he learned that I was here, he met me for a goodwill visit. I was delighted that such a big Indian cricketer, the one with the most centuries, is so down-to-earth. We had met before, but I was particularly happy with the direct conversation we had today,” Shinde told reporters.
Kohli has been only playing ODI cricket at the international level after stepping away from Tests and T20Is. His recent numbers in the format show that he remains an important part of India’s plans.
In 2026, Kohli has scored 384 runs in six ODI innings at an average of 64.00 and a strike rate of more than 106. He has also smashed one century and three half-centuries during the year.
His next challenge will be against the West Indies, with the first ODI scheduled for September 27 at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram.
The Indian squad for the series is yet to be announced. Kohli is expected to return to India ahead of the series and join the team for preparations.
When did Virat Kohli meet Eknath Shinde?
Virat Kohli met Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde in London on September 11, 2026.
When will Virat Kohli next play for India?
Kohli is expected to feature in India’s three-match ODI series against West Indies, starting September 27, 2026.
For more updates, follow Khel Now Cricket on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.