Virat Kohli, Team India’s batter, had a cordial encounter with former NBA all-star John Starks before of the premier 2024 T20 World Cup match against Pakistan on June 9 in New York. Kohli was joined by former Indian batsman Yuvraj Singh, who inquired whether this was Starks’ first cricket game and if he understood the sport.
Starks responded by stating that Yuvraj had introduced him to cricket and its players prior. Virat Kohli informed Starks that Yuvraj had the finest swing in the game, and the trio exchanged a few niceties.
Here’s a video of Virat Kohli interacting with Starks:
Starks graced the NBA courts from 1988 to 2002 earning an allstar nod in 1994 the year his New York Knicks made it to the finals. Renowned for his thunderous power dunks the now 58 year old Starks captured the hearts of fans particularly in the vibrant city of New York.
Meanwhile, Virat Kohli did not have his greatest performance, being removed for four runs off three deliveries in the Indian innings’ second over. India managed just 119 runs in their batting innings, but they came back with the ball to limit Pakistan to 113 and won their second consecutive T20 World Cup.
[Watch] Jasprit Bumrah also interacts with John Starks
Following Virat Kohli, star pacer Jasprit Bumrah met with John Starks ahead of the India-Pakistan match. Like Kohli, Bumrah inquired whether this was the former NBA star’s first live cricket game.
Yuvraj, who introduced Bumrah to Starks, was also there as Starks wished the champion pacer success in the next competition.
Here’s a video of this:
Bumrah was India’s outstanding bowler, as he single-handedly changed the game against Pakistan in their favor. With superb statistics of 3/14 in 4 overs, the 30-year-old claimed his second straight Player of the Match award, leading the team to a dramatic victory.
As Pakistan were on track for an easy win at 80/3 in 14 overs, requiring just 40 from the next six overs, Bumrah worked his magic, dismissing the well-set Mohammad Rizwan and dangerman Iftikhar Ahmed in his final two overs.
In India’s tournament opener against Ireland, the pacer bowled 2/6 in three overs.
Jasprit Bumrah and Team India will face off against co-hosts the USA in New York on Wednesday, June 12.