Brief
Ravi Shastri recalls Virat Kohli’s 2014 Boxing Day Test surge with Anushka Sharma in the stands
Shastri, appearing on The Great Indian Kapil Show, linked Kohli’s aggressive batting to his partner’s support during the Melbourne Test.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Former India coach Ravi Shastri told host Kapil Sharma on the upcoming Netflix episode of The Great Indian Kapil Show that Virat Kohli’s performance in the 2014 Boxing Day Test was boosted by Anushka Sharma’s presence in the stadium.
What happened
Shastri said the match began on December 26, 2014, at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. He recalled Kohli charging out “like a warrior” and scoring 160 runs before reaching his century, after which he “kissed his bat.” Shastri added that Kohli later blew a kiss to Sharma in the stands, a moment that made headlines.
What the reports add
Gulf News noted that Kohli actually finished the innings on 169, his highest Test score at the time and his third century of the series. The outlet also mentioned that Shastri, who was India’s team director on that tour, has told the same story before during commentary in 2024.
What was said
"The players need support, so it should be allowed for them to bring their girlfriends. And she was allowed," Shastri said, according to Gulf News.
How it came about
The anecdote appears in a promo for the show, which also features comedy sketches with Kiku Sharda, Krushna Abhishek and Sunil Grover. The episode is the third of Season 5, following a September 26 premiere.
Key facts
- Kohli scored 160 runs before his century in the 2014 Boxing Day Test, eventually finishing on 169. (gulfnews.com)
- Shastri said Kohli kissed his bat and blew a kiss to Anushka Sharma in the stands. (gulfnews.com)
- The story was shared on a promo for The Great Indian Kapil Show Season 5, episode 3. (gulfnews.com)
Sources
- [1] gulfnews.com — originally reported as “Ravi Shastri on Kohli's century with Anushka in the stands”
