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Virat Kohli has just touched down in Sri Lanka ahead of the upcoming three-match ODI series set to kick off on July 2 at Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium. However, during a recent practice session with the ODI squad, an unsettling incident unfolded in Virat Kohli’s vicinity.
While engaged in shadow practice, the 35-year-old skipper was abruptly interrupted by chants of ‘Chokli-chokli’ from someone nearby, drawing Kohli’s immediate attention. Clearly displeased, Kohli shot a stern look towards the individual responsible, conveying his irritation without taking any further action.
Watch – Virat Kohli called ‘Chokli’ in front of his teammates
The slang term ‘Chokli’ has gained traction on social media as a means to express dissatisfaction and disrespect towards Virat Kohli. This term is a blend of ‘Kohli’ and ‘choker’, originating notably from India’s 2019 ODI World Cup semi-final defeat to New Zealand, where Kohli managed just 1 run.
This incident marked the third occasion Kohli had been dismissed for 1 run in an ICC knockout match, previously occurring during the ODI World Cup 2015 semi-final against Australia and the 2017 Champions Trophy final against Pakistan. The term ‘Chokli’ has since become synonymous with moments perceived as failures under pressure in Kohli’s cricketing career, often sparking debate and discussion across social media platforms.
India’s ODI squad has arrived in Colombo.
Virat Kohli arrived in Colombo early Monday morning, joining teammates Rohit Sharma, Shreyas Iyer, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, and others in the ODI squad. However, their planned training session for the morning had to be canceled due to inclement weather.
This series marks the return of both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to international cricket since their victorious T20 World Cup 2024 campaign in Barbados, where India secured their first ICC trophy in a thrilling final against South Africa, winning by 7 runs. Following this triumph, both players announced their retirements from T20I cricket.
Originally not part of the initial plans for India’s Sri Lanka tour, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were called upon by head coach Gautam Gambhir due to the team’s limited ODI fixtures ahead of the Champions Trophy 2025. Rohit Sharma will lead the squad in this ODI series as India begins its quest to solidify the ideal lineup for the upcoming tournament, scheduled for February-March next year.
