Ashish Nehra reveals why the picture of him with young Virat Kohli went viral

Veteran Indian cricketer Ashish Nehra said that the photo of him posing with young Virat Kohli had gone viral only because of the Royal Challengers Bangalore captain's achievements in cricket. The photo, in which Nehra is seen handing over an award to Kohli, has been doing rounds on social media and was brought to the left-arm pacer's notice.

"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 successfully underwent a knee surgery in London after sustaining a hamstring tendon injury during the match against Kings XI Punjab in the ongoing IPL season. The 37-year-old, who was a mainstay in the international side during the Asia Cup and World T20, carried on his form in the IPL too. He picked nine wickets from eight matches at an economy of 7.65.

In the last 10-15 years Delhi has been producing good batsmen: Nehra

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.

Nehra, having struggled with several injuries in the past, came back to the international side after four years for India's tour of Australia in January.