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During the Netherlands vs Sweden match, IShowSpeed asked his friend during the live broadcast why India did not qualify for the 2026 World Cup despite the presence of Virat Kohli.
IShowSpeed was a fan of Virat Kohli, who attended the Indian cricketer’s match (Photo: X/@IShowSpeedHQ)
IShowSpeed, whose real name is Darren Watkins Jr, is once again missing Virat Kohli, but for a reason that has left the Indians scratching their heads. The popular YouTuber and streamer is enjoying the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is being held across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
During a recent match, he asked on his live broadcast about India’s absence from the tournament and misnamed cricket star Virat Kohli as part of the country’s football team. “But why didn’t India participate in the World Cup, brother?” he asked as he watched the match between the Netherlands and Sweden at Houston Stadium on June 20.
Moments later, he reiterated his words with a statement that quickly caught the attention of Indian fans online. “India has a good football team, brother,” he said. “They got Virat Kohli.” He appears to have confused the Indian cricket icon with a footballer, which has now sparked laughter on social media. Others found the moment amusing, pointing out that Kohli’s popularity extends beyond cricket.
The Internet is laughing at IShowSpeed’s confusion
“Speed my friend… Virat Kohli is a cricket god, not a footballer. India is running cricket, football is still loading,” one user said.
Another person commented: “Maybe in another world Virat would play football for Ind and dominate.”
“Someone tells him Kohli is a striker, but only when he is holding a piece of willow,” one person commented.
“Bro still haven’t given up on this dream with Kohli,” one user joked.
When IShowSpeed said, “Virat Kohli is a World Cup winner”
This is not the first time IShowSpeed has mentioned Virat Kohli in his live broadcast. Just a few days ago, he was seen walking through a sea of fans and supporters, when one fan kept insisting that he answer his question: “Will Virat Kohli win the World Cup?”
🚨| Watch: Speed is disappointed that India did not participate in the World Cup “India have a good team…they have got Virat Kohli” 😭🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/mZPMVuUnOo
– Speed HQ (@IShowSpeedHQ) June 20, 2026
The YouTuber, who is known for his antics and exaggerated reactions, responded with his signature animated frustration, shouting: “Virat Kohli wins the World Cup!” This led to Indian fans demanding that the ICC or BCCI intervene and secure his inclusion in major cricket tournaments.
Since he discovered IShowSpeed Kohli, he has repeatedly paid his respects to the Indian cricketer and supported him by attending cricket matches, and famously donned the Indian jersey at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad in 2023 to watch the rivalry match between India and Pakistan in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.
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