In a heartwarming display of sportsmanship, former Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli extended a generous hand to former Pakistani fast bowler Mohammad Amir by presenting him with a high-quality bat worth INR 30,000. Despite the intense rivalry between India and Pakistan on the cricket field, players from both sides have often showcased friendly gestures and camaraderie. This incident occurred during a training session prior to the highly anticipated India-Pakistan clash in the ICC World Twenty20 2016.
Virat Kohli’s Love for Batting Gear: Known for his deep appreciation for the art of batting, Virat Kohli has openly expressed his affection for cricket equipment. His passion for the game is evident in his kit bag, which boasts an impressive collection of around 11 bats, meticulously curated for longer tournaments like the Indian Premier League. Kohli’s bat of choice is the renowned MRF brand, custom-made to suit his unique playing style. Fans can even purchase their own Kohli signature bats through the official MRF website.
The Fortunate Recipient: Mohammad Amir: Amir, being the lucky beneficiary of Kohli’s goodwill, was presented with one of the prized possessions from the Indian captain’s bat arsenal. This significant exchange took place when Kohli engaged in a friendly chat with former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi during the training session at Eden Gardens, with Amir joining the conversation. It was in this moment that Kohli decided to offer Amir a bat from his cherished collection, a gesture that left the young left-arm pacer elated and immediately engrossed in shadow practice.
A Promise Fulfilled: This act of kindness was not an impromptu decision by Kohli. Reports reveal that during the preceding Asia Cup, Kohli had already pledged this gift to Amir. Despite India’s victory over Pakistan by five wickets in the Asia Cup match, Amir’s exceptional bowling figures of 4-0-18-3 caught Kohli’s attention and earned his admiration. Amir has proven to be one of the few bowlers capable of challenging Kohli on the cricket field. In their encounters, Kohli has managed to score 56 runs off 60 balls against Amir, losing his wicket three times in the process.
The Tradition of Bat Exchanges: Interestingly, this is not the first instance of an Indian batter presenting a bat to a Pakistani bowler. The iconic Sachin Tendulkar once gifted his bat to former Pakistan captain Waqar Younis. In a remarkable turn of events, Shahid Afridi utilized Tendulkar’s bat to achieve the fastest century in One Day Internationals (ODIs) against Sri Lanka in 1996.
Why Cricketers Carry Multiple Bats: The practice of carrying multiple bats in a player’s kit bag varies among cricketers and is primarily based on individual preferences and requirements. Australia’s vice-captain, Steven Smith, has revealed his obsession with carrying multiple bats, even numbering them for easy identification. Some players opt for bats of different weights to adapt to various match situations, while others maintain separate bats for training and match purposes.
Conclusion: Virat Kohli’s gesture of gifting Mohammad Amir a valuable INR 30,000 bat highlights the camaraderie and respect that can exist between players from rival teams. This heartwarming incident exemplifies the spirit of sportsmanship in cricket, transcending borders and showcasing the bond that unites players beyond the fierce competition. Such gestures of goodwill remind us that cricket is not merely a sport but a platform for fostering friendship and mutual admiration among athletes.