As he walked back to the pavilion following India's victory against Bangladesh, Virat Kohli profusely thanked former captain Sunil Gavaskar for congratulating him on his century on World Cup debut. But there was another man whom Kohli actually had to thank, his teammate Yusuf Pathan
"Thanks, Sir. Thank you very much. Please wish for us, Sir."
As he walked back to the pavilion following India's victory against Bangladesh, Virat Kohli profusely thanked former captain Sunil Gavaskar for congratulating him on his century on World Cup debut.
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| Cheers, mate! Yusuf Pathan (left) and Virat Kohli celebrate the wicket of Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hassan during the opening match of the 2011 World Cup at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur on Saturday. PIC/SURESH KK |
But there was another man whom Kohli actually had to thank, his teammate Yusuf Pathan. For, if the 'Baroda Bomber' had not bothered to rotate the strike and chosen to play his big shots in the last over of the Indian innings, the Delhi batsman might well have been stranded one short of his century. "Yes, only three balls were to go and Yusuf was batting. I went up to him and said, 'please give me the strike. This is a big occasion, the World Cup. I don't want to miss the opportunity.' And Yusuf kept his word. He gave me the golden opportunity.
I really owe it to him," Kohli told MiD DAY.
Kohli dedicated the century to his father. "He always wanted to see me play for India and I have fulfilled his dream. 'Thank you, papa'," he said.
The 22-year-old gave credit to the team management for the rapid progress he has made in his batting. "Nowadays I connect the ball very well. The seniors have helped a lot, as also coach Gary Kirsten. I am very focussed now," he said.
The youngster said that the Indian team had prepared well for the tournament and their confidence had gone higher after the victory against Bangladesh.
"Even before this win, the team has been on a high as we have been doing well over the last few months. We are a very motivated side. After this win, our morale has gone further up, there's no doubt about it," he signed off.
