Indian cricket superstar Virat Kohli has marked a significant social media milestone by crossing 28 million followers on Instagram, a moment he chose to dedicate to the most important woman in his life—his mother, Saroj Kohli. The former national team captain shared a heartfelt post expressing his gratitude and reflecting on the journey, while also offering a pointed critique of modern fan culture.
A Landmark Achievement and a Mother's Love
On Friday, Kohli took to his Instagram account to acknowledge the massive support from his fans. The cricketer, known for his intense passion on the field, revealed a deeply personal and emotional side in his message. He directly linked this professional and public achievement to the unwavering support of his mother.
"28 million on Instagram. This one is for you, mom," Kohli wrote, captioning a picture of himself. He elaborated on his feelings, stating that the overwhelming love from people felt like a blessing he had done little to deserve. His thoughts immediately turned to his mother, Saroj Kohli, who raised him and his siblings as a single parent after the passing of his father, Prem Kohli, in 2006.
Kohli's tribute highlighted his mother's sacrifices and resilience. "The only person I can think of is my mother, who brought me into this world and has been my strength through thick and thin," he expressed. He credited her for teaching him the values of hard work, integrity, and respect, which have been the cornerstone of his illustrious career.
Addressing the 'Disapproving' Side of Fandom
Beyond the gratitude, Kohli's post carried a significant message for his fanbase. He openly addressed the darker aspects of intense fandom, often referred to as 'stan culture'. Kohli expressed his disapproval of fans who direct negativity towards others, including his colleagues, friends, or even his wife, actor Anushka Sharma.
"I do not endorse any form of negativity let alone hate directed to anyone from my fan clubs or anyone for that matter," Kohli stated firmly. He emphasized that such behavior contradicts the very spirit of sportsmanship and respect he stands for. This is not the first time Kohli has spoken out against toxic behavior from overzealous supporters, often urging them to show respect to all players and individuals.
His message served as a clear boundary, reminding everyone that his journey and success are rooted in positivity and collective celebration, not in tearing others down.
The Legacy of Saroj Kohli
The post powerfully underscores the central role Saroj Kohli has played in shaping the cricketer's life. After her husband's death, she single-handedly managed the family, providing unwavering emotional and moral support to a young Virat, who was then carving his path in professional cricket. Kohli has frequently acknowledged her influence, calling her his biggest critic and most ardent supporter.
This public dedication on reaching a social media landmark of 28 million followers reinforces the profound personal values that underpin his public persona. It transcends the numbers, turning a metric of online popularity into a testament to familial love and foundational upbringing.
Kohli's reaction beautifully merges the personal with the professional. It showcases a global sports icon pausing to credit his personal roots while responsibly addressing his massive fan following. The post resonates not just as a celebration of a milestone, but as a reminder of the human story behind the fame—a story of a mother's sacrifice, a son's gratitude, and a champion's appeal for grace and respect in the public sphere.
