Indian skipper Virat Kohli and the rest of the cricket team are currently in Kerala’s capital city of Thiruvananthapuram for the fifth and final ODI in the series against West Indies, which India is leading 2-1 so far. Virat is quite popular on social media and among cricket fans alike, but on his visit to the state, he did something that may just have given him a special place in the hearts of Malayalees too.
Virat and team were staying at Raviz Hotels and Resorts and the captain wrote a touching message in tribute to the hosting state in their visitors’ diary.
What makes his note even more special is the fact that earlier in August, Kerala was ravaged by the worst floods the state has seen in a century. The devastation and the deluge left in its wake is both heartbreaking and staggering in terms of volume and proportion. However, the state and its people have steadily been picking up the pieces, rebuilding their lives and getting back up on their feet.
Virat’s note seemed to echo the same sentiment.
The note read, “Being in Kerala is nothing short of bliss. I love coming here and the energy of the whole place. The beauty of Kerala is something to be experienced and I would recommend to everyone that they come here and experience the energy of God’s Own Country. Kerala is surely back to its feet and absolutely safe to come to. Thanks to this amazing place for making me feel happy everytime I am here. (sic)” he wrote.
The note was shared by Kerala Tourism’s Twitter handle, along with a picture of the cricketer being welcomed traditionally with a vermillion on his forehead by the hotel staff. The Tourism Department thanked Virat for his kind words, and said, “We are delighted to know Kerala makes you happy every time you are here.”
Thank you @imVkohli for the nice words. We are delighted to know that Kerala makes you happy every time you are here. pic.twitter.com/diZaQX0snd
— Kerala Tourism (@KeralaTourism) October 30, 2018