World T20: Virat Kohli reveals why he bowed to 'God of Cricket' Sachin Tendulkar

Bengaluru, March 21: On Saturday night (March 19), as soon as he completed his half century, Virat Kohli celebrated in a unique way. He bowed as fans and players watched him pay special respect to one man in the stands at Kolkata's Eden Gardens.

World T20 Special Site; Photos; Points Table

Kohli bowed to "God of Cricket" Sachin Tendulkar, who was at the stadium watching the high-voltage India-Pakistan World T20 match. (WT20 schedule)

A calm and composed Kohli steered India to 6-wicket victory. He remained unbeaten on 55 as India chased down 119 in a rain-hit contest reduced to 18-overs-per-side.

After the match, Kohli said it was not possible for him to decribe in words how he felt scoring a half century in front of Tendulkar.

"I can't express the feeling. My brother is here as well and Sachin Tendulkar was up there in the stands," Kohli told BCCI's website when asked about bowing to Tendulkar.

"I have seen Sachin paaji do that for India for years together and seen how people shout for him. I have gotten a chance to do it in front of him and he is celebrating.

"I cannot explain that feeling as a youngster who has grown up playing cricket because of him. To be able to do it in front of him and give him happiness; I am very grateful for it and it is a very emotional moment," he added.

Tendulkar thanked Kohli for the special gesture. "Great Win Team India. Thank you for the innings and gesture @imVkohli! #IndvsPak," the batting legend tweeted.

Great Win Team India. Thank you for the innings and gesture @imVkohli! #IndvsPak (1/2)

— sachin tendulkar (@sachin_rt) March 19, 2016

India next face Bangladesh on March 23 (Wednesday) in Bengaluru. The hosts lost their opening Group 2 game to New Zealand.

The Mahendra Singh Dhoni-led side wind up the Super 10 league phase with a clash against Australia on March 27 (Sunday) in Mohali. The top two teams in the group qualify for the semi-finals.

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