Johannesburg: Indian pacer Mohammad Siraj has called Virat Kohli his ‘superhero’ after stepping down as Test captain after the 1-2 series loss to South Africa. Siraj was part of the opening Test against the Proteas at Centurion. He took three wickets in that match, helping India beat the home team by 113 runs.
He suffered an injury on the first day of the second Test in Johannesburg, which India lost by seven wickets.
Ahead of the third Test, Kohli had said that the fast bowler was not fit for the match and would not be able to make it to the playing XI.
Kohli had said, “Siraj is recovering from the injury in the last match, I don’t think he is fit for the third Test.”
Siraj is also Kohli’s teammate in the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore.
On Tuesday, 27-year-old Siraj posted an emotional message on Instagram after Kohli stepped down from the Test captaincy.
Siraj wrote, “You are my superhero and I cannot be thankful enough for the support and encouragement you have received from me. You have always been my great brother. Thank you for believing in me all these years. You have always been my captain. King Kohli will be there.”
Kohli will now play as a batsman in the three-match ODI series starting January 19 in Paarl.
first published:Jan. 18, 2022, 10:07 p.m.
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