Virat Kohli Lauds Jasprit Bumrah In His Emotional Victory Parade Speech: He Brought India Back To Game Again And Again
Virat Kohli praised T20 World Cup's man of the tournament Jasprit Bumrah for his terrific performance, called him the guy who bought India back in games time after time
Team India made a triumphant return to home soil following their ICC T20 World Cup 2024 victory, ending an 11-year wait for an ICC Trophy. Star batter Virat Kohli, who scored a match-winning 76 runs in the final, addressed the passionate fans at Wankhede Stadium during a felicitation ceremony after an open-top bus victory parade through Mumbai's famous Marine Drive.
During his speech, Kohli, who announced his retirement from T20 Internationals after the victory, thanked the fans for their phenomenal reception. He reflected on the title-winning game, which at one point seemed to be slipping out of India's hands but was ultimately turned in their favor thanks to some incredible death-bowling performances from the pacers. “At one point, like everyone in the stadium, we felt, ‘Man, is it going to slip up again?’, but what happened in the last five overs was something special,” Kohli said.
Kohli reserved special praise for strike bowler Jasprit Bumrah, acknowledging the seamer’s invaluable contributions to the team. “I want everyone to applaud a guy who has brought us back into games again and again and again. And what he did in the last five overs was phenomenal. A huge round of applause to Jasprit Bumrah, please,” Kohli said, prompting the crowd to erupt in cheers. He added, “We want him to play for as long as he wants, he is a once-in-a-generation player.”
Kohli also spoke about the different emotions he felt during the 2011 World Cup triumph and the most recent victory, citing experience as a crucial factor in learning. “Back when we won the World Cup in 2011, there were a lot of tears and I couldn’t understand; I was young and we had won the World Cup. But now, being a senior player, with Rohit beside me, after playing for so long, it is special.” He also shared a touching moment with skipper Rohit Sharma following the crowning game. “We have been playing together for 15 years, and this is the first time I’ve seen Rohit show so much emotion on the field. When I was walking up the steps, I was crying, he was crying, and we hugged. That is a special moment,” Kohli revealed.
In addition to his heartfelt reflections, Kohli, known for making iconic statements following title triumphs, left the adoring Wankhede crowd with a memorable sign-off. “The Indian flag is what we play for,” he declared, leaving the fans with a sentiment to cherish for years to come. Kohli's emotional address and the team's triumphant return highlight the significance of their victory and the deep connection they share with their fans. This victory not only marks a historic achievement for the team but also serves as a testament to their dedication, resilience, and the unyielding support of their passionate followers.
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