Former BCCI selector and current Delhi head coach, Sarandeep Singh, recalled the return of team India’s former Test cricketer, Virat Kohli, to the Ranji Trophy earlier this year. After a disappointing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Kohli returned to play for Delhi in a Ranji match against the Railways after a long gap of 12 years.
Now, speaking on Taruwar Kohli’s YouTube channel, Sarandeep talked about an incident where players, including Kohli, were playing football during a training session but everyone was avoiding going too close to the former team India skipper to prevent any injuries.
“They were playing football during training and everyone was passing the ball only to Virat. I went and stopped the game in between. I told Yash Dhull is screaming since a long time, give the ball to him also. They said no no Virat is standing there. No one was even going near him, thinking what if they stamped on his foot by mistake or something. He then spoke to everyone, sat with the players, and comforted them,” he said.
Talking about his retirement decision from Tests, the former Indian cricketer wished Kohli had played for three more seasons but noted the struggles in maintaining family and cricket life.
“I thought from the outside that he could play three more years. But it also matters what you are thinking as an individual. But he may feel that things are different now. I am also married, have a family, kids, and responsibilities are more. Your mind starts functioning differently. You are not just a cricketer but also a family man. So you start thinking differently then. He is a guy who does not play for records. If he did, he would not have become Virat Kohli,” Sarandeep concluded.
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