Today, on April 28, 2026, Virat Kohli inaugurated a new high-performance branch of the West Delhi Cricket Academy (WDCA) at DPS RK Puram in New Delhi.The event marked a deeply personal "full-circle" moment for the Indian star, as he was accompanied by his mentor and childhood coach, Rajkumar Sharma. Kohli stayed back in his hometown for the ceremony just a day after leading Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to a clinical victory over Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.

Kohli bypassed an early flight to Ahmedabad to support his coach’s new venture, emphasising that his relationship with Sharma remains the foundation of his career. Addressing the students, Kohli admitted that speaking in schools was "awkward" for him since he moved away from the setup early for cricket. He urged young athletes to be "honest with their dreams" and to pursue them with absolute commitment. Kohli specifically highlighted the importance of respecting teachers and the learning environment. In a touching moment, he signalled a starstruck student not to touch his feet, preferring a handshake and words of encouragement instead. The ceremony was also attended by Rohan Jaitley, President of the Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA).

More about this new WDCA branch

The new facility is designed to be a high-performance hub for emerging talent in South Delhi. The academy spans 6 acres and features six practice pitches and modern bowling machines. The training curriculum, endorsed by Dronacharya Awardee Rajkumar Sharma, includes video analysis for technical refinement and specialised fitness modules. To accommodate student schedules, fitness and skills sessions will be conducted in morning and evening batches. Beyond batting and bowling, the academy provides access to a professional gym facility, specialised dressing rooms, and a focus on the mental aspects of the game.

Coach Rajkumar Sharma stated the branch aims to replicate the success of the original Paschim Vihar centre by producing more national-level players for India. The presence of DDCA President Rohan Jaitley highlighted the importance of this partnership in strengthening Delhi's grassroots cricket infrastructure.