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Virat Kohli Hid Secret Joke From Suryakumar Yadav After India's T20 World Cup Win

Virat Kohli at Barbados [X.com]Virat Kohli at Barbados [X.com]

The date, June 29, 2024, will forever be etched in the memories of Indian cricket fans. It marked the end of an 11-year wait for an ICC title, as India clinched the T20 World Cup in a thrilling final against South Africa, winning by just seven runs. 

The victory was even more special as it came after two of India’s cricketing stalwarts, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, had announced their retirement from T20Is earlier that year. Their departure had left a void in the hearts of many, but this win served as the perfect farewell.

As the celebrations erupted across the nation, the joy of the Indian contingent knew no bounds. The night was still young for the winners in West Indies, and the celebrations extended well beyond the cricket field. 

However, what happened next was an extraordinary story shared by renowned sports journalist Vimal Kumar, who was on the same flight as the team, returning from Barbados to Delhi.

Due to Hurricane Beryl, the entire Indian contingent, including players, BCCI officials, and journalists, was stranded in the West Indies for a few days. Jay Shah, the board secretary, arranged for a charter plane to bring everyone back home. Understanding the plight of the journalists, after a discussion with captain Rohit Sharma, Shah ensured they were on board too.

The entire flight back was like a party: Vimal Kumar

Vimal Kumar, an independent reporter, found himself on the same flight as the Indian team. What followed was an unforgettable experience. 

"The entire flight back was like a party," Kumar shared in an interview on the 'Two Sloggers' podcast. As he boarded the plane, Rohit Sharma jokingly warned him not to start filming with his camera. But it was Virat Kohli, seated behind, who joined in, teasing the journalist with a playful remark, “Yes, he goes everywhere with his camera.”

The banter continued as Kohli, dressed in black, and Sharma, India's opening pair, started to have fun at Kumar’s expense.

"We are openers; we will hit from the first ball," Kohli quipped, adding to the light-hearted atmosphere. Then, Vimal and Kohli shared a private joke, one that they kept secret, even from Suryakumar Yadav, who tried to get in on the laughter. "That was related to a third person whom I can't name," Kumar recalled, keeping the mystery alive.

The Rohit Sharma-led side not only won the T20 World Cup but did so without losing a single match, creating a legacy that will be remembered for years to come.