Virat Kohli’s 11-Year-Old Tweet to Shibani Dandekar Goes Viral on His 34th Birthday: Virat Kohli, one of the greatest cricketing icons, is known for making headlines on and off the field. Whether it’s hitting a century, posting adorable moments with his wife Anushka Sharma, or facing criticism for his performances, Kohli remains in the spotlight. Recently, as the star cricketer celebrated his 34th birthday, a tweet he sent 11 years ago to Indian singer and presenter Shibani Dandekar resurfaced, creating a buzz online.
The Tweet That Set the Internet Abuzz
In 2011, Shibani Dandekar was making waves as the anchor for the Indian Premier League (IPL) shows. She became a prominent face on television, interviewing cricketers and reviewing matches with her confident and engaging presence. Among the many moments from that era, a playful interaction between Kohli and Shibani on Twitter caught fans’ attention.
Kohli had replied to a tweet from Shibani with a cheeky message:
“Hello stranger. Hope ur well.”
This flirty yet lighthearted comment quickly earned Kohli the titles of “Simp King” and “Greatest Playboy” from fans back in 2011. At the time, Kohli was a bachelor, and the casual banter added a touch of intrigue to his charming public persona. Now, over a decade later, the tweet has resurfaced, delighting fans and adding to the birthday celebrations.
Shibani Dandekar: More Than Just a Pretty Face
Shibani Dandekar, now married to actor and filmmaker Farhan Akhtar, wasn’t just another pretty face in the IPL lineup. She proved her mettle as a sharp, intelligent, and confident presenter. In 2011, she stood out among seasoned anchors like Gaurav Kapoor, Samir Kochhar, and Archana Vijaya. Despite being an outsider to the cricket broadcasting circle, Shibani held her own with her in-depth research and natural charisma.
How Shibani Became an IPL Anchor
In an interview with India Today, Shibani revealed that her journey to becoming an IPL anchor began unexpectedly. A friend recommended her name when Sony Entertainment Television was scouting for fresh talent for their IPL shows. Recalling her experience, Shibani said:
“When I got to know that they liked my audition, I was really nervous. It’s not like I didn’t want the job, but I was wondering how I’d do any justice to it! I was always passionate about cricket, but to talk about the game in front of cameras was another thing.”
The Role of Shibani’s Father in Her Success
Shibani credited her father for pushing her to take on the challenging role. Being a die-hard cricket fan, he motivated her to embrace the opportunity. Nervous yet determined, Shibani threw herself into preparation. She meticulously studied the game, noting down player names, teams, captains, and coaches. She even plastered her house with boards filled with information to help her memorize details.
“Before I started, I wrote down the names of players, their teams, their captains, and their coaches and stuck them on boards around the house. So every time I walked past one of them, I could revise and remember. It wasn’t easy,” Shibani shared.
A Decade Later: A Viral Moment
As fans revisit Kohli’s tweet on his birthday, it serves as a nostalgic reminder of the IPL’s golden years and the camaraderie that defined those moments. While Kohli’s life has changed significantly—he is now a devoted husband and father—his playful tweet from 2011 continues to showcase the lighter, more personal side of the cricketing legend.
Shibani, on the other hand, remains an inspiration, proving that hard work and determination can help overcome any challenge. Her journey from nervous newcomer to one of the most loved IPL anchors is a testament to her talent and grit.
This viral moment is a delightful celebration of both Kohli’s cricketing journey and Shibani’s remarkable career, offering fans a glimpse into a bygone era of cricket entertainment.