[WATCH]- “A Very Special Memory For Me”: Virat Kohli Recalls Embracing Rohit Sharma After The World Cup Victory

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma were emotional after securing the T20 World Cup 2024 title, sharing a heartfelt embrace in the dressing room. Kohli recalled this touching moment during his speech at Wankhede Stadium on Thursday.

The India cricket team returned home on Thursday to a triumphant welcome in both Delhi and Mumbai, where the cities celebrated them with enthusiastic receptions that will remain unforgettable.

After a grand victory parade beside Mumbai’s Marine Drive in an open bus, the Indian team moved forward to Wankhede Stadium for an applause ceremony, welcomed by a packed crowd of appreciation.

During the ceremony, speeches were delivered by two stalwarts of Indian cricket, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. After Sharma’s emotional yet proud address concluded, departing head coach Rahul Dravid took the stage to share a few words before Kohli, the main attraction, stepped forward.

Kohli expressed his sentiments about becoming world champions and reflected on the warm reception they received upon returning to their homeland. He also spoke about his teammates, particularly highlighting captain Rohit Sharma, recalling the pivotal moment that captivated everyone when India clinched the world championship.

Kohli stated: “This is the first time in 15 years (of playing together) that I have seen Rohit show so much emotion. When I was walking up the steps (at Kensington Oval) | was crying, he was crying and we hugged. For me, that is going to be a very special memory from that day.”

https://twitter.com/TotalKohli/status/1808904330017231016

Bearing the responsibility – Kohli at 22 and 35 years old

Reflecting on events 13 years ago, a 22-year-old Kohli had expressed the belief that it was right to carry the legendary Sachin Tendulkar on their shoulders after he had shouldered the responsibility of Indian cricket for 21 years.

Now, at 35, standing on the same ground, he expressed his hope that he and his captain had performed well enough over 15 years to bring the ‘Cup’ home.

“I hope we (Rohit and I) have carried the burden and no better to bring it (trophy) back here (Wankhede),” said Kohli. He also disclosed that he was aware during the innings break of the final that this would be his final game.

“Midway through the game, I realized it was time for the next generation to step up,” said Kohli as he announced his retirement from T20 cricket last week while receiving the Player of the Match award.

Back in 2011, he was the youngest member of the World Cup team, and witnessing the tears and emotional intensity of Sachin Tendulkar, Harbhajan Singh, and Yuvraj Singh didn’t fully resonate with him at the time, but now he understands its significance.

“I couldn’t connect with the emotions of the senior players who cried that night but now I do,” said the Indian cricket team’s current senior.

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