'We met unexpectedly' - Former Wrestler opens up on meeting Virat Kohli
The former wrestler recalls Virat Kohli’s excited reaction on meeting him in Sri Lanka; calls Kohli a proud sportsperson and praises his passion for representing India.
Last Updated: 05.26 PM, Aug 07, 2025
In a heartwarming crossover between cricket and wrestling, WWE legend The Great Khali recently opened up about his memorable first encounter with Indian cricket icon Virat Kohli. Sharing the amusing story in a recent interview with Sports Yaari, Khali revealed how Kohli’s excitement took him by surprise when they met unexpectedly in Sri Lanka.
Interestingly, this wasn’t the only time the two sports icons were seen together. Back in 2017, Kohli had also posted photos with Khali on social media, calling the meeting “great” and referring to Khali as “what a guy!” The photos had sparked excitement among fans from both the cricketing and wrestling worlds, highlighting how sport transcends boundaries and disciplines.
"We met unexpectedly. I had gone to Sri Lanka, and I was staying in the same hotel where the Indian team was. I was sitting at a restaurant and the team came there. He got very excited and asked, 'Bhai photo khichni hai kya? (Brother, shall we click a picture?)' I said, 'Yes, surely.' So, that was our first meeting and we clicked a picture there. The photo has gone viral, and many have reposted it."
The Great Khali, whose real name is Dalip Singh Rana, was the first Indian-born wrestler to win the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. Standing at over 7 feet tall, he made his WWE debut in 2006 and has since become a cult figure in the wrestling community.
His induction into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2021 was a proud moment for Indian fans. The interaction between Kohli and Khali showcases the mutual respect that exists among top athletes, regardless of their sporting domain. Sometimes, even legends turn into fanboys—and this delightful “photo khichni hai kya?” moment proves just that.