During a press briefing on Operation Sindoor, Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai, the Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) of the Indian Army, took a moment to express his admiration for Virat Kohli, calling him his favourite cricketer.
The briefing, which focused on India’s strategic military response to recent cross-border tensions, saw Lt. Gen. Ghai drawing a parallel between cricket and military operations. He referenced Kohli’s retirement from Test cricket, announced earlier that day, and likened it to the resilience and determination required in military strategy.
“Like many Indians, Virat Kohli is my favourite cricketer,” he stated, before recalling a famous Ashes series between Australia and England in the 1970s. He cited the legendary fast-bowling duo Jeff Thomson and Dennis Lillee, who dominated the English batting lineup, and used their famous cricket phrase—“From ashes to ashes and from dust to dust, if Thommo don’t get you, then Lillee surely must”—to illustrate the layered defense strategy employed by the Indian Army.
Kohli’s retirement from Test cricket marks the end of an illustrious 14-year career, during which he played 123 Tests, scored 9,230 runs, and registered 30 centuries at an average of 46.85.
Lt. Gen. Ghai’s remarks reflect the deep connection between sports and national pride, as Kohli remains one of India’s most celebrated athletes. His retirement has sparked widespread reactions from fans and cricketing legends alike, with many praising his unparalleled contribution to Indian cricket.
As India continues its military operations, the DGMO’s reference to Kohli serves as a reminder of the spirit of perseverance and excellence—qualities that define both cricket and national defense.
