Virat Kohli dedicates a heartwarming tribute to Ashish Nehra after the Delhi T20I

Ashish Nehra’s international numbers aren’t intriguing by any stretch of the imagination. However, his 19-year international career still stands out as an inspiration for many budding cricketers. Marred by injuries and other external factors, his career hardly took off and he could never cement his position in the national team. The fast-bowler went through as many as 12 surgeries during his career, which would have certainly taken a toll on his body.

However, Nehra didn’t let them perturb him and kept striving hard towards his goal of donning the national colours. Deservingly enough, he was drafted into the Indian team for the 1st T20 International against New Zealand. He returned wicket-less but imprinted an indelible impact on the psyche of the fans and the cricketing fraternity. During the post-match presentation ceremony, Virat Kohli, his Delhi team-mate, heaped praises on the veteran and lauded him for a wonderful career.

When ssked about the viral photo of Ashish Nehra presenting an award to a young Virat Kohli long time back, the Indian skipper said, “That was back in 2003 after he had come back from the World Cup. I was 13 then and struggling for a place in the school team.”

“To have played 19 years is very hard for a fast bowler. I know how professional he’s been and how hard he’s worked. He deserved this kind of a farewell with the crowd cheering him. He can now spend time with his family, he’s got a beautiful family. We’ll stay in touch but we’ll miss him and I wish him all the best,” the Indian skipper said.

He also talked about Nehra’s nature, both as an individual and a cricketer. “I want to congratulate Ashish on a fantastic career. I have played against him and with him, always a gentleman on and off the field,” the right-handed batsman added.

When asked about an old picture with Ashish Nehra, Kohli said that it was way back in 2003, when he was struggling for a spot in the age-group team.

Do what you love

Criticism can either get the best out of an individual or it can push them into a shell. Ashish Nehra has been bullied, laughed at and criticised throughout his career. He was pushed to the corners several times, but he kept storming back. Despite not having great numbers in international cricket, the joys and travails of his career remain to be a source of motivation for many.