The Indian cricket team received a delightful surprise during their practice session in Barbados ahead of the series against West Indies, starting on July 12. They had the privilege of meeting the legendary Garfield Sobers, accompanied by his wife, at the Kensington Oval. The meet-up occurred next to the Garfield Sobers Pavilion, creating a memorable experience for Rahul Dravid, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and the other team members as they met the West Indies icon.
A short clip shared by the BCCI captured the heartwarming moments, with Dravid introducing Shubman Gill to Sobers stealing the show. The video began with Captain Rohit shaking hands and expressing gratitude to Sobers. Ajinkya Rahane followed suit, engaging in a warm exchange.
At the same time, Dravid introduced the veteran Indian batsman to the man who achieved the remarkable feat of hitting six sixes in an over. However, Virat Kohli’s interaction with Sobers truly went viral on social media, with fans calling it a meeting between two legends.
Just when it seemed like the encounter couldn’t get any better, Shubman Gill’s moment to meet Sobers became even more memorable. Dravid introduced Gill, highlighting him as one of India’s most exciting young batsmen. This garnered an impressed reaction from Sobers himself. As Sobers introduced his wife, Gill graciously responded, cherishing the moment. Shardul Thakur and Ravichandran Ashwin also took turns greeting Sobers with respect and warmth. The video concluded with Dravid briefly chatting with the legendary Sobers, capping off a remarkable experience for the Indian team.
The encounter with Garfield Sobers not only allowed the Indian cricketers to meet a cricketing legend but also created cherished memories that they will carry throughout their careers. It served as a reminder of the rich history and tradition of the game and the respect and admiration shared between players of different generations. The video of this special interaction has resonated with fans worldwide, symbolizing the meeting of two cricketing eras and inspiring a sense of nostalgia and appreciation for the game’s greats.
In Barbados & in the company of greatness! 🫡 🫡#TeamIndia meet one of the greatest of the game – Sir Garfield Sobers 🙌 🙌#WIvIND pic.twitter.com/f2u1sbtRmP
— BCCI (@BCCI) July 5, 2023
The 86-year-old Sobers, who played 93 Tests for West Indies from 1954 to 1974, left an indelible mark on the sport. He amassed 8,032 runs at an impressive average of 57.78, including 26 centuries and 30 half-centuries, with a highest score of 365 not out. Sobers also took 235 wickets at an average of 34.03, with six five-wicket hauls to his name. In recognition of his achievements, the ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year trophy has been named after him.
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The series is set to commence on July 12 at Windsor Park in Dominica, followed by the second Test at Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad. As India again embarks on their World Test Championship journey, Kohli will be a key figure, aiming to lead his team to success and make significant contributions with the bat.
