'Virushka Is Special In A Very Different Way': Virat Kohli Opens Up On The Iconic Nickname He Shares With Anushka Sharma | Video

Ahead of India's first ODI against West Indies, Virat Kohli shared insights about the iconic nickname "Virushka," a fusion of his name with that of his wife, Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma. In an interview with former cricketer Abhinav Mukund, Kohli regarded "Virushka" as special in its own unique way. He noted that the nickname first gained popularity by combining the names of famous individuals, marking the inception of this trend.

Kohli elaborated that "Virushka" originated during his time with Anushka and subsequently became one of the most recognizable portmanteaus for celebrity couples in India. He elaborated on the subsequent trend involving Indian cricket, where fans began to meld his name with that of former captain MS Dhoni, christening them "MahiRat." According to Kohli, the shift from romance to a more casual "bromance" led to this new nickname.

Moreover, Kohli touched upon another popular nickname, "Ro-Ko," which refers to his longstanding cricketing partnership with Rohit Sharma. He explained that their extensive history together made "Ro-Ko" a natural evolution among fans. He also acknowledged its utility for broadcasters, given that Kohli and Rohit now primarily play together in ODIs.

Through these revelations, Kohli provided a glimpse into how fan culture cultivates memorable nicknames within Indian cricket, such as "Virushka," "MahiRat," and "Ro-Ko." While "Ro-Ko" is particularly popular, Kohli emphasized that "Virushka" holds a special place in his heart for reasons distinct from its origins.