Ahead of the forthcoming three-match ODI series between India and Sri Lanka, Sri Lankan net bowlers sent Indian cricket legend Virat Kohli a unique keepsake. When the famous cricket player was rehearsing in Colombo, the gesture happened.
The veteran players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli led the Indian cricket team that landed in Colombo on Monday in anticipation of the opening ODI series on August 2.
For both of the contemporary greats, who haven’t played an ODI since November 2023, the series represents a momentous return to the 50-over format. India’s recent triumph in the T20 World Cup 2024 has increased expectations for their comeback.
The incident that attracted the most attention happened during a net session when Kohli was practicing. The net bowlers from Sri Lanka, who help out visiting teams during practise, made a heartfelt gift by giving Kohli a unique keepsake. The gesture not only emphasised the mutual respect that Kohli enjoys among cricket fans worldwide, but it also brought attention to the cordial ties that exist between Indian and Sri Lankan cricket.
Sri Lankan net bowlers gifted Virat Kohli a special memento. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/1M9X0UU3mE
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) July 31, 2024
Meanwhile, it’s important to consider Kohli’s ODI record versus the island nation. The 35-year-old has been outstanding against the hosts, amassing 2,594 runs at an astounding average of 63.26 in 53 outings, including 10 hundreds and 12 fifties.
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KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, and Kuldeep Yadav were among the other important players that participated in the practise session. However, in the T20I series, the Indian team captained by Suryakumar Yadav triumphed 3-0 over the Charith Asalanka-led team.
India’s Squad for the three-match ODI series:
Rohit Sharma (C), ášhubman Gill (VC), Virat Kohli, KL Rahul (WK), Rishabh Pant (WK), Shreyas Iyer, Shivam Dube, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, Riyan Parag, Axar Patel, Khaleel Ahmed, Harshit Rana.
India
