I was scrolling through Instagram last night, like I do every evening before sleeping. And then I saw a video. A video that made me stop. RCB vs LSG, IPL 2026. Match over. Virat Kohli is walking back, shaking hands. Then a young boy, maybe 20 years old, runs towards Kohli. Before anyone can understand, he bends down and touches Kohli's feet. Not just a casual touch. A full, deep, desi-style feet touch. The kind we do to our grandparents. The kind that says "you are my guru."
That boy was Naman Tiwari. LSG youngster. Fast bowler. Bought for 1 crore rupees. And he just touched Virat Kohli's feet. In front of 40,000 people. On live television.
My first reaction? I laughed. Then I felt something strange. Respect? Embarrassment? I did not know. But within two hours, that clip had 5 million views. Twitter was on fire. Some people said "this is sycophancy." Others said "this is Indian culture." And some just made memes. Lots of memes.
– Naman Tiwari touching Virat Kohli's feet, Kohli's surprised face)**
Let me tell you something. I have been watching cricket since the 90s. I have seen players hug, shake hands, even kiss the pitch. But touching someone's feet on the field? That is rare. Very rare. The last time I remember something like this was when a young bowler touched Sachin's feet. And that bowler? His name was Irfan Pathan. Look what he became.
So maybe, just maybe, Naman Tiwari is not being a fool. Maybe he is showing genuine respect. Think about it. Virat Kohli is not just a cricketer. For millions of young Indians, he is THE reason they picked up a bat or ball. Naman Tiwari grew up watching Kohli. Kohli was his idol. And now, he is on the same field. Same ground. Same match. That feeling – you cannot explain it. You can only touch feet.
But here is the funny part. Kohli himself looked shocked. His eyes went wide. He smiled, but it was an awkward smile. Like "beta, get up, what will people say." And then he patted Naman on the back. That pat said everything. It said "I see you, kid. Now go bowl fast."
Kohli patting Naman on the back, both smiling)**
Now, the internet is divided. One side says "this is hero worship. We should not touch feet of any human." The other side says "this is our culture. Respecting elders and idols is beautiful." I am somewhere in the middle. I think feet touching is fine if it comes from the heart. But I also think Naman Tiwari should now focus on his bowling. Because one viral moment does not make a career. Remember Vinod Kambli? He was also famous. But he did not last.
Naman Tiwari bowls at 145 kph. That is serious pace. LSG paid 1 crore for him. That means they see something special. If he can take wickets, no one will remember the feet touch. They will remember his yorkers. His bouncers. His name in the scorecard.
So here is my request to Naman Tiwari – you have shown respect. Enough. Now go bowl fast. And get Kohli out. Then I will touch your feet. Promise.
And for the rest of us? Let us stop overthinking. A young boy touched his idol's feet. That is all. No conspiracy. No politics. Just cricket. Just India. Just love.