Indian skipper Virat Kohli was handed the International player of the year 2017-2018 award by the Barmy Army at the end of Day 1 of practice match against Sussex on Wednesday.
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The BCCI, on its official Twitter account, shared the picture of the Indian skipper holding the award and said, “The @TheBarmyArmy presents #TeamIndia Captain @imVkohli with the International Player of the Year for years 2017 and 2018.”
Barmy Army is a popular fan club of English cricket supporters who gave Kohli a tough time when he struggled in the 2014 season but this time around they were generous enough to hand over the International player of the year award to the Delhi boy.
“I am really honoured to be chosen by the Barmy Army as the international player of the year. It feels nice to be recognised by the fans of other countries and cricket lovers from all over the globe which makes you feel great as a cricketer. Specially from the Barmy Army who made my life hell in England in 2014 when I had a tough time.”, said the 29-year-old.
“They always support their team very passionately and I am sure it will be a challenge when we go to England. But to have received such an honour from them makes me feel proud of playing for my nation. I want to thank you all once again from the bottom of my heart and look forward to catching up with all of you when we come to England next year. Hopefully, we can have some interaction of the field also, cheers thank you,” Kohli added.
Virat made 68 runs on the opening day of the three-day practice match against Sussex.