Virat Kohli had a special gesture reserved for Delhi’s Ranji trophy hero Shivam Sharma after he picked up a 5-wicket haul against Railways in their win on Saturday, February 1. Delhi won the match by an innings and 19 runs in the Elite Group D match at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.

Kohli’s return didn’t go according to plan as he was dismissed for just 6 runs by Himanshu Sangwan. However, the rest of the Delhi stars stepped up with Ayush Badoni hitting an aggressive 99 and Sumit Mathur shinning with both bat and ball. Mathur picked up 3 wickets in the first innings and scored 86 runs and was adjudged as Player Of The Match for his efforts. Another player who impressed was Shivam, who ran through the Railways batting order during the second innings.

The spinner took to Instagram to show the special gift he received from Kohli after his performance in the second innings. Shivam revealed that Kohli had signed the match ball for him and the spinner was ecstatic about the star batter’s gesture.

Shivam said that the bowling performance would remain close to his heart and Kohli’s signature on the match ball made it even more special. He would also share a picture of both men in the dressing room, along with other ones from after the game.

“This 5 wicket haul will always be close to my heart. Legend himself Virat Kohli bhaiya signing the ball for me made it more special. God is great and kind,” said Shivam Sharma.

Kohli turns focus to England ODIs and Champions Trophy

After his Ranji Trophy return after nearly 13 years, Kohli will now turn his attention towards the England ODI series and the Champions Trophy. India and England will face off in 3 matches, which will start on February 6.

India will then travel to Dubai, where they will play all their matches in the Champions Trophy. Gautam Gambhir has already tipped Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to have a major impact on India’s Champions trophy campaign.