Michael Clarke respects Virat Kohli for his attendance in Phil Hughes’ funeral

Speaking at the book launch of ‘My Story’, author and former Aussie skipper Michael Clarke spoke about Phillip Hughes’ untimely death 2 years ago, and didn’t fail to acknowledge Virat Kohli’s attendance in the then 25-year olds funeral.

The 35-year old Clarke recalled how the Indian captain attended the funeral of Hughes who lost his life after being struck by a bouncer in the neck in a Sheffield Shield game. This caused a vertebral artery dissection, leading to subarachnoid haemorrhage. After batting for life in the hospital for 2 days, the then batsman was pronounced dead. This unfortunate incident took place just before India’s 2014-15 tour to Australia.

“The way Virat handled that situation, he came for the funeral and had some of the Indian players too. I have utmost respect for him because of that,” Clarke said while launching his book in Kolkata.

He also recalled how the first Test between India and Australia was postponed from December 4 to December 9 in Adelaide.

“This is clearly above the game of cricket and they didn’t need to postpone the game. They could not have turned up for the funeral. They didn’t have to do anything that they did. I will always remember that,” Clarke said.

While Virat Kohli has been receiving flak from the Aussie paparazzi and former Australian cricketers about his aggressiveness on the field, this man from Down Under has utmost respect for the Indian skipper.

Clarke also told that he still hasn’t completely come to terms with the fact the Hughes is no more.

“It took me longer to accept he is not there. I still have his mobile phone number in my phone. It’s still very hard for me to fathom that he is no longer with us”

This just goes on to show that the game is played by human beings who have two different sides to them on the field and off it.