Jarrod Kimber announces Virat Kohli book at Delhi lit fest

MUMBAI: If there is one cricketer who has launched a thousand essays, it is Virat Kohli. At the Ekamra Sport Literature Festival 2025 in New Delhi, celebrated cricket writer and filmmaker Jarrod Kimber added another to the list as he officially announced that his next book will focus entirely on the Indian star.

Kimber told the audience that he had been waiting to make the announcement in Delhi, explaining that the city felt like the right place since Kohli is its most famous cricketing son. “It is a big honour to be asked here at ESLF as I really wanted to be in Delhi to announce that my new book is Virat Kohli. I have been obsessed with Kohli since the moment he came out and I will try to do the best I can with this book,” he said.

The Australian writer also clarified that while he had reached out to Kohli for a possible collaboration, the cricketer had politely declined. “I contacted Virat to say I am writing a book on you and ask if it is okay. He said yes but he will not talk to me, which I honestly believe is perfectly fine,” Kimber remarked, drawing a mix of laughter and appreciation from the audience.

Kimber was at ESLF for the festival’s seventh edition and earlier spoke at length about his recent book The Art of Batting during a session with sports broadcaster Sanjeeb Mukherjea.

Known for his distinctive storytelling on cricket, Kimber has worked as editor of Spin Magazine and as a writer for ESPNcricinfo. He has authored five cricket books and co-directed the award-winning documentary Death of a Gentleman.

The festival also announced a new initiative that will begin next season,  international sports book writers will be recognised for their work with dedicated awards, widening the event’s global footprint.