Raj Kumar Sharma, Virat Kohli's childhood coach, recalled the day the batter was selected for Team India in the Test matches ahead of his milestone 100th Test.
Virat Kohli became the 12th Indian to play 100 Test matches as India faced off against Sri Lanka in the first of a two-match series, underway in Mohali from March 4.
"I still remember the day when Virat came to my East Delhi cricket academy for the first time. He was a naughty boy who was very enthusiastic and eager to play. While coaching him, I realized that he has a lot of potential and was different from others. I still remember the day of June 2011 when he called me and said that he got selected for the Indian Test team. It was a very emotional moment and we hugged each other and now finally he will be playing his 100th Test match," Raj Kumar Sharma told ANI.
"It's a very proud moment for me as one of my students will be playing his 100th Test match for India. I wish him all the best for his upcoming matches also," he added.
Kohli was supposed to play his 100th Test during the South Africa series earlier this year, but fate has it that he will do so in India, in front of a half-capacity crowd at the PCA Stadium in Mohali.
Former India captain Virat Kohli will now join the ranks of legends such as Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman, Anil Kumble, Kapil Dev, Sunil Gavaskar, and others who have played for the country in 100 or more matches.
Kohli will play his 100th Test match under Rohit Sharma's captaincy, who will be leading India in Test matches for the first time. Kohli has 7,962 runs at an average of 50.39 in 99 Tests and 27 tons to his name.
(ANI inputs)
