Test captain Virat Kohli bagged the Polly Umrigar Trophy for Cricketer of the Year at the BCCI awards night, while former stumper Syed Kirmani was bestowed with the prestigious Col. CK Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution to Indian cricket.
Kohli said that the greatest moment of his career so far is the Test series in Australia, which India lost 0-2, but not before giving a tough fight to the hosts.
Virat KohliIt is important to start the year well and we were able to do so in Australia. I compliment the entire team. It was the greatest moment of my career so far and would probably remain so.
Referring to the great chase the team made in Adelaide before falling short narrowly, Kohli said, “Some days you bat like a man possessed. All I had in my head was the target of 367,” he said.
The 66-year-old former Indian cricketer and member of the 1983 World Cup-winning squad was presented the award by BCCI president Shashank Manohar at the Cricket Board’s annual awards (2014-15 season) ceremony.
Kirmani, who was also given the award of citation, trophy and Rs 25 lakh, took a mild dig at modern wicketkeepers when asked about the difference from his time to the present day.
Syed Kirmani, Former Indian CricketerThese days it’s not about wicket keeping techniques but just about producing results. Dhoni has been able to do it. Good job, Dhoni.
Syed Kirmani, former Indian cricketerThe only thing in my mind when playing was to do well and keep the tri colour flying. I thank the BCCI for honouring me with the C K Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award.
Kirmani, who was understudy to Farokh Engineer on successive visits to England in 1971 and 1974 before taking over as the no.1 gloveman, effected 198 dismissals in 88 Tests during the latter period of the famous Indian spin quartet. “I am proud to have kept wickets to the three spin legends – Erapalli Prasanna, B S Chandrasekar and Bishen Bedi,” he remarked over his career.
Check the complete list of award winners here.
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