The Indian cricket team was seen having a great practice session ahead of the first Test match in Perth. The Border-Gavaskar Trophy will be a challenging series for India as most of the players, especially the senior ones, aren't in their best form, and pulling off a series win in a foreign land will be difficult. Amidst these turmoils, Virat Kohli was engrossed in the practice session when he had a fun interaction with journalist Vimal Kumar.
Vimal travelled to Australia to cover the BGT series and was inside the ground, taking videos, when Kohli saw him from a distance. Their bond was highlighted as the player shouted from afar, addressing Vimal 'Arey Vimalwa,' which was sweet. Vimal Kumar has been covering cricket for a long time now and is familiar to the cricketers. Kohli remembered him and called him out as he was his friend, depicting the player's nature.
Vimal Kumar, a journalist, was stranded in Barbados during the cyclone along with the cricketers. He then returned to India on the same flight as the players. In June 2024, India lifted the T20 World Cup 2024 Trophy in Barbados.
I don't have to say anything about Virat Kohli: Jasprit Bumrah
During the presser ahead of the first Test match, stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah spoke about Virat Kohli and assured everyone that one series here and there doesn't make him less of a legendary player. Kohli has been sweating out in the nets ever since the team arrived in Australia. This is a good sign for the player, as well as the team, ahead of a challenging series.
"I don't have to say anything about Virat Kohli, the batter. He is one of the greats of the game. I don't need to give him any special input. He is the utmost professional. He is one of the leaders. I made my debut under him. He knows what he is doing. Okay, one or two series, here and there, can go up and down," said Bumrah during a presser.