'Smacked Jayasuriya For Six' - Harbhajan Singh Recalls First Memory Of Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli with Harbhajan Singh (x.com)
Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh has recalled his first ever memory involving batting legend Virat Kohli. The cricketer-turned-commentator said that he first saw Kohli in action back in 2008 during the inaugural edition of the IPL.
Singh further revealed that he had already heard promising things about the then youngster from former Indian team manager Lalchand Rajput.
Harbhajan reveals how a 19-year-old Kohli impressed him
Legendary Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh revealed that he first saw Virat Kohli in action back during an IPL 2008 game between Mumbai Indians and RCB at the Wankhede Stadium. Singh, who was leading the Mumbai Indians franchise at the time, claimed that he was impressed by Kohli’s confidence, even though the latter was just 19-years-old.
The cricketer-turned-commentator recalled a moment when a young Kohli took on seasoned veteran Sanath Jayasuriya by stepping out of the crease to hit a six. While speaking with the official broadcasters of the upcoming IPL 2024 season.
“I first heard Virat Kohli’s name prior to first IPL auction from Lalchand Rajput. Rajput told me that Kohli was a young talented player emerging from India’s U19 team, who has the potential to become a great batter in the future," Harbhajan Singh said while speaking with the official broadcasters of the upcoming IPL 2024 season.
"When I myself first saw him playing for RCB, during match against Mumbai Indians, there Kohli had stepped out to smack Sanath Jayasuriya for a six. I was impressed by his confidence of taking on a legend like Jayasuriya, and thought that this young lad indeed has much potential," the veteran spinner added.
Watch: Harbhajan Singh recalls earliest Virat Kohli memories
Virat Kohli scored a 14-ball 23 in the game, thus setting up a five-wicket win for the RCB in IPL 2008.
A few months later, the then youngster joined Harbhajan Singh in the national side and the two became frequent collaborators for Team India. The two cricketers were key members of India’s victorious 2011 World Cup winning squad, and also enjoyed numerous white-ball series triumphs together under the guidance of MS Dhoni.
As of now, Kohli is on a short sabbatical from the Indian team citing personal reasons. He recently took field for Team India in their home T20I series against Afghanistan, however, he opted himself out of the subsequent Test series against the visiting Englishmen.
He is expected to return to the competitive fold in time for the upcoming IPL 2024 season.
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