Virat Kohli urges fans to stop using 'embarrassing' 'King' tag: 'You need to stop calling me that word'
PTC News Desk: In a poignant moment at the RCB Unbox event preceding IPL 2024, Virat Kohli, the renowned cricketer and former captain of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), made a heartfelt plea to his fans, urging them to cease referring to him as 'King.' This appeal, delivered amidst the excitement of new beginnings for the franchise, signifies Kohli's discomfort with the epithet that has long accompanied his career.
The event, held at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, was a spectacle of change for RCB, with the franchise adopting 'Bengaluru' in its name and unveiling a revamped jersey. Amidst these transformations, Kohli's address to the audience emerged as a defining moment. Acknowledging the fervent support of his fans, Kohli expressed his unease with the 'King' title that had been bestowed upon him by media and supporters alike.
Never seen a King saying don't call me king ????
My man Kohli is so humble @imVkohli
???? pic.twitter.com/Ar66agGu7J — ANSH. (@KohliPeak) March 19, 2024
The origins of the 'King' moniker trace back several years, with Kohli's on-field prowess earning him comparisons to cricketing legends. While Sachin Tendulkar was revered as the 'God of cricket,' Kohli's dynamic playing style led to his anointment as the 'King' by fans. However, as Kohli addressed the crowd at the RCB Unbox event, he revealed that the continued use of this title had become a source of embarrassment for him.
Amidst the jubilation of the event, Kohli's words carried weight. Addressing the crowd, he humorously remarked on the impracticality of lingering in the limelight, urging fans to simply refer to him as 'Virat.' This candid appeal marked a departure from the grandiosity often associated with sporting icons, as Kohli sought a more personal and grounded connection with his supporters.
While Kohli's request may signal the end of an era characterised by the 'King' epithet, its reception remains uncertain. Similar appeals made by cricketing legends like Tendulkar have had mixed outcomes, with their iconic titles enduring in the collective memory of fans. As Kohli navigates his post-captaincy phase and embraces new roles, the response to his plea will serve as a testament to the evolving dynamics between athletes and their admirers.
In the realm of cricketing folklore, titles like 'King' and 'God' transcend mere accolades, encapsulating the reverence and adulation reserved for the sport's most illustrious figures. Yet, Kohli's appeal invites reflection on the boundaries of such reverence and the importance of respecting the individual behind the persona. As the cricketing world witnesses the unfolding chapters of Kohli's career, his appeal for a more authentic connection with fans resonates as a call for mutual respect and understanding.
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The origins of Virat Kohli's iconic moniker, 'King,' can be traced back to a devoted Indian cricket fan, Kunal Gandhi, residing in Australia. In an interview, Gandhi revealed that during India's tour of Australia in 2014, he wanted to gift Kohli a jersey but felt compelled to add an adjective to accompany his name. Inspired by Kohli's stellar form at the time, Gandhi coined the term 'King' and presented Kohli with a jersey adorned with the title 'King Kohli.' This gesture initiated a trend, as Kohli autographed the jersey, and soon thereafter, fans began affectionately referring to him as 'King Kohli.'
Known for his passion for collecting cricketing memorabilia, Gandhi recounted his interaction with Kohli during India's tour of Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in 2018. He mentioned reminding Kohli about the 'King Kohli' jersey, to which Kohli graciously expressed his gratitude once more. Kohli also imparted words of encouragement to Gandhi's son, urging him to persevere in his cricketing aspirations—a moment that encapsulated the genuine connection between Kohli and his fans.
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(Inputs from agencies)
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