Debasis Sen, Kingston(Jamaica): Cricketers from both Indian and West Indies teams wished legendary West Indies cricketer Sir Gary Sobers, who celebrated his 80th birthday in his hometown Barbados. Indian test captain Virat Kohli who met Sir Viv few days back in Antigua, expressed his desire to meet the legendary cricketer one day and discuss on cricket. He sent a birthday video message on twitter .
Kohli said, “Your performance on the field will always remain iconic and you were the very few who have changed the way the game is being played. Congratulations on a wonderful career and a life. It’s my pleasure to wish you on your 80th birthday.I am sure you will keep inspiring people whoever you meet all around the world. It’s been a pleasure watching you and I would surely like to meet you and have a discussion about the game someday. That’s one of my wishes I have in my life. Have a great birthday.”
Also joining Kohli was Indian coach Anil Kumbke and Rohit Sharma who also wished the legendary cricketer on his grand 80th birthday.
Kumble’s video message goes like this, “Sir Gary, wish you a very happy birthday. It’s actually a huge honour for me to wish you on your birthday. I wish I was there in person. Wish you all the very best on your 80th birthday. You have brought a lot of joy to your fans and you are the greatest. Growing up listening to your stories was fantastic. Having met you on a couple of occasions was indeed a great honour. Enjoy your 80th birthday and wishes from the Indian cricket team.”
Rohit Sharma also wished Sir Gary and said the former West Indies cricketer was a great ambassador for the sport and has been a great source of inspiration for millions of cricketers over the world with the way you played the game.
The West Indies team wished Sir Gary by singing the Happy Birthday song ahead of their practice session in Sabina Park today. Jason Holder and his team wished Sir Gary on his 80th birthday.
Back in Barbados there was a spectacular celebration of Sir Garry Sobers’ 80th birthday as hundreds of cricket fans came to fill up both the Greenidge & Haynes and Three Ws stands. There will be a T20 international match which will feature former stars Brian Lara, Sir Curtly Ambrose, Courtney Walsh, Wasim Akram, Collis King, Ezra Moseley, Arjuna Ranatunga, Sherwin Campbell and Pedro Collins. The match will start at 7 pm local time.