Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma has penned an emotional note for her husband Virat Kohli. The 33-year-old batter had announced that he will be stepping down as India’s captain in the longest format on January 15 (Saturday).
Kohli had captained the Test side for seven years. Anushka posted a heart-warming message on Instagram.
Anushka's message
Sharing pictures of Virat and her, she wrote, "I remember the day in 2014 when you told me that you have been made the captain as MS had decided to retire from test cricket. I remember MS, you & I having a chat later that day & him joking about how quickly your beard will start turning grey. We all had a good laugh about it. Since that day, I’ve seen more than just your beard turning grey. I’ve seen growth. Immense growth. Around you & within you. And yes, I am very proud of your growth as the captain of the Indian National Cricket team & what achievements the team had under your leadership. But I’m more proud of the growth you achieved within you."
The actress also recalled Virat’s early days as captain.
"In 2014 we were so young & naive. Thinking that just good intentions, positive drive & motives can take you ahead in life. They definitely do but, not without challenges. A lot of these challenges that you faced were not always on the field. But then, this is life right? It tests you in places where you least expect it to but where you need it the most. And my love, I am so proud of you for not letting anything come in the way of your good intentions.
“You led by example & gave winning on field every ounce of your energy to the extent that after some losses I’ve sat next to you with tears in your eyes, while you wondered if there's still something more you could have done. This is who you are & this is what you expected from everyone. You've been unconventional & straightforward. Pretence is your foe & this is what makes you great in my eyes & the eyes of your admirers. Because underneath all this were your pure, unadulterated intentions always. And not everyone will be able to truly understand that."
Encouraging words
Anushka further added encouraging words and wrote, "Like I’ve said, truly blessed are those who tried to get to know you beneath what meets the eye. You are not perfect & have your flaws but then again when did you ever try to conceal that? What you did was to always stand up for doing the right thing, the harder thing, always! You held on to nothing with greed, not even this position & I know that. Because when one holds on to something so tightly they limit themselves & you, my love, are limitless. Our daughter will see the learning of these 7 years in the father that you are to her. You did good."
Kohli’s contribution to India’s resurgence in Test cricket will be regarded as one of his greatest achievements. India was ranked 7th in the world when Kohli took on the baton from MS Dhoni and currently Indian team are number one in Test cricket.
Under Kohli, the Men in Blue won Test series in Australia. India also managed to produce a world class bowling attack under the reign of Kohli.
The Delhi-born batter had earlier stepped down as the T20 captain of the Indian team. Later he was removed as the ODI captain of the side as well.
