Kohli On Rohit's Emotional Reaction After Final: Never Before Seen In 15 Years

During a ceremony at Wankhede Stadium, Virat Kohli shared a poignant moment with Rohit Sharma following their T20 World Cup win, marking a significant moment in their 15-year association. The victory and celebrations underscored their deep emotional journey in Indian cricket.

During a grand ceremony at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, Virat Kohli shared an emotional moment with Rohit Sharma. Kohli revealed that in their fifteen-year association, he had never seen Rohit so emotional until the Indian captain embraced him with tears after their T20 World Cup victory.

"This is the first time in 15 years that I have seen it show so much emotion. When we were climbing those steps (at Kensington Oval), he was crying and I was crying," Kohli said during the ceremony, as quoted by PTI. The event followed a memorable open bus victory parade celebrating the team's triumph.

Reflecting on Past and Present

Kohli's thoughts drifted back to a statement he made at Wankhede Stadium when he was 21. He had then declared it was only fair to carry Sachin Tendulkar on their shoulders after Tendulkar carried Indian cricket for 21 years. Now, at 35 and having recently retired from T20 cricket, Kohli stood on the same pitch reflecting on his journey.

"I hope we (Rohit and I) have carried the burden and no better to bring it (trophy) back here (Wankhede)," said Kohli. He knew during the innings break of the final that it would be his last game. "Halfway through the game I knew it was time and let the next generation take over," he added, echoing sentiments he had expressed after the final match.

Emotional Connections

As a junior player in 2011, Kohli saw senior teammates like Sachin Tendulkar, Harbhajan Singh, and Yuvraj Singh shed tears of joy. At that time, he didn't fully understand their emotions. "I couldn't connect with the emotions of the senior players who cried that night but now I do," said Kohli, now one of the senior figures in Indian cricket.

On a lighter note during the programme, emcee Gaurav Kapoor asked if Kohli would sign a petition to declare Jasprit Bumrah a national treasure. "I will sign it right now," replied Kohli promptly. "Bumrah is a once-in-a-generation player and so glad he plays for us," he added.

Bumrah's Special Moment

Jasprit Bumrah also shared his feelings about the extraordinary celebration at Wankhede Stadium. "This ground is really special. Came here as a kid and what I saw today I have never seen something like this," Bumrah said. Seeing his son made him emotional and left him speechless. He told his wife that he wanted their son to see him play.

Rahul Dravid, the outgoing coach, echoed similar sentiments about the love they received from fans during the parade. "I am going to miss this love. What I saw on the streets tonight, I won't forget it," Dravid said hoarsely, having lost his voice from cheering throughout the parade.

The celebration at Wankhede Stadium marked not just a victory but also an emotional journey for many players who have dedicated years to Indian cricket. The heartfelt moments shared by Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, and Rahul Dravid highlighted their deep connection with both their teammates and fans.