Could Virat Kohli make a surprise appearance at Lord’s this summer? That question is now circulating among fans after former England batter and current Afghanistan coach Jonathan Trott inadvertently let slip Kohli’s London address during a live post-match segment on the Sony Sports Network.
In a discussion centered around India’s recent victory and Kohli’s ongoing absence from international cricket, Trott reflected on the emotional connection players often feel with the dressing room environment after stepping away from the game. In doing so, he casually mentioned Kohli’s apparent residence.
“Doesn’t he reside in St. John’s Wood or thereabouts? Can he not be asked to return?” Trott said, responding to Kohli’s social media message where the ex-India skipper spoke of missing the dressing room atmosphere. “No wonder he is missing that dressing room vibe. I do wonder how soon that vibe comes back once you leave.”
While possibly inadvertent, Trott’s remark quickly generated interest. The Telegraph had a later report clarifying that Kohli indeed lives in London’s Notting Hill district, hardly 2.5 miles from St. John’s Wood and, importantly, a little drive away from Lord’s Cricket Ground.
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With the England-India Test series gathering momentum, and Lord’s being among the venues of the most eagerly awaited match, gossip is rampant that Kohli would be seen in the stands or even in the dressing room, meeting up with old teammates.
Ever since making public his decision to retire from T20Is and bid goodbye to Tests, Kohli has maintained a low key, busy indulging in quality time with his family in the UK. His last big outing in public life was at the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) IPL victory parade, where his very presence set fans agog.
Before the ongoing Test series, there was a report that Kohli entertained many members of the Indian team at his London home. After India’s emphatic victory in Edgbaston, Kohli praised the team on social media, especially referring to Shubman Gill’s captaincy and the bowling brilliance of Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj.
Now, with the cricketing world in spectator mode, London fans particularly those witnessing the Lord’s Test will be watching. With his speech now in the public domain and his strong connections to the sport, do not be surprised if the crowd goes wild at the first sight of Kohli entering the legendary ground he once ruled.