Make peace, not war; Kohli gifts Mohammad Amir his bat ahead of Eden Gardens clash
Indian cricketer Virat Kohli gifted rival Mohammad Amir his bat on Friday, a gesture that grabbed the attention of one and all before the marquee clash at Kolkata on Saturday. Kohli had openly welcomed the Pakistan bowler to International cricket after a five-year spot-fixing ban.
When everyone was expecting hostility and tension between the two cricketing nations, Virat Kohli has set an example for the camaraderie between the cricketers of India and Pakistan by gifting Mohammad Amir his bat. During the pre-match training session at the Eden Gardens, Kohli took Amir by surprise when he gifted his prized possession to the bowler.
23-year old Amir had faced stiff resistance from his own teammates and the International cricketing community, when he returned to cricket after a prison term and five-year spot-fixing ban. But, Kohli welcomed the left-arm pacer with open arms back to the international fold.
"He is a very skilful bowler and I wish him all the best. He has worked hard to come this far and it takes a lot of courage," Kohli had said ahead of the Asia Cup in Bangladesh.
The last time, when the two clashed in the Asia Cup, it turned out to be an entertaining watch. Amir ran through the India top order with a spell of 4-0-18-3, before Kohli stood up and guided India to a five-wicket victory scoring 49 off 51 balls.
The “love” between the cricketers of both countries comes a week after Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi got into a controversy after speaking about the “love” he receives in India.
Even though there is love in the air, it is likely to take the back seat when the two arch-rivals clash at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Saturday.
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