Virat Kohli turns 31: Team India captain's tryst with football

Fun fact - men's Indian cricket team has been kwn to indulge in a fair bit of football, often using it as a warm-up routine or a team-building exercise. And why t? Some parallels can be drawn between two sports - both requiring co-ordination of 11 players on pitch at some point or ar. It is only logical, refore, that some sportspersons have been involved in both se sports; ne more so than Indian cricket team captain, Virat Kohli. As Virat Kohli turns 31, here's a look at connection between Kohli and football.

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Kohli's football affair

Virat Kohli is co-owner of ISL's FC Goa team. His passion for sport of football, refore, remains secret. Kohli has often spoken about potential of football in India. In an interview with FIFA, Kohli said that since potential of football in India is huge, thanks to an extensive fanbase, it would be amazing to see football grow and reach to a whole new level. Kohli was also all praise for captain of Indian football team, Sunil Chhetri. In same interview, Kohli went on to say that with number of teams in 2026 FIFA World Cup increased to 48, possibility of participation of Indian football team in such a prestigious event was t a farfetched thought. 

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In attendance of his team FC Goa's game against ATK, Kohli stated that he has always followed football. He also went on to say that cricketers love to play sport since football is easy to get acquainted with. However, Indian cricket team captain stated that only way to maximise potential of football in India was to ensure that a sporting culture is developed across country. Kohli also applauded effect that ISL has h on increasing viewership of sport in country. Kohli's love for football has always been apparent, with Indian captain also having some thoughts on two greatest players to have graced sport of football - Cristia Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. When asked for his thoughts on two players, Kohli said that if he could have one of two on his team, it would be Cristia Ronaldo for intensity he brings into team. 

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