A day after former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh shared on Instagram a heartfelt letter that he wrote to Virat Kohli, the latter responded with a post on the social media platform, too.
Sharing a picture of the letter and the golden boots gifted to him by Yuvraj, Kohli thanked him for the gesture and said that the former national team player was an inspiration for many.
“Coming from someone who's seen my career unfold from day 1, it means a lot,” wrote Kohli. “Your life and your comeback from cancer was, is and will always be an inspiration for people in all walks of life, not just cricket.
“Now we're both parents and know what a blessing that is. I wish you all the happiness, beautiful memories and blessings in this new journey.”
Yuvraj's letter yesterday comes at a time when Kohli's performances for the national team are under intense scrutiny. Over the last six months, Kohli had also stepped down from captaining the Indian side in all three formats, and even relinquished the role at IPL side Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Yuvraj said that he was excited to watch Kohli as he embarked on a “new chapter” in his career and lauded his achievements as a captain and his discipline and passion.
“Virat, I’ve seen you grow as a cricketer and as a person. From that young boy in the nets who would walk shoulder-to-shoulder with the legends of Indian cricket, you’re now a legend yourself leading the way for a new generation,” he wrote.
“You have elevated your level of cricket every single year and achieved so much already in this wonderful game that it makes me even more excited to watch you embark on this new chapter in your career. You have been a legendary captain and a fantastic leader. I’m expecting many more of your famous run chases.”
The two played together in the national team for more than six years until Yuvraj's retirement in 2017. They were part of the 2011 ICC World Cup-winning squad and also shared a dressing room briefly at RCB.
“Mere liye tu hamesha Cheeku rahega aur duniya ke liye King Kohli [To me, you will always be Cheeku, and to the world, King Kohli,” he wrote
“Always keep the fire inside you burning. You’re a superstar.”
Kohli has been given a break from the Indian team bio-bubble and will not participate in the T20 series against Sri Lanka that begins tomorrow.
