He is not a part of the historic one-off Test match against Afghanistan but India captain Virat Kohli was the star attraction at the BCCI Annual Awards function on Tuesday as he received the prestigious Polly Umrigar Trophy (Cricketer-of-the-Year) award for two consecutive seasons.
The India skipper received the award for his stupendous performance during the 2016-17 and 2017-18 seasons. He is currently undergoing rehabilitation for a neck injury sustained during the IPL, which ruled him out of his county assignment for Surrey.
Kohli is expected to appear for a fitness test at the NCA on June 15.
The awards function was also attended by the Afghanistan team which will take on India in its first ever Test match starting on Thursday.
Aunshuman Gaekwad and Sudha Shah received the C.K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement award.
Domestic cricketers Jalaj Saxena, Parvez Rasool, Krunal Pandya were all feted for their consistent performances. Jalaj and Rasool were adjudged ‘Best all-rounders’ in the Ranji Trophy, while Krunal was rewarded for his showing in the Hazare one-day championship.
Krunal did not turn up to receive the award as he is on national duty with the India-A team.
