Virat Kohli, one of the greatest cricketers of his generation, is affectionately known by fans as “Cheeku.” While many cricket enthusiasts are familiar with this nickname, Kohli himself credits former Indian captain MS Dhoni for popularizing it. During an Instagram chat with former England batsman Kevin Pietersen, Kohli opened up about the origins of the nickname and how it became a term of endearment among his fans.
The Origin of ‘Cheeku’
The nickname ‘Cheeku’ dates back to Kohli’s early days in domestic cricket, playing for Delhi in the Ranji Trophy. According to Kohli, his chubby cheeks and prominent ears led to the comparison with the cartoon rabbit named Cheeku from the popular Indian children’s comic book Champak. In 2007, Kohli had his hair cropped short, which made his facial features stand out even more. A coach, amused by his appearance, gave him the nickname, and it stuck.
“I used to have big cheeks back then, and I thought I was losing hair in 2007, so I cropped my hair really short. My cheeks and ears stood out, and that’s how I got the name from the cartoon character Cheeku the rabbit,” Kohli shared with Pietersen.
MS Dhoni’s Role in Making ‘Cheeku’ Famous
While Kohli’s teammates may have been the first to call him by his nickname, it was MS Dhoni who made it a household name. Dhoni, known for his calm demeanor and sharp cricketing mind, would often address Kohli as ‘Cheeku’ from behind the stumps during matches. With the stump mic catching these moments, fans quickly picked up on it, and soon, ‘Cheeku’ became synonymous with Kohli.
“MS (Dhoni) has made my nickname famous from behind the stumps,” Kohli explained. “People hear it on the stump mic, and before I knew it, fans started calling me Cheeku.”
A Term of Affection from Fans
Over time, fans began calling out to Kohli using his nickname, often asking for photos or autographs by shouting “Hey Cheeku!” Kohli, with his trademark humor, shared how this made him feel like a neighbor to millions of cricket fans across India.
“They call me ‘Cheeku’ like I am their neighbor or something like that in India,” Kohli joked during his chat with Pietersen. He added with a smile, “I have a name, and they don’t even bother using it.”
Kohli’s connection with fans has only deepened with this playful nickname, which now feels like a symbol of his approachability and charm, despite his legendary status on the cricket field.
As Kohli gears up for the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh, fans will undoubtedly continue to cheer for their beloved “Cheeku,” a name that has become as iconic as the cricketer himself.
