Gayatri S
In the world of cricket, where fierce rivalries and record-breaking performances dominate headlines, it’s rare for a lighthearted tweet to steal the spotlight. But that’s exactly what happened in April 2014 when England’s fiery all-rounder Danielle Wyatt, now known as Danni Wyatt-Hodge, cheekily tweeted, “Kholi marry me!!!” after Virat Kohli’s electrifying knock in the T20 World Cup. What followed was a whirlwind of media buzz, fan frenzy, and a moment that would go down as one of the most charming cross-border cricket stories ever.
Let’s rewind the clock and explore how a single tweet turned into a cultural moment—and how both Danielle and Virat handled the unexpected spotlight.
The Tweet That Sparked a Storm
On April 4, 2014, Virat Kohli played a sensational innings of 72 runs off 44 balls against South Africa in the T20 World Cup semi-final. His performance left fans and fellow cricketers in awe—including Danielle Wyatt, who took to Twitter and wrote, “Kholi marry me!!!” (with a small spelling slip that only added to the tweet’s charm).
Within minutes, the tweet exploded. Indian fans flooded her mentions, memes were born, and the media picked up the story like wildfire. It wasn’t just a tweet—it became a moment that united cricket fans across continents in laughter and curiosity.
Danielle’s Reaction: “It Was Just a Joke!”
In interviews that followed, Danielle clarified that the tweet was made in jest. She was simply blown away by Kohli’s performance and wanted to express her admiration in a fun way. But she didn’t expect the tweet to go viral—or for her phone to blow up with thousands of notifications.
“I picked up my phone ten minutes later and had thousands of likes and retweets. It was all over Indian news. They even tried to contact my dad!” she recalled in an interview.
Virat Kohli’s Response: Cool, Classy, and Candid
When the two finally met later that year during India‘s tour of England, Kohli didn’t shy away from the topic. Instead, he laughed it off and even gifted Danielle a bat. His only advice? “You can’t do things like that on Twitter! People take it seriously!”
The moment was captured in cricketing folklore as a perfect example of sportsmanship, humor, and mutual respect. Kohli’s gracious response only added to his reputation as a grounded and charismatic leader.
The Bat That Became a Symbol
The bat Kohli gifted to Danielle wasn’t just a souvenir—it became a symbol of their friendly exchange. Danielle even posted a photo of it on social media, calling it a “beast” and expressing excitement to use it in upcoming matches.
She later used the bat in the T20I tri-series in Mumbai, adding another layer of connection between the two cricketers and their shared love for the game.
Fans React: Memes, Banter, and “Bhabhi” Jokes
Indian fans, known for their passionate and playful nature, didn’t hold back. Danielle was affectionately dubbed “Bhabhi” (sister-in-law) by many on social media. When Kohli married Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma in 2017, fans jokingly consoled Danielle with tweets like “Stay strong, Dani!” and “You’ll always be our bhabhi!”
Danielle, ever the good sport, joined in on the fun. She congratulated the couple and responded to fans with laughing emojis and witty comebacks, proving once again why she’s one of the most beloved personalities in women’s cricket.
Who Is Danielle Wyatt-Hodge?
Born in Stoke-on-Trent, Danielle Wyatt began her cricketing journey with Staffordshire before moving to Nottinghamshire and later Sussex. She has represented England in all formats and is known for her aggressive batting, sharp fielding, and infectious energy on and off the field.
In June 2024, Danielle married her long-time partner Georgie Hodge, a sports agent and head of women’s football at CAA Base. The wedding was a celebration of love, equality, and the evolution of women’s sports culture.
Why This Moment Still Matters
In a world where sports headlines are often dominated by controversies or rivalries, the Danielle-Virat tweet saga stands out as a reminder of the lighter side of the game. It’s a story of admiration, humor, and the unexpected ways in which athletes connect across borders.
It also highlights the growing influence of women’s cricket and how players like Danielle Wyatt are not just athletes but cultural icons in their own right.
Final Thoughts
More than a decade later, the “Kholi marry me!!!” tweet still brings smiles to cricket fans around the world. It’s a testament to the power of social media, the charm of spontaneous moments, and the enduring appeal of cricket as a global unifier.
Danielle Wyatt-Hodge may not have married Virat Kohli, but she certainly won the hearts of millions—and gave us one of the most delightful cricket stories of the decade.
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