Virat Kohli gifted his bat to Shakib Al Hasan after the last Test
Virat Kohli's heartfelt gesture of gifting an autographed bat to Shakib Al Hasan after the Kanpur Test symbolized the remarkable career of the Bangladesh all-rounder and the mutual respect between the two cricketing greats.
New Delhi: Indian superstar batsman Virat Kohli recalled a special moment after the Kanpur Test as he handed Bangladesh's veteran all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan an autographed bat commemorating his illustrious career. The warning came after what could be Shakib's last Test for the team. Kohli was showing respect for Shakib's huge contribution to the game—the respect between the two legends.
Shakib Al Hasan had already hinted that this could be his last Test, at least for the longest format of the game, as he could be dropped for Bangladesh's home Tests after this. So, there was some sentimental value in that situation. After the post-match ceremony, where India celebrated the series win, Virat Kohli was seen having a heart-to-heart with Shakib. The moment was made even sweeter when Kohli gifted him a signed bat – a memorable gesture of respect and appreciation.
Virat Kohli presents his signed bat to Shakib Al Hasan.
– Picture of the day! ❤️ pic.twitter.com/mJKSDk6gnR
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) 1 October 2024
India won the series 2–0 with an emphatic seven-wicket victory in the second Test on 1 October. For a man who played big in the first innings of the Kanpur Test, his 78-run four is his best performance. Two Tests in, Shakib Al Hasan's streak was cut short. Between his lackluster performances as a batsman and a bowler in the two Test matches, Shakib has made a career in Test cricket that no one will question.
If this turns out to be Shakib Al Hasan's last Test, his legacy will be cemented in the history of cricket. With 4609 runs and 246 wickets in 71 Tests, Shakib is one of Bangladesh's greatest cricketers. His exceptional all-round ability has made him a legendary figure, admired not only in Bangladesh but in the global cricket fraternity.
Kohli's gesture underscored the camaraderie and deep mutual respect that transcended the boundaries of competitive rivalry. It served as a fitting tribute to Shakib's illustrious Test career, celebrating the achievements of a player who left a lasting legacy in the world of cricket.
