Saw Virat Kohli in Ayodhya? Fans Mob the Cricketer’s Lookalike Who Was Wearing an Indian Jersey

Anticipation was high for the cricket star’s appearance at the temple’s opening with an impressive lineup after reports of the sighting of Virat Kohli’s convoy in Ayodhya one day before the “Pran Pratishtha” event at the Ram Mandir. But in the end, it was Kohli’s impersonator who took center stage, sporting the Indian cricketer’s jersey and goggles and drawing hordes of adoring Indian cricket fans for selfies and pictures.

A video of the lookalike that went viral on “X” showed him at first posing for pictures with others. He made an effort to flee, as shown in the widely shared video, as the throng swelled. He tried to get away from the mob, but it was impossible. It is unclear now if the “real” Kohli took part in the “Pran Pratishtha” at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, but his copy must have had a little taste of his celebrity among the pursuing mob.

Amidst all of this, on Monday hundreds of pilgrims flocked to Ayodhya to participate in the Ram temple celebration. Prominent figures from several domains, including as entrepreneurs, athletes, and Bollywood performers, graced the occasion. On Monday, the Ram temple event was attended by sporting luminaries including Anil Kumble, Mithali Raj, Ravindra Jadeja, Sachin Tendulkar, and badminton great Saina Nehwal.

The first Test will begin on January 25, and although Kohli was noticeably missing from the inauguration event, sources indicated that he was at the airport on Sunday when India began their training camp in Hyderabad.

But as the BCCI revealed on Monday, Kohli has pulled out of India’s first two Test matches against England for personal reasons. While defending his nation has always been his main priority, the board said, “Virat has spoken to captain Rohit Sharma, the team management, and the selectors and has emphasised that certain personal situations demand his presence and undivided attention.” We’ll shortly announce Kohli’s successor.