“If I didn’t have Virat Kohli supporting me,” Virat Kohli supported Sumit Nagal when he had 6 dollars! Old interview goes viral after Grand Slam history

Sumit Nagal was a part of Virat Kohli's foundation from 2017 to 2021.

“If I didn’t have Virat Kohli supporting me,” Virat Kohli supported Sumit Nagal when he had 6 dollars! Old interview goes viral after Grand Slam history

Sumit Nagal was a part of Virat Kohli's foundation (Image vis APYAM and ESPN)

Sumit Nagal recently created history by becoming the first Indian in 35-years to beat a seeded player in a Grand Slam. He had beaten 27th ranked Alexander Bublik in the first round of the Australian Open and will now face Shang Jungcheng in the 2nd round. 

What many people don’t know is that he once struggled financially. He had gone to Germany with only $6 dollars in 2019, but was supported by Virat Kohli’s Virat Kohli Foundation. While facing financial problems, The VKF supported him from 2017 till 2021, when he quit. Nagal spoke highly of Kohli in an interview with Bombay Times. 

Virat Kohli's foundation has been supporting me since 2017. I haven't been performing well for the last two years and was facing a financial crisis. If I didn't have Virat Kohli supporting me, I don't know what I would have done. If people fund athletes, it will only help the sport flourish in the country. I am fortunate to get that support from Virat.
Sumit Nagal to Bombay Times

After his win against Bublik, he said he still speaks to Kohli at times. He added that he watches cricket whenever he has the time and is thankful to the Indian star for his support. He will now play Shang Jungcheng on 18th January in the 2nd Round of the AO. 

Related: After trying his hands at cricket, Novak Djokovic is ‘looking forward’ to play with text buddy Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli returns to Mumbai after 2nd T20I 

While the entire Indian team traveled to Bangalore to prepare for the 3rd T20I against Afghanistan, Virat Kohi went back home to Mumbai. Back home, he received invitations for the Pran Pratishtha of the Shri Ram Mandir in Ayodhya along with his wife, Anushka Sharma.  He had returned to Banglore to stay with the team. 

Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma
Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma receive the invitation for the Pran Pratishta of the Shri Ram Mandir (Image via X)

The next T20I is on 17th January in the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore. The stadium is Kohli’s 2nd home, with it being the Royal Challengers Bangalore’s home stadium. He has played five T20I matches in the stadium, scoring 116 runs in 5 innings, with the highest score of 72*. 

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