Virat Kohli gifts vouchers worth Rs 15,000 to each CCI net bowler

Virat Kohli. Pic/AFP

India captain Virat Kohli's generous side was on full display following a solo training session at the Cricket Club of India recently in the build-up to the second Test against New Zealand at the Wankhede Stadium.

Kohli, who was rested for the T20I series and the first Test against New Zealand as part of the workload management programme, faced around 10 net bowlers for five days on the trot at the Brabourne Stadium as he prepared for the second Test. After the final training session, he asked for the email addresses and mobile numbers of the bowlers, and a few days later sent them gift vouchers worth Rs 15,000 each of a popular sports brand.

Thoughtful gesture

The thoughtful gesture from the Test captain was a pleasant surprise to the young bowlers. "This was completely unexpected. We were wondering why our email addresses and phone numbers were taken. This is such a touching gesture from Virat bhai. Firstly, we were honoured to bowl to the Indian captain. But for him to then send us this gift voucher is so thoughtful. I'm planning to buy a pair of cricket spikes with it," one of the net bowlers told mid-day on Friday.

‘It was unexpected'

Another bowler added, "A complimentary voucher of such a high denomination was totally unexpected. Cricketing gear is very costly nowadays, so this voucher is a huge relief for local cricketers like us. We can purchase branded equipment without any hesitation now. Otherwise, we used to think 10 times before buying good quality gear."

Kohli trained with former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar at the CCI nets.

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