Chandigarh, March 22 — Eden Gardens erupted with loud ‘Kohli Kohli’ chants as Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan hailed Virat Kohli as the “GOAT of IPL” during the opening ceremony of the latest edition of the cash-rich league.
“Virat bhai is the only player who has been associated with just one team throughout the IPL. He is the OG. The GOAT of IPL,” SRK said, inviting Kohli on stage. “The king of 22 yards and a billion hearts. Let’s hear the loudest for the one and only GOAT, Mr. Virat Kohli,” he added.
Blushing at the grand reception, Kohli thanked the Bollywood star. “Thank you, Shah Rukh bhai, for a lovely introduction,” he said. The cricketer also shared his thoughts on the new and old generations of IPL.
“The bold generation is coming along nicely, but the old generation is still here—ready to make an impact, still ready to play the game and keep creating memories for these fans,” Kohli added.
The duo then danced to the hit song Jhoome Jo Pathaan, drawing huge applause from the crowd. BCCI President Roger Binny later presented Kohli with a special ‘IPL 18’ memento as the league was officially declared open.
