‘Virat Kohli Played Under My Captaincy…’: Claims Politician Tejashwi Yadav
Virat Kohli started out his cricketing journey for Delhi during his teen years (x.com)
Bihar politician Tejashwi Yadav recently made a huge claim involving legendary Indian cricketer Virat Kohli. Tejashwi, also a former professional cricketer, said that Kohli used to play under his captaincy during their earlier years and the two even played the sport together for Delhi.
It is to be noted that Tejashwi Yadav was contracted by the Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) franchise during the formative years of the IPL, however, the cricketer-turned-politician did not receive a single crack in the team’s playing XI.
Tejashwi Yadav explains why he left cricket
While speaking with the ZEE network on September 14, Indian politician Tejashwi Yadav claimed that he played professional cricket with Virat Kohli when the two were starting out their cricketing journeys.
Tejashwi, son of politicians Lalu Prasad Yadav and Rabri Devi, further claimed that he left cricket at an early age because of frequent injuries. He said:
“Virat Kohli used to play under my captaincy. I was very good at cricket, but due to injuries I had to leave it. Virat and I played together for Delhi.”
Tejashwi Yadav's Cricket Career
Compatible to the claims of Tejashwi Yadav, he did play competitive cricket alongside legendary batter Virat Kohli. Both played several matches together for Delhi junior team before Tejashwi relocated to Jharkhand for opportunities in first-class and List A cricket. Tejashwi Yadav also landed an IPL contract for the Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) franchise for the inaugural IPL season in 2008.
Before announcing his retirement from all competitive cricket to enter politics, Tejashwi had played one first-class match, two List A games and four T20 fixtures for Jharkhand. Virat Kohli, meanwhile, remained at Delhi and made his international debut in August 2008, i.e., less than two years after making his first-class debut in a Ranji Trophy Super League match.