Sri Lankan net bowlers present Virat Kohli with special memento ahead of ODI series

Sri Lankan net bowlers presented Indian cricket icon Virat Kohli with a special memento ahead of the upcoming three-match ODI series between India and Sri Lanka. The gesture occurred during a practice session in Colombo where the star cricketer was practicing.

The Indian cricket team, including stalwarts Kohli and Rohit Sharma, arrived in Colombo on Monday to prepare for the ODI series scheduled to begin on August 2. The series marks a significant return to the 50-over format for both the modern-day greats, who last played an ODI in November 2023. The anticipation surrounding their comeback is raised by India's recent victory in the T20 World Cup 2024.

The moment that garnered widespread attention occurred during a net session where Kohli was seen honing his skills. In a touching gesture, the Sri Lankan net bowlers, who assist visiting teams during practice, presented Kohli with a special memento. The act not only demonstrated the respect Kohli commands across cricketing nations but also highlighted the friendly relations between Indian and Sri Lankan cricket.

Meanwhile, Kohli's record against the island nation in ODIs is worth noting. With 2,594 runs in 53 matches at an impressive average of 63.26, including 10 centuries and 12 fifties, the 35-year-old has been incredible against the hosts. 

The practice session also saw other key players like KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, and Kuldeep Yadav in action. On the other hand, the Indian contingent under Suryakumar Yadav defeated the Charith Asalanka-led by 3-0 in the T20I series.

Also read: Washington Sundar reveals Suryakumar Yadav's surprising Super Over summon

India’s Squad for the three-match ODI series:

Rohit Sharma (C), Ꮪhubman Gill (VC), Virat Kohli, KL Rahul (WK), Rishabh Pant (WK), Shreyas Iyer, Shivam Dube, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, Riyan Parag, Axar Patel, Khaleel Ahmed, Harshit Rana.