Virat Kohli received an overwhelming reception upon his arrival at the Kanpur hotel, where the Indian cricket team is staying for the upcoming Test against Bangladesh. Accompanied by Rishabh Pant and coach Gautam Gambhir, Kohli was greeted by a throng of fans and hotel staff, all eager to welcome the cricket superstar. Amidst the chaos, a traditional tilak was applied to his forehead, along with the presentation of gifts and bouquets, highlighting the adoration he commands in India.
Despite his usual willingness to engage with fans, Kohli found himself in a position where he had to politely decline a handshake from a hotel staff member due to the sheer volume of people surrounding him. With a light-hearted remark, “Sir, 2 hi haath hain (I got only two hands),” Kohli expressed his situation, yet he made sure to convey his gratitude with a warm “thank you,” reflecting his gracious demeanor.
As Kohli prepares for the 2nd Test in Kanpur, he aims to bounce back from his underwhelming performance in the first Test at Chennai. Having played just one Test at Kanpur’s Green Park Stadium, where he scored 27 runs against New Zealand in 2021, Kohli is keen to make a mark in this upcoming match. His journey back to form follows a series of significant moments, including a stellar performance in the IPL and a crucial innings in the T20 World Cup final, setting high expectations for his return to Test cricket.