Virat Kohli’s Gesture of Respect Inspires Young Sarfaraz Khan
For a 17-year-old Sarfaraz Khan, being greeted by Indian cricket superstar Virat Kohli with a bow and folded hands was a surreal experience. The gesture, which came after Khan’s impressive performance for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League (IPL), left an unforgettable mark on the young batter.
On April 29, 2015, Khan had just scored a blistering 21-ball 45 for RCB, helping his team reach a formidable total of 200 for 7 against Rajasthan Royals. As Khan returned to the pavilion, Kohli, the RCB captain, approached him with a warm smile and a respectful bow.
Recalling the moment, Khan expressed his admiration for Kohli’s humility and leadership. “I met him at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium for the first time. I had scored 45 runs in 21 balls here and he bowed at me. I had a lot of fun that day. It was a dream to share an Indian team dressing room with him; it will come true in the future if I get the opportunity,” Khan told Jio Cinema.
Khan also praised Kohli’s unwavering passion and dedication to the game. “His (Virat Kohli’s) passion and spirit are unmatched. Whenever I saw him, even in the pre-match meetings, he’d take charge and tell everyone how many runs he’d score off a particular bowler and break that down for everyone. To be gutsy enough to stand up and talk with such positivity in front of everyone and then deliver the next day is a very unique ability,” Khan said.
The mutual respect between Kohli and Khan is set to continue as they prepare to team up for India in the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh. While Kohli has been training in Chennai, Khan is expected to join the squad soon after completing his Duleep Trophy commitments.
Khan’s journey from a young prodigy to a potential Indian star has been marked by hard work and determination. His ability to perform under pressure and his unwavering belief in his abilities have earned him the admiration of fans and fellow players alike. With Kohli as his mentor and guide, Khan is poised to make a significant impact on the international stage.
