As the Indian cricket team prepares for their upcoming red-ball assignment against New Zealand, starting October 18, talismanic batter Virat Kohli was spotted at the Mumbai airport. Kohli, as expected, was surrounded by paparazzi upon his arrival.
While some photographers clicked pictures, others attempted to engage in casual conversation. As Kohli was leaving, one paparazzi remarked, “BGT mein aag lagani hai (You have to light up the Border-Gavaskar Trophy).” The comment left Kohli momentarily confused.
“Kismien (what do I have to light up?)” Kohli asked. The paparazzi clarified, “BGT mein (in Border-Gavaskar Trophy).” Kohli nodded and entered his car.
Notably, Kohli missed India’s home series against England earlier this year due to the birth of his second child. He is expected to be fully available for the BGT assignment, which begins in November.
Meanwhile, India captain Rohit Sharma is likely to miss one of the first two Tests of the series due to personal reasons. Sharma has played seven Tests in Australia, scoring 408 runs at an average of 31.38.
The Border-Gavaskar series between India and Australia will commence on November 22 with the first Test at Perth. The second Test will be played under lights at Adelaide Oval from December 6 to 10. The third Test will be held at The Gabba in Brisbane from December 14 to 18.
The traditional Boxing Day Test will take place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground from December 26 to 30. The series will conclude with the fifth and final Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground from January 3 to 7.
