Virat Kohli Awarded CNN-News18 Indian of the Year 2017

Prerit Chauhan / Rohit Sharma (Photo/Video)

The year 2006 saw the introduction of the CNN-News18 Indian of the Year. The initiative recognises the Indian(s) whose contribution to the country in a calendar year has strengthened the foundation of our society and has helped build Brand India in the process.

Cricketer Virat Kohli was on Thursday awarded the CNN-News18 Indian of the Year for 2017. He also won the award for Popular Choice.

The Indian captain has had a stellar year, notching up centuries across formats and is now the second highest centurion in ODIs behind Sachin Tendulkar.

“When you do what you do, when you express yourself on the field, you have to be true to who you are,” Kohli said.

“I’ve never tried to be anyone else,” Kohli said. “Everyone has to go through a process to get to where they want to be in life. But it’s very important never to lose your identity because then you won’t be able to inspire anyone else.”