The image of Virat Kohli carrying Sachin Tendulkar on his shoulders is etched in our memory after India won the 2011 World Cup. Kohli was playing his first World Cup for India and watched his idol finally win the prestigious tournament in his sixth and final attempt, like many, for the young Indian at the time , this is a dream come true. Perhaps nothing better sums up the nation’s mood than this quote from Kohli at Wankhede Stadium: “He has carried the nation’s burden for 23 years. It’s time to carry it on his shoulders.”

It has been nine years since Tendulkar retired, and Kohli has succeeded the legendary batsman as the quintessential star of Indian cricket. The debate over who is the better batsman between Tendulkar and Kohli may never end, but it’s no secret that both legends have the utmost respect for each other. Kohli and Sachin have shared many stories, but one of the most heartwarming exchanges between the two came after Tendulkar’s farewell Test in Mumbai in 2013.

“Oh, I remember. I just got back into the locker room with tears in my eyes. By then I knew, yeah, I’m going to retire, but when that ball was over, I was like… .’Well, that’s it. You can’t play for India as an international.” So I sat alone in the corner with a towel over my head to dry my tears. I was very emotional and couldn’t control my tears. Virat came to me and gave me the divine clues his father gave him,” Sachin told US journalist Graham Ben Singer in a show on his YouTube channel.

“I kept it for a while and then gave it back to him…told him it was priceless. It has to stay with you. It belongs to you and no one else. You should hold on to your last breath. I Gave it back to him. So it was an exciting time…that will be with me forever.”

About two years ago, Kohli spoke about this special moment on the same show. He went on to describe that thread as something special he had at that particular moment, and as a gesture of his respect and admiration for Tendulkar, Kohli didn’t hesitate to present it to him.

“We usually thread on the wrist. A lot of people in India do that. So my dad gave me one that he used to have. So I put it in my pocket. Then I thought, this is the most precious thing I have, So it’s like, “My dad gave me this, and I can’t give you anything more valuable. I just wanted to let you know how much you inspired me and how “You mean a lot to all of us. Here’s my little gift to you,” Kohli said.

Complete News Source : Hindustan Times