Virat Kohli Noticing My Improvement Meant the World to Me: Wadhera
In the world of cricket, recognition from a legend like Virat Kohli can be a game-changer for any young player. And for Punjab Kings’ (PBKS) batter Nehal Wadhera, being noticed by Kohli for his improved performance was a dream come true.
In an exclusive interview, Wadhera shared the moment when Kohli acknowledged his growth as a cricketer, saying that it “meant the world” to him. The incident took place during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, after a match between PBKS and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).
“I remember during the IPL 2024, Kohli had given me some advice, and I worked on it. And then, after the match against RCB in IPL 2025, he came up to me and said, ‘You’re more composed now. You know where and when to hit,'” Wadhera recalled.
The 22-year-old batsman from Punjab has been making waves in the cricketing world with his impressive performances in the domestic and international circuit. His journey to the top has not been easy, but Wadhera credits Kohli’s encouragement for pushing him to work harder.
“It was a massive confidence booster for me. To hear it from someone like Virat Kohli, who is one of the greatest batsmen in the world, meant a lot to me. It made me realize that all my hard work was paying off, and it gave me the motivation to continue improving,” Wadhera said.
Wadhera’s journey to the IPL began when he was just a teenager. He started playing cricket at the age of 10 and quickly made a name for himself in the junior circuit. His consistent performances earned him a spot in the Punjab Under-19 team, and he went on to represent India at the Under-19 World Cup.
After a successful junior career, Wadhera made his first-class debut for Punjab in 2022 and has since become a regular fixture in the team. His impressive performances in the domestic circuit caught the attention of IPL franchises, and he was picked up by PBKS in the 2024 auction.
Wadhera’s IPL debut was a memorable one, as he scored 34 off 24 balls against the Delhi Capitals. Since then, he has become a key player for PBKS, scoring crucial runs in crucial situations.
The young batter attributes his success to his hard work and dedication. “I believe that if you want to achieve something, you have to put in the effort. I’ve always worked hard on my game, and it’s paid off so far. The recognition from Kohli is just a bonus,” Wadhera said.
Wadhera’s growth as a cricketer has not gone unnoticed. His teammates and coaches have praised his improvement, and he has become one of the most exciting young talents in Indian cricket.
As Wadhera looks to the future, he is determined to continue improving and making a name for himself in the world of cricket. And with the recognition of a legend like Kohli, he is confident that he can achieve his goals.
“It’s a great feeling to know that someone like Kohli is taking notice of my improvement. It motivates me to work even harder and make him proud. I want to continue making a difference for my team and for Indian cricket,” Wadhera said.
For now, Wadhera is focused on helping PBKS make a deep run in the IPL and eventually breaking into the Indian national team. With his talent, hard work, and the guidance of mentors like Kohli, the future looks bright for the young batter.
