"Jatt" Remark From Virat Kohli On Shikhar Dhawan's Wedding Triggers 'Casteism' Wave

Virat Kohli and Shikhar Dhawan bonding gets criticism [Source: X]

Former Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan has married his long-time girlfriend Sophie Shine in a private ceremony in Delhi-NCR on February 21, 2026, and the recent comment on it by Virat Kohli has gone viral on social media platforms.

Though some of his close friends from the cricket world were present at the private ceremony, Virat Kohli, who could not make it to the function, commented on Dhawan's post with a warm Punjabi-style congratulations message, calling him "Jatt Ji".

Virat Kohli’s Comment For Dhawan Triggers Casteism

What started as a gesture of friendship soon turned into a controversy on social media platforms. The comment has been criticized for promoting casteism by some netizens, who felt that the mention of "Jatt" (which is associated with the Jat community) in the comment was unnecessary and brought up the issue of caste in an otherwise celebratory post.

Prateekaaryan 𝕏

@AaryanPrateekX

Casteism runs so deep in Indian society that even when you’re the country’s top athlete, far removed from politics and not even living in India anymore, people still choose to use casteist remarks while congratulating a fellow athlete.

Feb 22, 2026, 5:12 PM

Casteism in India is a form of prejudice, discrimination, or favoring someone based on the Hindu varna and jati system of categorizing people based on their birth.

Yet, in spite of the constitutional protections and contemporary legislation against it, caste identities tend to appear in common parlance, marriages, and socializing, thus continuing to divide a society that aspires to be equal.

Also Read: Shikhar Dhawan Wife

Kohli, Dhawan's Roots And The Casteism Issue

Virat Kohli and Shikhar Dhawan both belong to Punjabi families that have their roots in Delhi, much like the massive Punjabi migration that settled in the capital after the Partition of India. 

Dhawan, born on December 5, 1985, in New Delhi, to parents Sunaina and Mahendra Pal Dhawan, was brought up in a middle-class Punjabi family. His surname "Dhawan" is generally linked to the Khatri caste, which is the traditional trading and warrior class of Punjabis (both Hindu and Sikh).

Kohli, born on November 5, 1988, in New Delhi, also belongs to the same Punjabi Hindu community. His father, Prem Nath Kohli, was a criminal lawyer, and they originally resided in Uttam Nagar before shifting to Gurgaon. Kohli's surname is linked to the Khukhrain sub-caste of the Khatri community. 

The "casteism" controversy arises from the literal translation of "Jatt Ji" as a caste mention instead of a cultural term. In Punjabi social circles, "Jatt" is often used affectionately for any strong, party-loving Punjabi man, irrespective of their actual caste, as with "Paaji."

Dhawan has been known as "Jatt Ji" or "Gabbar" by his teammates for his bearded, turbaned looks in celebrations and his larger-than-life character, and not for his lineage.

Netizens react to Virat Kohli's internet comment

The social media platform X exploded with strongly divided opinions. The original X post pointing out the comment as proof of "casteism running deep" received thousands of views, with people expressing regret that even a legendary, retired star like Dhawan (now living overseas) receives caste-laced congratulations.

But most people rallied around Kohli, labeling the outrage as "overthinking" or "seeking negativity."

Let’s take a look at how the internet reacted to Virat Kohli’s comments:

Realtalk

@Reatalkdaily1

@AaryanPrateekX It’s just Punjabi affection bro, not casteism. Jatt is how Shikhar himself identifies proudly. Virat’s been using desi/Punjabi slang with teammates forever. Don’t read malice where there’s only bromance. Congrats to Shikhar & Sophie! ❤️

Raj

@bruce_wayyne

@AaryanPrateekX So what's wrong? They are friends can call each other by name of caste it's normal, why a third person who doesn't exist for both of them having issues with this.

Kakarot

@choudhary4657

@AaryanPrateekX In North India, ‘jatt’ is often used colloquially and proudly within the community. Not every mention is discrimination. Calling someone by a term they themselves embrace isn’t the same as using it to demean them. Turning celebration into controversy should be an Olympic sport.

harsh desai

@harshdesai844

@AaryanPrateekX People have so much time and unused energy to instigate anything but nonsense out of anything that they don’t even closely related to. There is nothing closely associated with casteism in that congratulatory message. People like you pulling india behind. @imrx_Maulik11

Samanya Singh

@samanya_singh

@AaryanPrateekX Imagine him wishing Rinku and his wife like this.. 💔💔 This country is run by Baba Saheb ka Samvidhan, but still this casteism. Unretire Kohli from Test and T20 for this shameful act

Vaibhav

@vaibhavluthra

@AaryanPrateekX Stop picking anything in the name of casteism. He is simply congratulating in a language that both enjoy.

Shilad Singh

@shiladsingh

@JaatRebellious @TheFinder02 I was confused too because Dhawan is a Khatri surname. Must be some inside joke since Kohli is Khatri too.

Ayush

@yush_18

Commented by Kohli to his best friend Shikhar Dhawan but guess what Prateek Aaryan from God knows which slum has problem with his comment 🤡

Zubin Parekh

@ZParekh49926

@AaryanPrateekX I don’t thik Virat’s got so much to think about while wishing a friend of his own..he was minding his own business, but you, on the other hand are showing that this is the best you could do and how your mind revolves around connecting everything with caste

Japan Gor

@japangor

@dna Dhawan’s wedding? Kohli’s comment proves both understand the real currency: PR, not patriotism.

Ravi 🇮🇳🏳️‍🌈

@RaviRa777

@AaryanPrateekX Colonial Surname-Based Casteism is an Enemy of Vedic Culture and Scriptures

ankit

@ankit_4yew

@AaryanPrateekX Casteist??? How can dhawan be a jatt??? He used that word coz Dhawan portrayed himself like that doing thapi celebration and all

poltergeist

@Kalr67462Kalra

@AaryanPrateekX Bhai uska 2017 ka breakfast with champ dekh lo usme bhi jatt ji hi bolta hai humesha se since under 19 times Ye punjabi logon ka tarika hota hai isme koi casteist intent kabhi nhi hota hai

The Relation Between Kohli and Dhawan

Kohli and Dhawan have a strong, long-lasting association that was developed in the domestic cricket setup of Delhi and the Indian senior side. They hail from the same cricketing background. Shikhar Dhawan as an experienced opener for Delhi, Kohli as a young talent in the same Ranji side and since a young age, Kohli has been mentioning Dhawan as "Jatt".

They made their international debuts in the same generation and made a successful pair. Dhawan's aggressive opening and Kohli's stabilizing act were a perfect blend. In the dressing room, their camaraderie was evident in their banter and celebrations.

Even after Dhawan's retirement in 2024 and Kohli's continued success, their friendship remains strong, as evident in Kohli's timely and personal message for his wedding. Their association from the Delhi cricket grounds to the World Cup arenas is a living proof to the power of cricket as a unifier, beyond regions and classes.

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