Former India head coach Ravi Shastri recently shared an emotional anecdote about Virat Kohli during a discussion on Fox Cricket. The story highlights Kohli’s relationship with his wife, Anushka Sharma, and how her support significantly influenced his performance during the 2015 tour of Australia.
A Special Request by Virat Kohli
Shastri recalled a moment from 2015 when Kohli asked him if Anushka could join the team on the Australian tour. At that time, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had a policy that only allowed players’ spouses to accompany them on overseas tours.
“I called up the BCCI and explained the situation. They understood and made an exception, allowing Anushka to join Virat. This decision made a world of difference,” Shastri shared.
Impact on Virat Kohli’s Performance
The impact of Anushka’s presence became evident during the Boxing Day Test at Melbourne in 2015. Kohli, brimming with confidence and support, smashed a magnificent 169 runs. His flying kisses to Anushka in the stands became iconic, symbolizing the emotional connection driving his performance. Shastri drew parallels between that century and Kohli’s latest heroics during the ongoing Test series against Australia.
“She came out, and she joined him. The very first game, the Boxing Day Test he got a 160. And then same scenes, the flying kiss went up like yesterday. She’s a big support for him,” Shastri remarked.
Former Australia pacer Brett Lee, who was listening to this story, said, “When Ravi speaks, you listen.”
Virat Kohli’s Performance in the Ongoing BGT
On Day 3 of the ongoing Test in Perth, Kohli ended his long wait for a Test hundred by scoring an exceptional 121 runs on one of the most challenging pitches in the world. This marked Kohli’s 81st international ton, his 30th in Tests, and his seventh century on Australian soil, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s record of six.
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“Seven hundreds in Australia. The big stage, the big ground, the bouncy tracks — there’s no better testament to Virat’s class and resilience,” Shastri said, praising Kohli’s ability to thrive under pressure.
Overcoming Criticism
Kohli’s century not only silenced critics questioning his form in Test cricket but also highlighted his knack for rising to the occasion in Australia. Since his return to Tests in August, Kohli had struggled with consistency, managing just one half-century in five home matches. This drought, spanning 15 innings, finally ended in style.
Shastri emphasized that Kohli’s knock was a powerful statement: “This is ominous for the Australians. No overseas player in the last 15 years has batted in this fashion here. It’s a masterclass on technique and temperament.”, Shastri further explained.
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