Virat Kohli upset by “Chokli” chant during practice; Video goes viral

Star Indian cricketer Virat Kohli recently faced an uncomfortable moment when a fan called him “Chokli” during a practice session. The video of the incident quickly went viral, showing Kohli’s visible irritation.

Kohli was deeply focused on his shadow practice in a room with his teammates when the fan began chanting “Chokli-Chokli.” This chant grabbed Kohli’s attention and clearly upset him. Kohli turned towards the fan with a displeased expression, reflecting his frustration.

The term “Chokli” is a derogatory nickname used by trolls on social media. It combines Kohli’s surname with the word “choking,” implying that he fails to perform well in crucial moments. This term became popular after India’s exit from the 2019 World Cup. During that tournament, Kohli was out for just 1 run, which was a significant disappointment. It was the third time he was dismissed for 1 run in an ICC knockout game, having faced similar issues in the 2015 World Cup semifinal and the 2017 Champions Trophy final.

Such incidents highlight the immense pressure and scrutiny faced by top athletes like Kohli, even during practice sessions. The intensity of fan reactions and online trolling can affect players’ mental well-being and focus.

Kohli arrived in Sri Lanka on Monday morning for the ODI series. Unfortunately, the first practice session was canceled due to rain in Colombo. However, Kohli did not let this setback impact him. On Tuesday, he had his first net session since the T20 World Cup final, showing his determination and readiness.

While the official video clips from the practice have not yet been released by the BCCI, fans have shared some footage online. These clips show Kohli in good form, effortlessly connecting with the ball.

With the 2025 Champions Trophy approaching in just seven months, Kohli is expected to be a key player for India. He aims to deliver his best performance and help his team secure another ICC trophy. Kohli is particularly motivated to excel against Sri Lanka, the team he faced in his India debut back in 2008.

Kohli’s response to the “Chokli” chant demonstrates the challenges he faces as a leading cricketer and the importance of maintaining focus amidst criticism.