Lalit Modi promises Virat Kohli signed bat to boy upset after missing his autograph
Lalit Modi called Yugveer Budhiraja and promised him a bat signed by IPL Season 1 players, including Virat Kohli. The gesture followed the viral video of the young fan breaking down after being unable to get Kohli's autograph.
A viral video of a young Virat Kohli fan walking away in tears after failing to get an autograph has led to an unexpected gesture from Lalit Modi. Moved by the boy's disappointment, the IPL founder tracked him down and promised to send him a bat signed by every player from the league's inaugural season.
The child, identified as Yugveer Budhiraja, first went viral in April when he was filmed trying repeatedly to reach Virat Kohli for an autograph. Each time, security personnel stopped him before he could get close to the cricket star.
After several failed attempts, the young fan was seen leaving the area visibly upset. In a moment that struck a chord with viewers across the country, he broke down in tears and threw his bat in frustration.
Among those who watched the clip was Lalit Modi. During a recent interview, the IPL founder revealed that the video had deeply moved him.
“That broke my heart,” Modi said, adding that he immediately asked his team to track down the boy.
His reason was simple. Modi wanted to send Yugveer something special — a bat from the inaugural IPL season signed by every player. The memorabilia also carries the signature of Virat Kohli, who was part of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru squad during the league's debut season.
“I will send him a Season 1 bat. The bat is signed by every player, which has Virat Kohli's signature as well,” Modi promised.
On Wednesday night, Yugveer revealed that the promise was already being fulfilled. Sharing a video on Instagram, the young fan said he had received a video call from Modi himself.
Watch the video:
“Thank you Mr Lalit Modi Sir for reaching out to me. You made my morning truly special,” he said, adding that he was excited to receive the bat.
Modi later commented on the post, confirming that the prized keepsake would soon be delivered to Yugveer's home in Delhi.
What began as a viral moment of heartbreak has now turned into one of cricket's most wholesome stories, with fans celebrating the unexpected gesture and the happy ending it brought to a young admirer.
A viral video of a young Virat Kohli fan walking away in tears after failing to get an autograph has led to an unexpected gesture from Lalit Modi. Moved by the boy's disappointment, the IPL founder tracked him down and promised to send him a bat signed by every player from the league's inaugural season.
The child, identified as Yugveer Budhiraja, first went viral in April when he was filmed trying repeatedly to reach Virat Kohli for an autograph. Each time, security personnel stopped him before he could get close to the cricket star.
After several failed attempts, the young fan was seen leaving the area visibly upset. In a moment that struck a chord with viewers across the country, he broke down in tears and threw his bat in frustration.
Among those who watched the clip was Lalit Modi. During a recent interview, the IPL founder revealed that the video had deeply moved him.
“That broke my heart,” Modi said, adding that he immediately asked his team to track down the boy.
His reason was simple. Modi wanted to send Yugveer something special — a bat from the inaugural IPL season signed by every player. The memorabilia also carries the signature of Virat Kohli, who was part of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru squad during the league's debut season.
“I will send him a Season 1 bat. The bat is signed by every player, which has Virat Kohli's signature as well,” Modi promised.
On Wednesday night, Yugveer revealed that the promise was already being fulfilled. Sharing a video on Instagram, the young fan said he had received a video call from Modi himself.
Watch the video:
“Thank you Mr Lalit Modi Sir for reaching out to me. You made my morning truly special,” he said, adding that he was excited to receive the bat.
Modi later commented on the post, confirming that the prized keepsake would soon be delivered to Yugveer's home in Delhi.
What began as a viral moment of heartbreak has now turned into one of cricket's most wholesome stories, with fans celebrating the unexpected gesture and the happy ending it brought to a young admirer.
