Southampton: The historic World Test Championship (WTC) final ultimately got underway here on Saturday, following a total washout on the opening day.
As the players of two teams walked out to the field for the national anthems to be played, Team India players were seen sporting black armbands to pay their tribute to Milkha Singh.
The legendary athlete, who was nicknamed ‘Flying Sikh’, passed away on Friday night at a Chandigarh hospital due to COVID-19 complications.
Before going out for the toss with New Zealand captain Kane Williamson, India skipper Virat Kohli mourned Milkha’s death and paid rich tributes the man who came within a whisker of winning an Olympic medal six decades ago.
“A legacy that inspired a whole nation to aim for excellence. To never give up and chase your dreams. Rest in Peace #MilkhaSingh ji. You will never be forgotten,” Kohli posted on Twitter along with a picture of the legend.
A legacy that inspired a whole nation to aim for excellence. To never give up and chase your dreams. Rest in Peace #MilkhaSingh ji ?. You will never be forgotten. pic.twitter.com/IXVmM86Hiv
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) June 19, 2021
Several other cricketers, past and present, paid tribute Milkha.
Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar wrote Milkha’s demise has left a deep void in every Indian’s heart.
Rest in Peace our very own ‘Flying Sikh’ Milkha Singh ji.
Your demise has left a deep void in every Indian’s heart today, but you shall keep inspiring several generations to come. pic.twitter.com/ImljefeUEN
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) June 19, 2021
