India star batter Virat Kohli was seen doing an extremely heartfelt gesture and gifted his bat as a memento to Bangladesh legend Shakib Al Hasan. This happened after India defeated Bangladesh by 7 wickets in the second and final Test in Kanpur to win the series 2-0.
India dismissed Bangladesh for 146 in their second innings on day five and was set a target of 95 runs to win the Test. India got to the target pretty easily losing only 3 wickets, with Yashasvi Jaiswal scoring 51 and Virat Kohli remaining not out on 29 runs.
Earlier, Bangladesh was bowled out for 233 runs in the first innings on day 4 after the previous two days were washed out due to rain. In response, India raked up 285/9d in under 35 overs with Yashasvi Jaiswal (72 in 51), Rohit Sharma (23 in 11), Shubman Gill (39), Virat Kohli (47 in 35) and KL Rahul (68 in 43 balls) doing the damage.
Meanwhile, ahead of the second Test in Kanpur, Shakib Al Hasan had announced that if given the chance, the forthcoming series against South Africa will mark his final appearance on home soil. If he is not selected, the series against India will serve as his farewell series.
"I am available for the South Africa series, but since a lot is happening back home, naturally, not everything depends on me. I have discussed my plans for Test cricket with the BCB. Especially this series and the home series. I was thinking that it could be my last Test series.
I have told [BCB president] Faruque bhai and the selectors. If there's a chance and if I can play, my last Test will be in Mirpur. The board is trying to ensure that I can play and feel safe, at the same time that I can leave the country without a hitch. I am a citizen of Bangladesh, so I shouldn't have any problem going back to Bangladesh. My concern is my safety and security in Bangladesh. My close friends and family members are concerned. I hope things are getting better. There should be a solution to it," Shakib said in the pre-match press conference before the Kanpur Test.
Therefore, as a gesture of gratitude and appreciation towards Shakib Al Hasan’s stellar career, India batter Virat Kohli was seen gifting him his bat as players from both teams prepared for post-match presentation.
Here is the video:
