“Virat Kohli” - Bollywood actress Ananya Panday names her favorite sportsperson of all time
Ananya Panday, Bollywood superstar and daughter of actor Chunky Panday, has named Virat Kohli as her favorite sportsperson. Indian cricketer Kohli has achieved global recognition through his remarkable accomplishments on the cricket field.
Since debuting in 2008, the 35-year-old has spent 16 years playing for the national team and has broken numerous records. He was last seen in action during India's tour of Sri Lanka for a three-match ODI series in August. The Lankans won the series 2-0.
Cricketers, athletes from various sports, and figures from the entertainment industry have all praised the Delhi cricketer over the years. Adding her voice to this list is Bollywood actress Ananya Panday.
She did an interview with Sports Tak, promoting her new drama series “Call Me Bae." The 25-year-old was asked to name her favorite sportsperson of all time in a rapid-fire segment. Ananya responded:
“Virat Kohli.”
The veteran cricketer will next be seen in action when India face Bangladesh in a two-match Test series, starting September 19 in Chennai. The second match will begin on September 27 in Kanpur.
Virat Kohli announced his retirement from T20Is after winning the 2024 World Cup
Virat Kohli had a disappointing 2024 T20 World Cup, accumulating 75 runs across seven innings. However, he delivered a standout performance in the final, scoring 76 off 59 balls with six boundaries and two sixes, helping India reach 176/7 in their 20 overs.
The Indian bowlers excelled in the latter part of the game, securing a historic seven-run victory over South Africa. While accepting his Player of the Match award, Virat Kohli announced his retirement from T20Is, saying:
“This was my last T20 World Cup, this is exactly what we wanted to achieve. One day you feel like you can't get a run and this happens, God is great. Just the occasion, now or never kind of situation. This was my last T20 game playing for India.”
"We wanted to lift that cup. This was an open secret. Not something that I wasn't going to announce even if we had lost. Time for the next generation to take the T20 game forward," he added.
Kohli appeared in 125 T20Is for India, accumulating 4,188 runs, including 38 fifties and one century.