Nehal Wadhera Left Starstruck After Chat With Virat Kohli During IPL 2025

Nehal Wadhera, the young batting talent from Punjab Kings, is making waves in the IPL 2025 season with his consistent performances and fearless attitude. But it was his post-match interaction with Indian cricket legend Virat Kohli that left him stunned and inspired. The 24-year-old left-hander opened up about his memorable conversation with Kohli after Punjab Kings’ win over Royal Challengers Bengaluru, where Wadhera scored a quickfire 33 off 19 balls.

Wadhera Seeks Kohli’s Feedback, Gets a Surprise

Following Punjab Kings’ crucial win in a 14-over match against RCB, Nehal Wadhera approached Kohli for feedback. He recalled being stunned when Kohli greeted him by name and initiated the conversation. “He asked me, ‘Ki haal chaal, Nehal?’ I was shocked. I didn’t expect Virat bhai to remember my name,” Wadhera said.

For Wadhera, the moment became a turning point. He took the opportunity to ask Kohli for advice. “I asked him, ‘You’ve seen me over the last two years – do you see any difference in my game?’ He replied that he liked my composure and approach, especially in pressure situations,” Wadhera revealed. Kohli appreciated Wadhera’s clarity and execution, especially in low-scoring scenarios, and encouraged him to continue backing his plans with confidence.

Ponting and Iyer’s Support Boosts Confidence

Wadhera credited Punjab Kings’ team environment for his growth this season. Head coach Ricky Ponting and skipper Shreyas Iyer have shown unwavering support. During training camps in Dharamsala, Ponting clarified Wadhera’s role and encouraged his flexibility. “He told me I could bat at different positions since I handle spin well. That gave me confidence to prepare accordingly,” said Wadhera.

He also praised pre-season camps held in Chandigarh by Sunil Joshi and Trevor Gonsalves for refining his game. The backing from the coaching staff and Iyer helped Wadhera settle in quickly. “I never felt like a new guy in the team. Shreyas is a true team man. He never focuses on individual stats. He only wants the team to win,” said Wadhera, calling Iyer a proactive captain who maintains strong bonds with players.

Flourishing Under Pressure

Wadhera’s numbers back up his belief. With 189 runs in seven matches at a strike rate of 146.51, he has been pivotal in Punjab Kings’ campaign. He thrives under pressure and enjoys taking responsibility in crunch moments. Recalling the match against RCB, Wadhera said, “Coach told me to just rotate strike, but I saw an opportunity to attack and put pressure back. I told the non-striker that I would go for my shots, and it worked well.”

He added that such situations bring the best out of him. “I like playing in tough conditions. When Suyash Prabhudessai came on to bowl, I decided I would go after him. That momentum helped us seal the game.”

From training with Jofra Archer at Mumbai Indians in 2023 to now holding his own as a dependable middle-order batter for PBKS, Nehal Wadhera has grown remarkably. His candid exchange with Kohli and his evolving role under Ponting and Iyer highlight a player who is not only learning but also ready to lead when it matters most.

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