Image Source : BCCI
Indian cricket legends Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma were felicitated by the Baroda Cricket Association during India’s opening ODI match against New Zealand on Sunday, January 11. This event was at the Kotambi Stadium, which was hosting its first men’s ODI match where these two legends were given flower bouquets at the mid-innings break as a mark of respect.
There was a small ceremony caught the attention of cricket fans as it happened during the innings break in the presence of ICC president Jay Shah and BCCI head Mithun Manhas. Baroda Cricket Association arranged a cupboard with life-size stickers of Rohit and Kohli. The duo were put inside the cupboard and brought out when their names were called during the mid-innings break.
Few of the fans were left amazed and felt that it was an unboxing ceremony for Rohit and Kohli. The senior Indian duo also saw the joke in it and could not stop laughing while accepting the flower bouquets. They came out of the cupboard and signed their pictures.
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This match between India vs New Zealand ODI was Kotambi’s first ever men’s one day match. There were more than 35,000 fans in stadium to watch their favourite stars and support team India. Rohit and Kohli are playing one format and they were welcomed with huge fanfare since landing in the city.
Both Virat and Rohit Kohli might not get a chance again to play in stadiums like Vadodara as they do not get to host an ODI often. So it might be possible that the organisers wanted to take their chance to show their respect to the legends who redefined ODI batting in the last decade and a half.
In the opening match of the series, India won the toss and bowled first on the at Vadodara on Sunday. India were behind the game as New Zealand 100+ run opening partnership of Devon Conway and Henry Nicholls, India pulled things back in their favour and managed to restrict New Zealand to 300/8 in 50 overs. Daryl Mitchell batted really well and helped New Zealand to post 300.
