Indian cricket legend Virat Kohli may have retired from Test cricket, but his passion and enthusiasm for the game does not cease to exist. Even today, his interest to help the team and clinch victories by sharing his experience and knowledge remain undiminished.
As India prepares to play its first test match in the 5-Match Test Series against England, Virat Kohli held a rather low-key meeting with India’s new Test captain Shubman Gill and Vice-captain Rishabh Pant.
June 20 will mark the dawn of a new era in Indian Test cricket, with the dynamic Shubman Gill leading the side in their first match since the unforeseen retirements of modern-day legends Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. The five-match series against England begins at Headingly, Leeds, as India look to rebuild their position in the UK. While Rohit Sharma’s decision was widely anticipated, Virat Kohli’s retirement certainly came as a shock for the entire fraternity and cricket fans. A legend who has long championed Test cricket as the ultimate and toughest format, Kohli’s decision to step barely a month before the England series, caught everyone by surprise.
Despite his retirement, Kohli is keen to keep a close tab on the Indian team’s performance. In a video being circulated online, it seems as though Virat Kohli hosted the new Test captain Shubman Gill, his deputy Rishabh Pant and a few others including Mohammed Siraj to his residence in London just days before the opening match in Leeds. India had an off day on Monday, June 16 following the conclusion of the intra-squad match in Kent, so the players were available for a meet-up session with Kohli.
While the exact agenda of what the meeting agenda about remained unknown, there are speculations ranging from talks about the upcoming series, to how Gill and Pant could become the anchors for the young troop, the apparent discussion lasted for close to two hours.
As a matter of public information, Kohli with his family has been residing in London after his retirement. He took time out to reconnect with the players he once mentored, and the timing couldn’t be more significant – as India is entering a bold new phase of leadership. This off-the record meeting showcases the camaraderie and bonding amongst the players – especially when they come from someone who’s been a real ambassador of the sport with unmatched pride and intensity.
Be First to Comment