'Never have imagined anything like this' - Virat Kohli recalls 12-year journey with Rahul Dravid ahead of 1st Test against West Indies 

Rahul Dravid & Virat Kohli (Source: Twitter)

A few days ago, Virat Kohli shared an Instagram post featuring him and head coach Rahul Dravid, taking Indian cricket fans on a nostalgic journey. Kohli and his teammates are currently in West Indies, gearing up for the multi-format tour that begins with the Test series at Windsor Park in Dominica on July 12. The last time the Men in Blue played here was in 2011 when Kohli was a rising star and Dravid was in the final stages of his illustrious career.

Interestingly, the two are the only members of the 2011 batch who are currently part of the Indian team. It was Kohli's debut Test match for India, and he has since gone on to become a legend, having played over 100 red-ball matches. Dravid, on the other hand, tried his hand at commentary, broadcasting, and NCA chief, and eventually settled into the role of coach.

I kind of remembered my first series here as a Test player: Kohli

In a video shared by the Indian Cricket Board ahead of the two-match Test series, Kohli talked about the emotions behind his Instagram post. The 34-year-old said returning to the country where his journey began after 12 years was something he never imagined.

"When we went to the dressing room and then practice, I kind of remembered my first series here as a Test player and this is the country where it all started – the Caribbean. And yeah, it is just amazing to be able to come back here 12 years later having played over 100 Test matches, I would never have imagined anything like this," Kohli said.

"I told Rahul bhai yesterday as well that 'I'm sure you never would have imagined that 12 years later we would come back to the same venue and you'll be the head coach, while I would have played 100 games'. No one would have guessed that. So I am glad that we are the only two members from the last trip. Still here in different capacities but it's like life has come full circle. Our journeys have been quite amazing," the right-handed batter added.

The Test series will mark the start of the 2023-25 ​​cycle of the World Test Championship for both teams. After another heartbreaking defeat in a major international tournament to Australia in the 2023 WTC final, Dravid's men will be looking to start on a high note.