Virat Kohli gifts Glenn Maxwell with jersey for bond shared amidst the Indian Premier League

Virat Kohli gifts Glenn Maxwell with jersey for bond shared amidst the Indian Premier League

After Australia’s triumph in the World Cup 2023 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday, Royal Challengers Bangalore teammates Virat Kohli and Glenn Maxwell shared a heartfelt moment even as the joyous Aussies celebrated with laughter and embraces, even as the Indian players were left with shattered dreams and teary eyes.

As the players from both teams exchanged handshakes, Kohli and Maxwell had a special exchange. The Indian icon, who played a crucial innings of 54, gifted his jersey to the explosive Australian all-rounder, strengthening the bond formed during their time together in the Indian Premier League.

Regardless Kohli’s significant contribution to India’s total of 240, he faced an unfortunate dismissal against skipper Pat Cummins. Attempting to defend the ball, an inside edge went straight to the stumps and ended Kohli’s innings.

Facing a challenging batting surface, captain Rohit Sharma (47 in 31 balls), Kohli (54 in 63 balls) and KL Rahul (66 in 107 balls) played crucial innings for India.

Australia’s Mitchell Starc stood out as the top-performing bowler with figures of 3/55. Captain Pat Cummins (2/34) and Josh Hazlewood (2/60) also delivered commendable performances. Adam Zampa and Glenn Maxwell contributed with a wicket each.

In the pursuit of 241, India had the Australians struggling at 47/3. However, stellar performances from Travis Head (137 in 120 balls) and Marnus Labuschagne (58 in 110 balls) proved to be decisive, leading Australia to a six-wicket victory for a sixth ODI World Cup title.

The two World Cup finalists are now set to face off in a five-match T20I series commencing on Thursday in Visakhapatnam.

News Edit K.V.Raman