Watch: Virat Kohli touches childhood coach's feet & gifts him One8 shoes — this moment has the internet in tears

Virat Kohli, the generational talent of India, has enjoyed an exceptional IPL 2026 season for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, scoring 542 runs in 13 matches at an impressive strike rate of 164.74. He recently grabbed significant media attention after becoming the first player in IPL history to score 500+ runs in a season for the ninth time, while also smashing his ninth IPL century.

Amid this remarkable IPL 2026 campaign, the legendary Indian batter once again captured the spotlight — this time not for his performances with the bat, but for a deeply nostalgic and emotional moment.

Recently, the former RCB captain paid a heartfelt tribute to his childhood coach, Rajkumar Sharma, in a video shared on Instagram. Kohli gifted Sharma a pair of red-ball-inspired shoes, the first release under his brand. However, it was Kohli’s humility and deep respect for his mentor that truly stood out, as the RCB star was seen touching Sharma’s feet in a now-viral video. Watch the viral moment here.

Kohli bows before Rajkumar Sharma — The man who shaped him before the world knew his name

It is a well-documented fact that Rajkumar Sharma played a massive role in shaping Virat Kohli’s journey from a precocious young talent into one of the greatest batsmen of the modern era.

Under Sharma’s guidance, Kohli gradually evolved into one of the most successful batters in Indian domestic cricket before establishing himself as the most consistent all-format run accumulator of his generation. Over the years, it has become a familiar and heartwarming sight whenever Kohli meets his childhood coach — the Indian superstar respectfully touches Sharma’s feet as a mark of gratitude and admiration. The same emotional gesture was once again seen in the now-viral video.

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Speaking about his coach, Kohli wrote on Instagram:

“About twenty-five years ago, a man took a bet on a boy. My first coach, Rajkumar Sharma sir, who taught me everything I know. Seam XVIII is a tribute to cricket, and the first pair belongs to the coach who made it all possible. I’ve held trophies, I’ve lifted cups. But handing sir this box hit different. This is my way of thanking the man who taught me the game that gave me everything. Thank you, Sir. Always.”

Inside the heartwarming gesture: How Kohli gifted his own brand's special One8 shoes to his coach amid IPL 2026

In the video, Virat Kohli gifted a special pair of shoes to his childhood coach, Rajkumar Sharma, who guided him during his early cricketing days. Before presenting the gift, Kohli warmly greeted his mentor and respectfully touched his feet, a gesture that once again highlighted the strong bond between the two.

During the interaction, Kohli first spoke about his coach and reflected on the immense role Sharma played in shaping his cricketing journey. He then presented the first signature shoe launched under his own brand category. Notably, while Kohli’s ventures have already gained popularity in the fashion and hospitality industries through his One8 brand, this marked his first major step into the footwear market.

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The shoes, designed by Kohli and his brand One8, are called Seam XVIII. The design features a bright red colour inspired by the traditional red cricket ball, with the One8 logo placed on the side. Sharma was seen wearing the shoes and praising Kohli for the unique concept and design. Kohli recently met Rajkumar Sharma during the launch of a new branch of the West Delhi Cricket Academy at DPS RK Puram.

From Delhi streets to IPL stadiums — Kohli never forgot the coach who believed in him first 

Long before the crowds, the cameras, and the crores, there was a boy from the lanes of Uttam Nagar who simply loved to bat. Virat Kohli grew up in Delhi, where talent was common but opportunity was not — and it was his childhood coach, Rajkumar Sharma, who saw something worth nurturing. At the West Delhi Cricket Academy, Sharma gave young Kohli not just technique, but belief. He stayed late, drilled discipline, and told a restless teenager that greatness was within reach — if he was willing to work for it.

Years passed. Kohli went from Delhi age-group cricket to the Indian national side, from the Ranji Trophy to the IPL, from promising youngster to one of the greatest batters the game has ever produced. The world moved fast around him. But he did not forget the man who shaped him before the world knew his name.

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At the peak of his IPL fame — when brands competed for his attention, and fans filled every seat — Kohli made a quiet, public point of crediting Rajkumar Sharma. No grand gesture, no rehearsed speech. Just a straightforward acknowledgement: this man believed in me first. In a world that celebrates only the arrival, Kohli chose to honour the journey — and the coach who made it possible.