Sometimes, buying a new phone number means getting a few wrong-number calls from strangers. But for 21-year-old Manish Bisi in Chhattisgarh, it meant picking up calls from Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers and other players. All thanks to a SIM card with a surprising past.
In late June, Bisi from Madagaon village bought a new SIM card from a mobile shop in Devbhog. He did not know it once belonged to Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain Rajat Patidar.
Setting up WhatsApp
According to a report by TOI, Manish was setting up his WhatsApp with friend Khemraj when they noticed the profile picture was Patidar’s. They ignored it, until calls started pouring in from people claiming to be Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, Yash Dayal and other RCB stars.
Still clueless about the number’s high-profile past, the duo got the shock of their lives when Patidar himself called, requesting the number back. Patidar reportedly asked Bisi to return the number saying it was crucial for team communication.
‘We are MS Dhoni’
Unsurprisingly, Manish and Khemraj thought of it as a fake and replied, “And we’re MS Dhoni”, and refused. Patidar warned of legal action and ten minutes later, local police arrived at Manish’s house. The SIM was then returned to Patidar.
But far from upset, Khemraj was thrilled. “I got to speak to Kohli because of a wrong number. My life’s goal is complete,” he told NDTV.
Earlier this year, Patidar enjoyed a career high by leading RCB to their first-ever IPL title in his debut season as captain, defeating Punjab Kings in the final. For Manish and Khemraj, though, the real trophy was an unexpected call from cricket royalty.