‘Mini Kohli’ Steals the Show as Virat Kohli Meets Kids in Vadodara Ahead Of IND-NZ Series

Virat Kohli sparked a wave of excitement in Vadodara ahead of India's first ODI against New Zealand, but this time the buzz wasn't just about cricket. A heartwarming moment from a recent training session has taken social media by storm, showing Kohli breaking into a wide smile after spotting a young fan who looked strikingly similar to him from his early playing days.

During India's practice session on the eve of the series opener, Kohli took a short break to interact with a group of children patiently waiting by the sidelines for autographs and selfies. Among them was a young boy whose hairstyle, facial features and expressions reminded fans of a teenage Kohli.

The star batter noticed the resemblance instantly, sharing a light moment with the youngster.

A short clip of the exchange has since gone viral, with fans on X affectionately nicknaming the boy "mini Kohli. "

The internet reaction was swift and nostalgic. Several users posted side-by-side comparisons of the boy with Kohli's childhood photos, sparking a wave of fond memories from the early days of the former India captain's career. Many fans noted how the moment reflected Kohli's softer side-something that has increasingly been on display as he enters a more relaxed phase of his career.

The child absolutely looks like Kohli's childhood version🤯.#ViratKohli #crictapishpic.twitter.com/6RdOlQUiEx

- Tapish (@crictapish) January 9, 2026

Kohli arrived in Vadodara earlier this week, receiving a warm welcome from supporters as the city prepares to host a men's ODI after a long hiatus. The series opener marks the beginning of a busy stretch for India, with New Zealand touring for three ODIs followed by a five-match T20I series.

The 35-year-old batter heads into the series in excellent touch. In December, he made a rare return to domestic cricket, appearing in the Vijay Hazare Trophy for the first time in 16 years. His comeback was emphatic-smashing a brilliant 131 in one match and following it up with a composed 77 in the next. With that momentum behind him, Kohli will be keen to extend his form against the Black Caps as India begin their preparations for a demanding year of international cricket.