Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese recently shared the incredible admiration that India’s cricket icon Virat Kohli commands, even among Australians. Speaking during India’s tour, Albanese revealed that his personal doctor is not just a fan but deeply passionate about Kohli, to the extent that he requested the PM to secure the batting legend’s autograph.
Albanese’s Interaction with Kohli
The Australian PM caught up with Kohli ahead of India’s warm-up match against the Prime Minister’s XI at the Manuka Oval in Canberra. Their conversation, which gained widespread attention on social media, highlighted the massive global appeal of the Indian superstar.
“My personal doctor is a huge fan of Virat Kohli—fan isn’t quite the word to explain how passionate he is about him. When I mentioned I would meet Virat, he couldn’t believe it and asked me to get his autograph,” Albanese shared during a Star Sports interview.
Albanese also hosted a reception for the Indian cricket team, underscoring the warm relationship between the two nations through the shared love of cricket.
Kohli’s Warm-Up Match Absence
Although Kohli did not participate in the rain-affected 46-over-a-side warm-up match, he was seen practicing in the nets alongside fellow stars Jasprit Bumrah and Ravichandran Ashwin. India comfortably chased down a target of 241 in 42.5 overs and utilized the remaining time for extra batting practice.
Team India’s Preparations and Performances
India is likely to retain KL Rahul as an opener for the second Test. Skipper Rohit Sharma, who missed the Perth Test, dropped to number four in the batting order during the warm-up game but only managed to face 11 deliveries before being dismissed under the lights.
Shubman Gill, recovering from a thumb injury that kept him out of the Perth Test, impressed with a composed half-century, easing concerns about his availability for the pink-ball Test. Meanwhile, Harshit Rana, who made a memorable Test debut in Perth, continued to shine with a four-wicket haul, solidifying his position as a potent wicket-taker.
Kohli’s Undeniable Stardom
The Australian PM’s remarks highlight Kohli’s extraordinary global influence, transcending cricketing boundaries and leaving an indelible mark even in Australia, a cricketing powerhouse. As India gears up for the pink-ball Test, the spotlight remains firmly on Kohli and his teammates, who aim to build on their strong start in the series.
