Subhayan Chakraborty at Eden Gardens
Scores of ever-enthusiastic fans gathered outside the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata to witness Virat Kohli and his teammates train on the eve of the top-of-the-table clash against South Africa. It’s not just any match either. Kohli turns 35 on the day of the game, and fans were eager to catch a glimpse of him on the eve of his special day.
Kohli stepped on to the Eden Gardens turf alongside Shubman Gill and Suryakumar Yadav. Kohli headed straight to the nets to fine-tune his skills in preparation for the South African challenge.
Stationed at the nets to assist Kohli were Nuwan, the throwdown specialist, and two local net bowlers, a left-arm pacer and a left-arm orthodox spinner. Kohli commenced his warm-up session with gentle pushes and straight-bat shots, displaying his classic technique and precision.
The atmosphere around the nets was electrifying, with around a hundred fans offering passionate support while observing Kohli, Gill, and Yadav honing their skills. As the intensity picked up, the slow left-arm spinner created a few challenges for Kohli. Kohli was determined to tackle the spinning deliveries, even as the left-arm spinner persistently tested his mettle, eliciting moments of frustration from the usually composed Kohli.
However, Kohli’s indomitable spirit shone through, and he gradually found his rhythm. He countered the left-arm spinner’s tricks and began to assert his dominance. Stepping down the track against the spinners and showing exquisite timing against the pace bowlers, Kohli’s strokes demonstrated his mastery of the game.
Kohli’s association with the Eden Gardens has been remarkable, with an average of around 47 and his first international century having come at this historic venue. As he geared up to celebrate his 35th birthday, fans have high expectations from the iconic batsman. A birthday century by Kohli would be the perfect gift to himself and the cricketing world, equalling the legendary Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 49 ODI centuries. The prospect of witnessing such a milestone on his special day would undoubtedly make the occasion even more unforgettable for the cricketing legend and his fans.