Indian captain Virat Kohli thanked Patrick Farhart and Shankar Basu for their amazing work with the national team in a send-off message after the two have decided to step down from their respective roles as a physiotherapist and as fitness and conditioning coach after team’s World Cup 2019 exit.
Taking to Twitter, Patrick announced the same with an emotional farewell message for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Indian players. He wrote, “Whilst my last day with the team did not turn out as I wanted it to, I would like to thank @BCCI for the opportunity to work with the team for the last 4 years. My best wishes to all of the players and support staff for the future.”
While the duo’s tenure with the Indian cricket team has ended with India’s World Cup exit after their semi-final loss to New Zealand on Wednesday, 10th July, the BCCI confirmed that Basu and Patrick don’t want to continue with their respective roles as they need a break.
The BCCI stated, “Basu has informed the team management of not continuing as a trainer as he needs a break. So has Patrick. The Indian team will look out for their replacements after the World Cup and West Indies series.”
Meanwhile, Kohli went on his official Twitter handle to bid his farewell to Farhart and Basu while thanking the two for their amazing contribution to the side. He also called the two unsung heroes of the team as true gentlemen while wishing them the best in the life ahead.
He wrote, “Thank you, Patrick and Basu, for the amazing work you both have done for the team. More importantly, the friendship you have with all of us is even more special. You both are true gentlemen. Wish you the best for everything else in life ahead.”
Noteworthy, Farhart and Basu -who joined the Indian set-up in 2015, had already informed the Indian board that their stint with the national team would end after the World Cup.
