The Indian stalwart, Virat Kohli, on his birthday, was completely taken aback by the never-before-seen gesture by the Indian sports journalists currently in Australia to cover the T20 World Cup. All the journalists assembled at the Melbourne cricket ground and arranged a cake for Virat to celebrate his 34th birthday. The journalist requested Virat after for the celebration and the former India captain happily obliged.
In exclusive footage sent by Hindustan Times’ correspondent Somshuvra Laha, currently in Australia, Kohli was seen making his way into the MCG stands after the practice session on Saturday, where all the Indian sports journalists were waiting. A cake was kept on a table and Virat, a little overwhelmed by the lovely gesture, slowly stood behind it.
While everyone was waiting for a knife to cut the cake, a veteran sports journalist presented a greeting card to the talismanic batter. “Are ye kya hai? (Oh what is this?),” said an overjoyed Kohli after opening the card.
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Virat Kohli, the current highest scorer of the T20 World Cup 2022, with three match-winning half-centuries in four games, was in a great mood. He didn’t forget to joke with the reporters. “Aap logo ne toh kabhi nahi bhej cake mujhe. (You guys never sent me a cake before),” he said with a smile. “Thank you! Very nice gesture. This is a historic venue and all the media people are here, so it’s a very nice gesture,” said an emotional Virat Kohli.
Don't miss the special gift and Virat's expression after having the cake pic.twitter.com/G6s5XSUnSf
— CrickIt (@CrickitbyHT) November 5, 2022
Towards the end of the video, Virat Kohli was seen taking a bite from the cake and saying, “Kya baat hai, bada swad hai. Kaun laya ye? Main toh pura khauga (Wow, this is so tasty. Who got this? I’ll have the entire cake),” he said.
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Team India also celebrated Kohli’s birthday before the practice session. “Yeah, we got a cake. Rishabh had it. Just before we came for practice, yes,” said India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin in the press conference. Kohli shares his birthday with India mental conditioning coach Paddy Upton.
Birthday celebrations ON in Australia 🎂 🎉
Happy birthday @imVkohli & @PaddyUpton1 👏 👏 #TeamIndia | #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/sPB2vHVHw4
— BCCI (@BCCI) November 5, 2022
Virat Kohli has been just sensational for India with his scintillating form in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2022. His efforts have brought the team to the threshold of making it to the semi-finals. The Men in Blue will now require a win in their final Super 12 match against Zimbabwe to officially cement their spot in the last four of the marquee event.