The Indian cricket team is currently on a multi-format West Indies tour commencing with a two-match Test series from July 12. Ahead of the busy schedule and the first Test, India’s star batter Virat Kohli candidly talked about his plans to meet his good friend and former Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) teammate Chris Gayle.
It is worth mentioning that Virat and Gayle played together for almost a decade in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and share a great bond both on and off the field. The duo holds each other in high regard, and Kohli has often been seen visiting Gayle’s residence in Jamaica whenever he arrives in the West Indies.
During an interaction with Star Sports on ‘Follow The Blues,’ Kohli revealed whether he would meet Gayle. The 34-year-old cricketer stated that Gayle has always extended invitations to the Indian team to visit his home whenever they are in Jamaica. The former RCB skipper further fondly recounted their previous visit to Gayle’s residence, emphasizing the enjoyable moments they had and commended the former Caribbean star for his down-to-earth and humble nature. Kohli also stated that meeting Gayle during their tour is a definite plan if the Universe boss is not busy.
“Well Chris, I have hung out with him for so many years. I am sure that when we are in Jamaica, we will definitely go and meet Chris. He always invites the team home to have a good time and just chill out,” said Kohli.
“So I am sure he is going to do the same again if he is in town. Everyone loves him. We went last time as well to his place, we had a great time and he is such a humble guy. Definitely, if he is free and he is in town, sure we are going to catch up with him,” he added.
When asked about his favourite memory of playing in the West Indies, Kohli nostalgically shared his experience in Antigua from 2016, where he recorded his first-ever double hundred in Test cricket with legendary Sir Vivian Richards witnessing Kohli’s remarkable feat from the stands. The 34-year-old described this achievement as an immensely special moment in his career and cherished the opportunity to meet Richards later in the evening, revealing that he personally congratulated him.
“My favorite memory obviously is Antigua. I got my first-ever double hundred in Test cricket in Antigua in front of Sir Vivian Richards. That for me was a very, very special moment and then he met me in the evening as well and congratulated me. It can’t get any better than that,” recalled Kohli.
