BCCI president, Shashank Manohar, presented the BCCI International Cricketer of the Year Award 2014-15 to Test captain Virat Kohli at the ninth BCCI annual awards here on Tuesday.
He also presented the Col. C.K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award to former India stumper, Syed Kirmani.
Kirmani's dig at Dhoni
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.
"These days it's not about wicket keeping techniques but just about producing results. Dhoni has been able to do it," he said before praising the limited overs skipper, who was in the audience and grinning: "Good job, Dhoni."
"The 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.
2014-15 Aus tour greatest moment of my career: Kohli
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.
"It 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," he said.
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.
Talking about the knock of 107 against Pakistan in the subsequent World Cup, the Delhi stalwart said that on the morning of the match when he woke up he saw 3000 people on the bridge that connected the hotel to the stadium with musical instruments and flags.
"There was such a frenzy and it struck me that I am going to play in front of these guys in three hours. I challenged myself to do it and I was able to do it," Kohli remarked.
“From a team’s point of view, a start is very important. Australia (2014) was very special not just for the way I performed, but the whole team. It was a most special moment of my life. Hope we can better that,” said Kohli. “To play with that passion was commendable and to stay motivated throughout that tour.”
Thanking the BCCI, Kirmani said: “There is a zameen-asman farak (a world of difference) when you compare the wicket-keeping of my time and today’s. Results are important today, not technique,” he said.
Congratulating the Indian team, Manohar said: “The year 2015 ended on a happy note. India beat Sri Lanka in a Test series in Sri Lanka for the first time in 22 years. Then we beat the No.1 ranked Test team South Africa in the home series.
“I also congratulate Ravichandran Ashwin for becoming the No.1 ranked Test bowler.”
The awards: International Cricketer of the Year: Virat Kohli (Polly Umrigar Trophy and Rs.5 lakh). Col. C. K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award: Syed Kirmani (Trophy and Rs.25 lakh).
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