'Virat Kohli asked can I get my girlfriend?': Ravi Shastri reveals unheard story related to 'Virushka'

Virat Kohli gives flying kiss to Anushka Sharma after scoring century. (Photo: X)

Former India coach Ravi Shastri revealed an unheard tale on how he convinced BCCI to break their rule and allow Anushka Sharma to accompany Virat Kohli during the 2014/15 Test series against Australia. Speaking to Fox Cricket, Shastri revealed that Kohli asked him if he can bring his then-girlfriend Anushka during the Border-Gavaskar Test series that time. Kohli had just become captain of the Test side after MS Dhoni made a surprise announcement about his retirement from the format.

Kohli asked Shastri and he agreed to him but the cricketer reminded him that BCCI only allows wives to accompany the cricketers. However, Shastri called BCCI and got the permission for Kohli.

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“I remember when I was the coach in 2015...he (Kohli) wasn't married then. He was dating Anushka and he came to me and said you know only wives are allowed, but can I get my girlfriend in here? I said sure. He said no, the board isn't allowing it. So I made the call and she came up and joined him," Shastri said.

Shastri then recalled Kohli's stellar knock of 169 in the Boxing Day Test and said the scene was exactly the same as it was on Sunday (November 24) after the batter scored his 80th century in international cricket.

"In the first game, in the Boxing Day Test, he got 160 and at the end the scenes were same. The flying kiss went out just like yesterday. She's been a big support for him," he said.

It was his first century in 16 months in Test cricket and Kohli credited his wife Anushka for being by his side during the difficult period.

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"I take pride in performing for my country. The fact that she is here makes it even more special for me," Kohli said after his knock.

"Yeah, Anushka has been right by my side through thick and thin. So, she knows everything that goes on behind the scenes. What goes on the head when you don’t play as well or make a few mistakes. I just want to contribute to the team’s cause, I am not a guy who wants to hang around just for the sake of it," Kohli added.