India veteran batting duo Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were felicitated by the Baroda Cricket Association (BCA) during the innings break of the first ODI against New Zealand at Vadodara. Rohit and Virat were felicitated as the duo has immensely contributed to the success of Indian cricket and is now being rewarded for their efforts.
ICC chairman Jay Shah is also present at the occasion as both players receive the bouquet. Apart from the ICC Chair, BCA president Pranav Amin, senior officials from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) were also present. BCCI president Mithun Manhas, vice-president Rajeev Shukla, and India’s chief selector Ajit Agarkar are among the dignitaries attending the first ODI. Here is how the batting duo felicitated. Here's the clip.
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Why Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were felicitated?
A brief ceremony was held by the local cricket association at the Baroda Cricket Association Stadium, also known as Kotambi Stadium, during the mid-innings break. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, two of the biggest stars in world cricket and modern-day legends of Indian cricket, were honoured for their outstanding contributions over the years.
Both players have played a huge role in India’s success across formats. At present, they have retired from T20 internationals and Test cricket, and are now representing India only in ODIs.
With both seniors nearing the final stage of their careers, the match in Vadodara could turn out to be their first and possibly last international appearance at this venue. The stadium has only recently been cleared to host international matches.
The local body likely saw this as a rare chance to honour Rohit and Kohli, as there is no certainty they will get another opportunity to play at this ground.
India vs New Zealand 1st ODI
India’s bowlers, led by pacers Harshit Rana and Mohammed Siraj, kept things tight with disciplined line and length, but Daryl Mitchell’s half-century helped New Zealand post a competitive 300 for 8 in the first ODI. Harshit Rana made an early impact by removing openers Devon Conway and Henry Nicholls in quick time, breaking a strong 117-run opening stand that had put New Zealand on a solid footing.
Siraj also chipped in with important wickets, dismissing Will Young and cleaning up Zak Foulkes towards the end. However, Mitchell held the innings together with a well-paced knock of 84 from 71 balls, hitting five fours and three sixes. India need 301 to take 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Brief scores:
New Zealand 300 for 8 in 50 overs (Devon Conway 56, Henry Nicholls 62; Daryl Mitchell 84; Harshit Rana 2/65, Mohammed Siraj 2/40, Prasidh Krishna 2/60).