During the Indian cricket team’s recent visit to Australia for a two-day practice match in Canberra, the players had the opportunity to meet the Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese. The meeting was brief but lively, with India’s captain Rohit Sharma introducing the Prime Minister to the entire Indian squad. Among the team, the conversation between Albanese and cricket icon Virat Kohli stood out, as it was filled with banter and playful exchanges.
Virat Kohli, who is adored by millions globally, became the centre of attention as soon as he arrived in Australia.
His face graced billboards and newspapers, with some media outlets even printing texts in Hindi for the star. Kohli’s brilliant performance on the field further intensified the media frenzy, especially after his century in the second innings, which helped India take a 1-0 lead in the five-match Test series against Australia.
A video of Australian PM Albanese praising Kohli’s stellar performance in Perth recently went viral. In the video, the Prime Minister could be seen engaging in light-hearted banter with the Indian cricketer.
Albanese began the conversation by complimenting Jasprit Bumrah’s distinctive bowling action, saying,
“Your style is very different from everyone. Great effort.”
He then shifted the focus to Kohli, humorously adding,
“Good time at Perth. Bloody hell, as if we were not suffering enough at point”
Kohli, known for his quick wit, responded with a cheeky remark, “Always got to add some spice to it,” leaving everyone in stitches. To which, Albanese replied with a smile, “Well… Indian, you know.”
The exchange between the two quickly gained popularity on social media, with fans praising Kohli’s playful response.
Watch the video here:
https://twitter.com/i/status/1862020845797015895
Looking ahead, the Indian team is scheduled to play a two-day warm-up match against the Australian Prime Minister’s XI at the Manuka Oval in Canberra on November 30. This match is crucial as it’s the only practice opportunity before the day-night second Test in Adelaide, starting December 6.
Cricket Australia’s chief selector, George Bailey, emphasized the importance of the warm-up game, stating,
“The squad contains a mix of experience and emerging talent in Australian cricket. This match presents a great opportunity for young players to impress against a strong Indian team in a pink-ball fixture ahead of the second Test.”
He also mentioned the inclusion of Scott Boland, ensuring his match fitness for the Test squad.
“We appreciate the Prime Minister’s input in selecting the squad, which blends some of Australia’s most promising young cricketers with experienced players.”
India’s performance during the last pink-ball Test in Adelaide in 2020, where they were bowled out for just 36 runs in the second innings, is still fresh in their minds. Despite going on to win the Border-Gavaskar Trophy that year, the team has not forgotten the sting of that loss.
Are you looking forward to the upcoming match? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
