
New Delhi, February 4, 2026: In a move that has delighted cricket fans across the nation, Garvit, the young viral look-alike of Indian batting sensation Virat Kohli, has officially made his commercial debut. The youngster stars in the latest Apollo Tyres campaign titled “Har Safar Mein Dum Hai,” appearing alongside some of the biggest names in the sport.
The campaign, launched by Apollo Tyres as the lead sponsor of the Indian Cricket Team, is an emotional tribute to the grit and determination required to represent the country.
Garvit first caught the public’s eye in January 2026 when a video of him interacting with Virat Kohli went viral. During a training session leading up to the home ODI series against New Zealand, Kohli was seen laughing and acknowledging his “duplicate,” a moment that instantly made Garvit a social media celebrity known as “Chota Chiku.”
In the new Apollo Tyres ad, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Abhinay Deo, Garvit plays a pivotal role. He portrays a young aspiring cricketer—effectively a younger version of Kohli—riding a scooter with a character playing his father, carrying a cricket kit and a heart full of dreams.
The film is set to the stirring notes of AR Rahman’s iconic anthem, “Maa Tujhe Salaam,” and features a legendary lineup, including:
The narrative parallels the evolution of these cricketers from children with audacious dreams to elite athletes wearing the national jersey. Neeraj Kanwar, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Apollo Tyres Ltd, stated that the campaign reflects the brand’s core belief that excellence is built through “resilience, discipline, and consistency.”
The launch of this campaign is strategically timed with India’s upcoming assignment in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. With India set to face the USA in their opening match on February 7 in Mumbai, the ad has added a layer of emotional momentum for the fans.
“This film authentically captures the spirit of Indian cricket. It reflects the hard work, sacrifice, and endurance required to represent the country at the highest level,” said Devajit Saikia, Secretary of the BCCI.
For Garvit, the journey from a fan in the stands to a featured face in a national campaign marks a fairytale-like rise, proving that in the world of Indian cricket, every “Safar” (journey) indeed has “Dum” (strength).