Star Indian cricketer Virat Kohli made a grand entrance in Kanpur on Tuesday, ahead of the much-anticipated second Test match against Bangladesh, set to kick off on September 27. As both teams gear up for the match, the arrival of Kohli, along with wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant and head coach Gautam Gambhir, has generated a buzz in the city, especially following India’s commanding 280-run victory in the first Test in Chennai.
The moment Kohli and his teammates arrived at the team hotel, a throng of eager fans and hotel staff converged, hoping to catch a glimpse of their cricketing idols. The excitement in the lobby was palpable as the 35-year-old entered, drawing immediate attention. Kohli, a figure of immense adoration, was met with enthusiastic greetings, and hotel staff members seized the moment to welcome the cricketing icon warmly.
A traditional tilak ceremony was held to honour him, complete with bouquets, gifts, and rudraksha beads, showcasing the respect and affection he commands. In a light-hearted moment, while graciously accepting a bouquet from a staff member, Kohli found himself in a humorous predicament.
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Balancing a bag in one hand and a bouquet in the other, he politely declined a handshake from another employee, quipping, “Sir, do hi haath hain” (Sir, I only have two hands). This charming interaction only added to the admiration fans feel for him.
Virat Kohli’s welcome at the Team Hotel in Kanpur 🥰❤️ pic.twitter.com/cq4ku5pK3C
— Virat Kohli Fan Club (@Trend_VKohli) September 24, 2024
Virat Kohli’s recent form has been under scrutiny; in the Chennai Test, he had a disappointing outing, scoring just 6 and 17 runs. The upcoming match at Kanpur’s Green Park Stadium holds special significance for him, as he has only played one Test there, against New Zealand in 2021, where he managed a total of 27 runs across two innings.
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With the weight of expectations resting on his shoulders, Kohli will be eager to turn things around and let his bat do the talking in the upcoming match. The Test against Bangladesh marks his first of the year, having missed the five-match Test series against England earlier this season. As he prepares for this critical game, fans will be hoping to see a resurgence from the batting maestro.
