Virat Kohli’s absence from the BCCI’s annual Naman Awards on February 1, 2025, has raised eyebrows among fans and cricket enthusiasts. The event, held in Mumbai, celebrated the achievements of Indian cricketers, with notable figures like Jasprit Bumrah and Smriti Mandhana receiving top honours. However, Kohli was notably missing from the star-studded ceremony.
Reasons for Virat Kohli’s absence
Kohli’s absence was primarily due to his commitment to the Ranji Trophy 2024-25, where he played for Delhi against Railways. The match concluded on the same day as the awards ceremony, and despite Delhi’s victory by an innings and 19 runs, Kohli had a disappointing performance, scoring just six runs in his first match back in this domestic tournament after a 12-year hiatus.
The logistical challenge of traveling from Delhi to Mumbai shortly after the match also contributed to his decision not to attend the award ceremony. Furthermore, Kohli was not among the award recipients this year, which may have influenced his choice to celebrate with his teammates instead of attending the star-studded event.
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Context of the Naman Awards
The Naman Awards are a prestigious occasion in Indian cricket, recognizing outstanding performances in both men’s and women’s categories. This year’s ceremony saw various cricketing legends and current stars in attendance, highlighting the significance of such events in promoting the sport.
Apart from Smriti and Bumrah, Asha Sobhana and Sarfaraz Khan were also among the award winners, bagging best international debut – Women and Men respectively.
