Virat Kohli Gets Nostalgic on His Return to Feroz Shah Kotla
Virat Kohli has played just one Test for India at the Feroz Shah Kotla, scoring a total of 42 against Australia in 2013, while he has played five ODIs - scoring 193 runs at an average of 64.33.
India's Test captain Virat Kohli must be going through a gamut of emotions as he gets ready to lead India for the first time at the Feroz Shah Kotla. (Virat Kohli's Warning to South Africa: India Will be Ruthless in Kotla Test)
India play South Africa in the fourth and final Test starting on Thursday, having already secured a 2-0 series win. (Injured Dale Steyn to Miss Kotla Test Against India)
It is a matter of pride for any cricketer to lead his side but it gets all the more special when he gets to lead his country in front of the people of the city where he grew up and at the ground where it all started for him. (Feroz Shah Kotla Track Will be a Good Cricketing Pitch, Insists Curator Daljit Singh)
The 27-year-old walked down the memory lane recollecting his first century in a trial match for an age-group team to scoring an ODI hundred at the venue.
"My cricket started here with the state team. Played my first Ranji match here. Lot of special memories attached to this ground. It is a special opportunity for me to captain the Indian side at my home ground," Kohli said.
"This is the ground where everything fell in place for me. This is the ground where I scored a century in a trial game. All the selectors and administrators were watching and probably were impressed. That's how I was drafted into the team after being rejected the earlier year. This ground literally saw me start my career," he added.
The Indian skipper fondly remembered his time here and spoke of his achievements on the ground.
"Ranji Trophy debut was special day. Scored a lot of runs in the Indian Premier League (IPL), in ODIs, I have got a hundred and a 70-odd against the West Indies. I really like the feel of the ground. I can relate to the ground. I like batting out there in the middle," the skipper said.
"I did not imagine that this day will come in my life. When you start as a cricketer, you dream to play for India. But captaincy is one thing that you can never target. Responsibility entrusted to me, I am lucky that I have captained at various levels. So I love it and enjoy it," said Kohli.