Virat Kohli Witty Reply to Australian PM Anthony Albanese Steals the Show in Canberra

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The Indian cricket team, led by skipper Rohit Sharma, met Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the Parliament House in Canberra ahead of their two-day practice match against the Prime Minister's XI. The interaction between the two parties was full of light-hearted moments.

Especially a particular exchange between Albanese and former Indian captain Virat Kohli stole the spotlight. Albanese greeted the Indian players, beginning with Jasprit Bumrah, whom he praised for his unique bowling style and contribution to the team's success.

Turning his attention to Kohli, Albanese cheekily remarked, "Good ton in Perth, as if we weren't suffering enough at that point." Kohli responded with equal wit, saying, "Always got to add some spice," prompting laughter from Albanese, who replied, "Well, India, you know."

This banter referenced Kohli's stellar century during the first Test in Perth, where India secured a dominant 295-run victory. Kohli's ton marked his 30th in Test cricket and seventh on Australian soil. Jasprit Bumrah also played a crucial role in that win.

That earned him the Player of the Match award for his eight-wicket haul. Rohit Sharma then introduced other team members, including Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin, as the Australian Prime Minister continued interacting with the squad.

The meeting served as a prelude to the Indian team's two-day pink-ball warm-up match at the Manuka Oval in Canberra, starting Saturday. This practice match is critical for India as they prepare for the second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, a day-night contest at the Adelaide Oval beginning December 6.

Albanese also took to social media to share pictures of the meeting, adding, "Big challenge ahead for the PM's XI at Manuka Oval this week against an amazing Indian side. But as I said to PM Narendra Modi, I'm backing the Aussies to get the job done."

The Indian team's practice match features emerging Australian talents, as highlighted by Cricket Australia's chief selector, George Bailey, who emphasized its significance for both sides ahead of the pink-ball clash.