[Watch] Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli meet ahead of the MI-RCB encounter
Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli were seen meeting and greeting one another in a fun interaction ahead of the marquee game between the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and the Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Wankhede Stadium on Tuesday, May 9.
Kohli is currently representing RCB for the 16th straight year, while Sachin is the mentor of the Mumbai franchise.
The pair played a massive role in India's triumph at the ODI World Cup in 2011 and have remained close ever since, with Virat often referring to Sachin Tendulkar as his idol.
The Wankhede Stadium holds a special place for both players as it was here that Kohli carried Sachin around for a lap of honor on the ground after India beat Sri Lanka to win the World Cup on April 2, 2011.
Here is a video of their friendly meeting between Kohli and Tendulkar:
Some visual treat like none other to make your Monday evening better! 🤩
When Virat Kohli met Sachin Tendulkar at the Wankhede today. ❤️
#PlayBold #ನಮ್ಮRCB #IPL2023 https://t.co/evswuCgQZD
Virat Kohli has been the closest successor to Sachin Tendulkar, and the duo owns most of the batting records in cricketing history.
The pair has played over 1000 International matches with almost 60,000 runs and 175 centuries. The two legends have also tasted much success in the IPL, with Tendulkar scoring 2,334 runs at an average of 34.84 at a strike rate of 119.82 and Kohli being the first and only batter to score over 7,000 runs at an average of 36.68 at a strike rate of 129.49.
Both MI and RCB are in a precarious position on the points table with five wins in 10 games, and the outcome of their marquee matchup could have substantial implications for their playoff chances.
"It is just another milestone on the journey" - Virat Kohli on reaching the 7000-run mark in IPL
Former Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) skipper Virat Kohli expressed his gratitude for reaching the 7000-run mark in the IPL against the Delhi Capitals at his hometown in Delhi on Saturday, May 6.
The 34-year-old reached the landmark during his knock of 55 from 46 deliveries that helped RCB post a big total of 181-4 in their 20 overs.
During the mid-innings break, Virat spoke about his journey and reaching the milestone in Delhi.
"It is just another milestone on the journey," he stated. "It’s a nice number, I just saw it on the screen. If it helps the team, I am happy to contribute. It’s a special moment for me, my family is here, my coach is here, Anushka is here. My whole journey started here.
"I was watched by the selectors at this ground and selected. I feel nothing but gratitude, god has blessed me with such amazing things, I can only bow down."
Despite Kohli's incredible achievement, the match turned out to be bittersweet for him as RCB lost the contest convincingly by seven wickets and 20 balls to spare.
Virat Kohli reached the milestone in 233 matches with five centuries and 49 half-centuries, including the 2016 season, where he set the single-season scoring record with 973 runs.