Even though Virat Kohli is no longer part of Team India’s Test setup and has officially bid farewell to the longest format, his legacy continues to shine especially in Leeds, where India will play the first Test of the upcoming India vs England series starting June 20, 2025.
In the heart of Leeds, a city that holds a special connection with the Indian cricket icon, there’s now a dedicated dining space named after Virat Kohli Table No. 18, reflecting his iconic jersey number. Despite his absence from the squad, Kohli’s presence can still be felt in this English town.
Leeds and Kohli: A Bond Beyond Cricket
Back in 2018, during India’s tour of England, Virat Kohli and his wife Anushka Sharma visited a well known Indian restaurant in Leeds called Tharavadu a popular spot renowned for its authentic Kerala cuisine. The couple was so impressed by the food and hospitality that they signed a special porcelain plate and left a handwritten message praising the restaurant.
That autographed plate was preserved and displayed prominently by the owners, instantly turning it into a fan-favorite attraction. For cricket lovers and food enthusiasts alike, it became a symbol of the bond between Kohli and the city of Leeds
Introducing the Virat Kohli Room in Leeds
Building on their success, the team behind Tharavadu launched a new fine-dining rooftop restaurant named Uyare, offering a more upscale culinary experience. Initially, Uyare featured 17 tables, but a recent addition took the total to 18 and this wasn’t just any table.
The 18th table was designed as an exclusive private dining space and was officially named the “Virat Kohli Room”, a tribute to the cricket legend’s jersey number and legacy. The table has quickly become one of the most talked-about spots among visitors, both for its ambiance and the emotional connection it offers to fans of the game.
The restaurant has carefully curated the room with memorabilia and décor that reflect Kohli’s journey and passion, making it a unique destination in Leeds for cricket enthusiasts and travelers from around the world.
Kohli’s Presence in England Off the Field
While Kohli won’t be donning the whites for India in the upcoming Test series, his presence in England is not entirely missing. After the conclusion of the IPL 2025 season, Kohli traveled to the UK and is currently residing there. Reports suggest that he has hosted several Indian players including Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant at his residence for private dinners and discussions ahead of the series.
This gesture underlines his continued involvement and influence within the team, albeit from outside the dressing room. His mentorship and camaraderie with the younger players are likely to play a role in boosting morale and team bonding during this critical tour
Kohli’s Presence in England Off the Field
While Virat Kohli won’t be donning the whites for India in the upcoming Test series, his presence in England is not entirely missing. After the conclusion of the IPL 2025 season, Kohli traveled to the UK and is currently residing there. Reports suggest that he has hosted several Indian players including Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant at his residence for private dinners and discussions ahead of the series.
This gesture underlines his continued involvement and influence within the team, albeit from outside the dressing room. His mentorship and camaraderie with the younger players are likely to play a role in boosting morale and team bonding during this critical tour.
The Series Begins Without a Legend, But His Spirit Remains
As India gears up for the first Test at Headingley, Leeds, the absence of a legend like Kohli will undoubtedly be felt especially considering his contribution to Indian cricket over the years. But the presence of the Virat Kohli Room in Leeds is a touching reminder of the respect and admiration he commands, even outside of the cricket field.
Kohli’s decision to retire from Test cricket was a surprise to many, but his influence clearly transcends the boundaries of the game. From restaurant walls to private gatherings with teammates, his legacy continues to thrive in the UK, especially in the city where his connection began with nothing more than a delicious Kerala meal.
For fans traveling to Leeds, the new Virat Kohli Room isn’t just a place to dine it’s a testament to a player who redefined Indian cricket, left a mark in every stadium he walked into, and is now celebrated even in the cities he once conquered with the bat.