As India get set to take on West Indies in their first-ever T20I match in the United States of America, the mood in both camps is upbeat. Not only will the Men in Blue garner a new experience, it will also be a momentous occasion for the U.S. cricket lovers to see two of the top T20 sides in the world clash swords in two Twenty20 games over two days.
Indian cricket team superstar Virat Kohli, fresh after leading his team to a series win in the four-match Test series against the Caribbean nation in their home turf, is looking for more fireworks in an unexplored territory now.
"Well, I am pretty excited to be in Miami. I've heard about a lot of cricket being played here. It always fascinated me that cricket can be played here in the United States of America," said Kohli in an interview with the BCCI ahead of their first T20 match on Aug. 27. "It has happened for a while that the other teams have played. Now, it is the Indian team, which will play here. There is a lot of Indian population here in Florida, especially in Fort Lauderdale. The team is also delighted to be here."
Many of us know that the 27-year-old has an equally happening life off-the-field, as he has on-the-field. An avid sports fan, Kohli also took time off to reveal his favourite American sport. "Well, basketball," mentioned Kohli, when asked of his favourite American sport.
"It was globalized by Michael Jordan. I think he is the greatest of that sport and one of the greatest sportsmen ever. He created that excitement even in India with Basketball. Everyone I knew was a fan of Chicago Bulls because of Jordan.
"We used to catch those games every now and then. So, basketball is one of the American Sports towards which I have been inclined. I haven't really followed the others," the India Test cricket team skipper added.
Kohli also professed his love for one of America's trademark snacks -- hotdogs. "Well, I love the hotdogs here. I came here in 2012 and had a quite a few hotdogs. Now I am completely off them, but if I ever had to have a cheat day, I will have a hotdog," he laughed.
Both T20 matches between India and West Indies take place at the Central Broward Regional Park and Stadium in Lauderhill, Florida. MS Dhoni's side have to avoid defeats in both games as that would lead to the Men in Blue losing their No. 2 position in the ICC T20 rankings.
