Shibani Dandekar, a well-known cricket presenter and singer, is also recognized for her intelligence, charm, and screen presence. Married to actor Farhan Akhtar, Shibani gained popularity for her engaging interviews with cricketers on prime-time television. In 2011, she became a household name during India’s preparation for the Indian Premier League (IPL). Even Indian cricketer Virat Kohli couldn’t help but admire her charisma.
Virat Kohli’s Flirty Tweet Resurfaces
A tweet from 2011 recently grabbed attention online when fans unearthed Virat Kohli’s response to Shibani Dandekar during her early days as an IPL anchor.
Isn’t it?? Loved the dynamic btwn the boys and shot beautifully!dying to go to spain now! Never been RT … http://t.co/LpRWUn1C
— shibani dandekar (@shibanidandekar) October 23, 2011
Virat, who was known for his playful demeanor back then, had replied to Shibani’s tweet with a flirtatious tone, saying:
“Hello stranger. Hope ur good.”
@shibanidandekar hello stranger. hope ur good 🙂
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) October 23, 2011
At the time, Virat’s bachelor reputation had earned him nicknames like the “Simp King” and the “Greatest Playboy.”
Shibani, a newcomer among seasoned IPL anchors like Gaurav Kapoor, Samir Kochar, and Archana Vijaya, worked tirelessly to establish herself in the cricketing world. Despite the pressure, she impressed fans and players alike with her dedication and poise.
Shibani’s Witty Reply
Shibani responded to Virat’s cheeky comment with equal flair, tweeting:
“Hello Darling, I’m doing great! You ready to shed some Kohli magic today?”
This playful exchange delighted fans, further fueling the buzz around their interaction.
Shibani’s Journey as an IPL Anchor
In an interview with India Today, Shibani revealed that her entry into the IPL world was unexpected. A friend recommended her name to Sony, and after a successful audition, she landed the role. Reflecting on her initial nervousness, Shibani shared:
“When I got to know that they liked my audition, I was really nervous. It’s not like I did not want the job but I was wondering how I’d do any justice to it! I was always passionate about cricket but to talk about the game in front of cameras was another thing.”
Encouraged by her father, a cricket enthusiast, Shibani embraced the challenge. To prepare, she meticulously researched teams, players, and coaches, even sticking their names and details on boards around her house to memorize them.
“It wasn’t easy,” she admitted. “But with hard work, I made it through.”
Before I started, I wrote down the names of players, their teams, their captains and their coaches and stuck them on boards around the house. So every time I walked past one of them, I could revise and remember. It wasn’t easy.”
Fans React
Virat’s old tweet and Shibani’s charming response continue to spark conversations online, with netizens sharing their reactions to the lighthearted exchange.
22 साल का लौंडा था कुछ पाना चाहता था। कुछ देना चाहता था। 😂
— Lotus Lobby 🪷 (@LotusLobby) November 5, 2022
Meanwhile Anushka who is pregnant and her attitude from outside 😶 pic.twitter.com/4AhAQQDzVj
— Tazos blah (@yashkabmilega) October 25, 2020
@08_The_Writer Shibani missed an opportunity. 😂
— Prateek Bhiwapurkar (@bhiwa21) November 3, 2021
What do you think about Virat’s comment on Shibani’s tweet? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
