mohalic: Enjoying the glory of becoming only the 12th Indian cricketer to play 100 Tests, Virat Kohlic on Friday said he wants the “next generation” to take inspiration from the fact that he could reach the milestone despite playing in all three formats through a grueling international schedule.
The reigning superstar of Indian cricket was congratulated by the BCCI on Friday in commemoration of his 100th Test match – the first game against Sri Lanka here.
“In today’s cricket, with the amount of cricket we play with three formats and the IPL, the only thing the next generation can take out of my testing career is that I was able to push through and play the purest format of the game. play and go to 100 Test matches,” Kohli said after being congratulated by head coach Rahul Dravid before the game this morning.
Due to bio-bubble restrictions, it was Dravid, who presented Kohli with a commemorative cap and also a glittering memento.
Kohli was accompanied by his actor wife Anushka Sharma and brother Vikas Kohli was in the stands.
“It’s a special moment for me. My wife is here and so is my brother. All my family members and coach from childhood are all proud. It is indeed a team game and without you it would not have been possible.
“Thanks also to BCCI for giving me this opportunity to represent the Indian cricket team initially and from then on everything just got stronger and stronger.
“I couldn’t have gotten it from a better person, one of my childhood heroes. I still have that picture in my house from under 15 NCA days where I looked at you and took a picture with you and today I get my 100th Test cap from you. So it has indeed been a great journey that hopefully will continue to grow.”
BCCI President Sourav Ganguly, Secretary Jay Shah, Treasurer Arun Dhumal and Vice President Rajiv Shukla attended.
Coach Dravid gave a warm speech, getting eloquent about Kohli’s longevity and asking him to “double it up”.
“Virat, I’m sure when you started as a kid you wanted to play one test match for India and today you are standing here on the eve of your 100th test match,” said the India coach.
“It’s a testament to all that’s great in our sport… sweat, discipline, courage, skill, determination, desire, focus, you had it all. You had a great trip. You did it with class and excellence.”
Kohli joined an illustrious list made up of Sunil Gavaskar, Dilip Vengsarkar, Kapil Dev, Sachin Tendulkar, Anil Kumble, Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly, VVS Laxman, Virender Sehwag, Harbhajan Singh and Ishant Sharma, who played 100 tests for the country .
“You can be very proud of not only playing the 100th test match, but also the amazing journey you have made. Congratulations to you and your family on this fantastic achievement,” said Dravid.
“It’s well deserved, well deserved, and hopefully this is just the start of a lot of things to come. As we say in the locker room, double it,” said the former captain before handing the cap to Kohli.
Tributes have been pouring in for Kohli in recent days and on Friday morning board secretary Jay Shah tweeted to describe the former skipper as the man who redefined Test cricket.
“His journey was a union of emotion, passion, dedication and determination. To the man who redefined Test cricket and infused it with new life, congratulations @imVkohli on this landmark Test. Let’s get together and celebrate,” Shah said.
Go First conducts first evacuation flight from Budapest with 177 stranded Indians
