Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar extended his best wishes to Virat Kohli by presenting a signed jersey from his last ODI before the commencement of the highly anticipated final against Australia at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, November 19. Team India is on a quest to secure their third ODI World Cup trophy, having previously achieved this feat under the leadership of MS Dhoni at home in 2011.
Notably, Sachin Tendulkar was part of India’s team that faced defeat against Australia in the 2003 final. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) captured and shared a gesture between Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli on X (formerly Twitter). Tendulkar presented Kohli with his signed jersey, marking a notable and symbolic exchange between the two cricketing icons.
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“A special occasion & a special pre-match moment. There’s 𝘾𝙇𝘼𝙎𝙎 written all over this gesture! The legendary Sachin Tendulkar gifts Virat Kohli his signed jersey from his last ODI,” the BCCI tweeted.
“You make us proud!”🖋
Sachin Tendulkar gifts Virat Kohli his signed jersey ahead of the #CWC23 Final 🫶🥲#INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/ggT6uzJ3fA
— ICC (@ICC) November 19, 2023
The 35-year-old surpassed Sachin’s significant records during the World Cup. He achieved his 50th ODI century in the semi-final against New Zealand, becoming the first player to accomplish this feat. He scored 117 runs off 113 balls, including nine fours and two sixes.
A special occasion & a special pre-match moment 🤗
There’s 𝘾𝙇𝘼𝙎𝙎 written all over this gesture! 😊
The legendary Sachin Tendulkar gifts Virat Kohli his signed jersey from his last ODI 👏 👏#TeamIndia | #CWC23 | #MenInBlue | #Final | #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/qu7YA6Ta3G
— BCCI (@BCCI) November 19, 2023
The Delhi-born cricketer also broke the record for the most runs in a single World Cup edition, previously held by Sachin, who scored 673 runs in the 2003 edition. Before the final, he scored 711 runs at an average of 101.57, including five half-centuries and three centuries.
Sachin Tendulkar recalled the first time he met Kohli in the Indian dressing room, where he was pranked into touching Tendulkar’s feet. Tendulkar also expressed happiness that an Indian broke his record, particularly on the grand stage and at his home ground.
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The batting legend said, “The first time I met you in the Indian dressing room, you were pranked by other teammates into touching my feet. I couldn’t stop laughing that day. But soon, you touched my heart with your passion and skill. I am so happy that that young boy has grown into a ‘Virat’ player.”
“I couldn’t be happier that an Indian broke my record. And to do it on the biggest stage – in the World Cup Semi-final – and at my home ground is the icing on the cake,” he concluded.
