In a heartwarming and humorous moment that set social media abuzz, a young fan’s uncanny resemblance to Virat Kohli stole the spotlight, not just for how closely he looked like the Indian superstar, but for the playful exchange that followed during their brief interaction.

The moment unfolded in Vadodara ahead of India’s first ODI against New Zealand on January 11, 2026. As fans gathered near the Baroda Cricket Association Stadium to catch a glimpse of the Indian team during a training session, one boy in the crowd stood out instantly. Identified later as Garvit Uttam, the youngster bore an extraordinary resemblance to Kohli’s childhood photographs, from his facial features to his hairstyle and expressions.

Videos and images of the encounter spread rapidly across social media, drawing widespread attention. The story gained an extra layer of charm when Garvit revealed in an interview what Kohli had said upon spotting him. According to the boy, Kohli turned to senior teammate Rohit Sharma and jokingly remarked, “Woh dekh, mera duplicate baitha hai” (Look, my duplicate is sitting there), a line that instantly delighted those present and later amused millions online.

Garvit also shared another endearing detail from the meeting, Kohli affectionately dubbed him “Chhota Cheeku,” a playful nickname that resonated deeply with fans familiar with Kohli’s own moniker. The wholesome exchange further highlighted the former captain’s warmth and sense of humour.

The internet’s response was swift and overwhelmingly positive. Fans flooded platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Facebook with side-by-side comparisons of “Mini Kohli” and the batter’s childhood photos, along with memes, affectionate reactions and praise for Kohli’s engaging interaction with his young admirer.

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