Captains Mithali Raj & Virat Kohli Exchange Praise Like Champs

“If I had to name one person who inspires me everyday, it would have to be Virat Kohli,” said Mithali Raj.

India Women's Cricket Team captain Mithali Raj on Thursday heaped praise on skipper Virat Kohli, and said it is commendable how he stays focused on staying fit throughout the year.

There are so many people who inspire me every day, not one person. But if I do have to name someone, it’s got to be Virat Kohli, for bringing the focus on fitness.

Mithali Raj at the CNN-News18 Indian of the Year 2017 

“Be it the men or women, everyone wants to be the best in international cricket," the 34-year-old said. Raj won an award in the ‘Special Achievement’ category.

It feels great that all of them are getting their due, and that people are finally recognising them.

Mithali Raj

Virat Kohli, who was present at the 11th edition of the ‘Indian of the Year’ award, humbly responded to Mithali’s remarks – and praised the women’s cricket team.

Some of the female cricketers present here are much more senior than I am, so I don’t know whether I should be the one talking about it, rather they should be sharing their experience from the world cup. It’s really great to see the way the women’s team has been performing.

Virat Kohli

Kohli won the ‘Indian of the Year’ as well as the ‘Popular Choice’ award . The 29-year-old is the only captain to score ten international hundreds in a calendar year. He has also lead Team India to no 1 spot in Test cricket.

It’s really great to see the way women's cricket team has been performing: @imvkohli | Watch live on https://t.co/hnn1Ot74Tq and Jio TV @reliancejio | #IndianOfTheYear pic.twitter.com/ciLq91vEE2

— News18 (@CNNnews18) November 30, 2017

Indian Men’s Cricket Team coach Ravi Shastri also won an award for ‘Special Achievement’.

Others Indians Who Shone

Besides the cricketers, CNN-News18 awarded Indians in other categories. Some of the other winners at the Indian of the Year were:

Public Service — Afroz Shah

Sports — Kidambi Srikanth

Entertainment — Rajkummar Rao

Outstanding Achievement — Team Baahubali

Business — Acharya Balkrishna

Special Achievement — Manushi Chhillar

Special Achievement — Indian Women’s Cricket Team

Outstanding Award in Business and CSR — Adar Poonawalla

(Breathe In, Breathe Out: Are you finding it tough to breathe polluted air? Join hands with FIT in partnership with #MyRightToBreathe to find a solution to pollution. Send in your suggestions to [e-mail] or WhatsApp @ [phone])