Indian players were seen sporting black armbands at the start of the World Test Championship final against New Zealand in Southampton in honour of the legendary Indian track and field sprinter, Milkha Singh.
Singh, 91, passed away in Chandigarh on Friday due to post COVID-19 complications after boasting of an inspiring career. Known as the ‘Flying Sikh’, the great athlete achieved unprecedented glory for the country, with his career featuring medals at the Commonwealth and Asian Games. Singh also represented India in multiple Olympics.
He was awarded the ‘Padma Shri’, India’s fourth-highest civilian honour, as a recognition for his services in sport to the country.
As a mark of respect for the man, Virat Kohli and company wore black armbands around their shoulders when they took the field at the Ageas Bowl on Saturday.
Indian cricket fraternity had earlier paid befitting tribute to Singh over social media, expressing their sadness at his demise while also hailing the incredible legacy he left behind.
Former India captain and BCCI president, Sourav Ganguly, echoed those sentiments, stating on Twitter:
With the WTC title at stake, Indians showed admirable resolve through another weather interrupted day in Hampshire after being asked to bat first upon losing the toss.
Kohli led from the front with an unbeaten 44 not out and had vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane (29*) for a company when bad light triggered an early end to the proceedings amid bad light with India 146/3 in 64.4 overs. Earlier on, openers Rohit Sharma (34) and Shubman Gill (28) had also batted very well in difficult batting conditions.
