Virat Kohli presented his bat to Farokh Engineer

Indian Test skipper, Virat Kohli presented the bat with which he scored his first double century in Test cricket to former Indian cricketer Farokh Engineer. He came all the way from London to watch the fourth Test between India and West Indies, but was disappointed as most parts of the match was washed off due to rain.

“I’m very proud of Virat Kohli. He has presented me with this bat. I never asked for it but he gave it to me as a mark of respect,” an emotional Engineer was quoted by TOI saying.

Praising Virat as a great individual on and off the field, he said, “Myself, Sir Gary Sobers and Sir Everton Weekes were upstairs (at the Queen’s Park Cricket Club) when we sent a message to Virat if he had a minute to spare as we wanted to say hello. He and Anil Kumble (coach) came up within two minutes. This is the type of guys they are.”

“They have respect for former Test cricketers. I’m hugely honoured that Virat came up. He is not only a great cricketer, he is a wonderful person as well. I wish him all the best. He is the ideal successor to MS Dhoni who is also my buddy,” he added.

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Engineer also said that he wishes the ICC steps in and does something to improve the state of West Indies cricket. “Even Afghanistan would give them a run for their money, this West Indies team. I’m not taking away any credit away from India but West Indies cricket is in turmoil. Players like Gayle and Bravo are playing CPL and not Tests. Cricket needs West Indies and West Indies need international cricket. ICC should step in and do something.”

He praised Indian wicket-keeper Wriddhiman Saha, who had a good series both with both the bat and the gloves. “I’m very impressed with Saha. He has got a lot to learn but he will go far.” He added, “Ashwin is a great allrounder and Rahane is a fine batsman and a tremendous fielder. Indian cricket is in very good hands,” he concluded saying.