India vs Sri Lanka first Test went underway in Mohali and following that Virat Kohli became the only 12th Indian to play 100 Test matches. Before the start of the match, Virat Kohli was felicitated by former Indian cricketer and current Team India coach Rahul Dravid who presented the Delhi-based cricketer a special baggy cap to commemorate his 100th Test match. During the felicitation ceremony, Kohli recalled his first-ever picture with his childhood hero Rahul Dravid.
Virat Kohli stated he still possesses his first photo with his childhood hero Rahul Dravid which was taken during his under-15 days at the NCA. "I couldn't have received it from a better person (Rahul Dravid), one of my childhood heroes. I still have the picture in my house from my U-15 NCA days, when I was looking at you while getting a picture with you! Today, I get my 100th Test cap from you, so indeed it has been a great journey and one that continues to grow hopefully," said Virat Kohli.
As soon as Virat Kohli recalled his photo with Dravid, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) was quick to share the 22-years-old viral photo. RCB took to its Twitter handle and shared the 22-year-old photo of Virat Kohli with Rahul Dravid. In the photo, young Virat Kohli can be seen watching Dravid with cheerful eyes thinking to playing for India one day. While everyone posed for the camera, Virat Kohli's eye got stuck to 'The Wall' Rahul Dravid.
Virat Kohli's message to younger generations
Also Read: IND Vs SL: Anushka Sharma joins Virat Kohli for facilitation as he walks in whites for 100th time
After being felicitated, Virat Kohli said, "Thanks Rahul bhai, it is indeed a special moment for me. My wife is here, my brother is here in the stadium. All my family members, my coach from childhood, all are very proud. To all my teammates, thank you so much for your support over the years. It is indeed a team game and this journey couldn't have been possible without all of you. To the BCCI to give me the opportunity to represent Indian cricket and from thereon, everything has gone from strength to strength,” Kohli said.
The only thing I would say is in this day and age, with the amount of cricket we play - the three formats and the IPL, the only takeaway the next generation can take from my Test career is that I was able to strive through and play the purest format of the game and get to 100 Tests which is something I'm proud of," added Kohli.
India vs Sri Lanka
India vs Sri Lanka first Test is being called as the landmark Test. India vs Sri Lanka first Test is not only Virat Kohli's 100th Test match, but Rohit Sharma's first Test as Indian skipper. Also the Test match in Mohali is Sri Lanka's 300th Test match in India.