Watch: Virat Kohli gives signed bat to young cricketer ahead of first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru

Star Indian batter Virat Kohli took time out from his net session to interact with young cricketers at Bengaluru's Chinnaswamy Stadium head of the first Test against New Zealand, scheduled to begin on October 16.

The meeting between Kohli and the budding cricketers occurred during India's training session on Tuesday. The 35-year-old engaged in lengthy discussions with the young players. He also gave an autographed bat to one of the young cricketers.

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Virat Kohli is hungry to get runs in this series: Gautam Gambhir

In the year 2024, he has taken part in only three Test matches, with his highest score falling short of the fifty-run mark. However, in his recent performance in the Bangladesh series, he scored a quickfire 47 off 35 in Kanpur. Meanwhile, Kohli needs just 53 runs to become the fourth Indian to score 9,000 Test runs. Head coach Gautam Gambhir also showed his confidence towards the Delhi-born to do well in the coming series. 

"See, my thoughts about Virat have always been very clear. He is a world-class cricketer. He has performed for such a long time. He is as hungry as when he made his debut. I remember opening the batting with him when he made his debut in Sri Lanka to now, his hunger is always there. That’s what makes him a world-class cricketer. I am sure he will be hungry to get runs in this series," he said in the pre-match press conference.

With eight Test matches over the next three months, including the Border Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, Kohli's form will be crucial for India's success. His record against New Zealand is also impressive with 866 runs in 11 games, including three centuries.