WATCH: When Virat Kohli brought cheer to hundreds of kids on Christmas, he became…

Star India cricketer Virat Kohli brought smiles to young faces at a shelter home in Kolkata by surprising the children dressed as Santa Claus in 2019.

New Delhi: It is the season to be merry, and this throwback video of Virat Kohli reminds us how he once spread the Christmas cheer in style.

Back in 2019, star India cricketer Virat Kohli brought smiles to young faces at a shelter home in Kolkata by surprising the children dressed as Santa Claus. In a video released by Star Sports, Kohli was seen donning the full Santa Claus look – red suit, white beard and brows, and even a padded belly as he met the kids and handed out gifts based on their wishlists.

Virat Kohli dressed as Santa Claus to surprise young fans

In the throwback video, underprivileged children were seen sharing their Christmas wishes with Santa, asking for a helicopter and doll set to a badminton racquet and a football, following which the lights suddenly went out. As they came back on, Virat Kohli appeared dressed as Santa Claus. Ringing a bell, he rolled in a trolley stacked with gifts and personally handed them out to the delighted children.

The moment became even more special when the children were playfully told that Spiderman and Superman were “on vacation,” and they would instead get to meet Virat Kohli himself.

Excited to meet the cricketing icon, the children screamed “yes.” Kohli then removed his cap and disguise to reveal his identity, leaving the kids completely stunned. Kohli went on to interact with the children, spreading festive cheer ahead of Christmas.

When @imVkohli turned Santa! 😍 🎅

Throwback to a heartwarming Christmas surprise for little kids at a shelter home in Kolkata! 🎁🤩🎄

Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year! ❤️✨ pic.twitter.com/QOW7NY7JJn

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) December 24, 2025

At the end of the video, Kohli signed off with a heartfelt message, “These moments are special for me,” Kohli said, “All these kids cheer for us throughout the year and I had a great time bringing joy to all these kids. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all of you.”

The video was released by Star Sports in 2019 ahead of the Christmas and New Year, earned huge praise on social medial, with many appreciating the former skipper for taking time off and surprising the kids.

Virat Kohli in Vijay Hazare Trophy

Kohli is currently representing Rishabh Pant-led Delhi in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy. He played a stellar knock of 131 runs off 101 runs, which included 14 boundaries and three sixes, to guide Delhi to a commanding victory.

Kohli also crossed the 16,000-run mark in List A cricket, and became the fastest player to reach the milestone in his career. He achieved this massive feat in just 330 innings, overtaking Sachin Tendulkar’s record and also registered an outstanding average in List A cricket.