Maharashtra Deputy CM Shinde meets cricketer Kohli in London

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde met Indian cricket star Virat Kohli in London on September 11, 2026, for a discussion centered on sports infrastructure, athlete development, and the state's progress. The meeting, which took place during Shinde's official visit to the United Kingdom, was described by the deputy chief minister as a goodwill interaction initiated by Kohli. According to Shinde, Kohli learned of his presence in London and arranged to meet. "When the Indian cricketer learned that I was here, he came to meet me. I was very happy that such a big Indian cricketer was so humble," Shinde told reporters. He noted that while they had met before, he was pleased with the direct conversation this time. During the meeting, Shinde felicitated Kohli with a traditional shawl and bouquet. The deputy chief minister briefed the cricketer on several major infrastructure projects in Maharashtra, including the Samruddhi Expressway, the Navi Mumbai International Airport, the Coastal Road, the Atal Setu bridge, and the Vadhavan Port.