The picture has become popular because of Kohli's achievement: Ashish Nehra

The picture of Ashish Nehra awarding a young Virat Kohli with a trophy has been viral ever since it came out in the social media. The photo was recently brought to the veteran fast bowler’s notice. Nehra says that the photo of him posing Virat Kohli had gone viral only because of the RCB captain’s achievements in cricket.

“I’m not on social media but that picture has become popular now because where Virat Kohli is today. Otherwise, it was just a picture on the wall and nobody would have admired it. Now that picture belongs to Virat Kohli,” Nehra told Hindustan Times.

Nehra said that the photograph was clicked 13 years back, adding that nobody had talked about then.

“This picture was taken some 13 years back. When I was playing in 2009-11, Virat was also playing. Then nobody talked about that picture. It’s all about media and social media.”

Nehra, after sustaining a hamstring tendon injury during on-going IPL, successfully underwent a knee surgery in London. The 37-year-old made an amazing comeback to Indian team was the bowling spearhead for India during the Asia Cup and World T20, He carried on his form in the IPL as well. Playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad he took nine wickets from eight matches at an economy of 7.65 before getting ruled of the tournament after he picked up his leg injury during the KXIP v SRH fixture.

Nehra also lauded the Delhi Daredevils young sensation Rishabh Pant, who had a commendable run in the tournament this year.

“Pant is a potential no doubt. I have been watching him for the last five years and I always felt he has good potential. If he works hard, he can play for India. And it’s not just about Delhi.

“If you see around north India, we have so many aggressive batsmen. There is Suresh Raina from UP, Yuvraj Singh is from Punjab. Every city produces cricketers but yes the last 10-15 years Delhi has been producing good batsmen. Even so many bowlers are coming from Delhi.”

Saying that bowlers’ performances have always been overshadowed by the batsmen’s in many matches, Nehra seemed glad about the fact that the trend has changed now. He also added that the IPL has been a platform for the bowlers to be noticed.

He also revealed why he does not like media attention. “I hardly talk to the media. I believe there is a word called responsibility that the media doesn’t remember. I know every bowler is different, every batsman is different, and every human being is different,” he said.=