Thomas Müller wishes Kohli ahead of encounter against South Africa
What's the story
The ICC World Cup 2019 is already underway, as two-time champions India would take on South Africa in their opening game on Wednesday.
As wishes have started pouring in for Team India, German football star Thomas Müller too has lent his support to skipper Virat Kohli, wishing him well ahead of the campaign.
Here's more on what he said.
Twitter Post
Müller took to Twitter to wish Kohli
I wish all participants of the Cricket #WorldCup2019 good luck thrilling matches. Especially I cross my fingers for @imVkohli, the captain of the Indian team. He`s a fan of @DFB_Team and supported it multiple times in the past 🏏✊😃 #Cricket #GermanyCheersForIndia #esmuellert pic.twitter.com/hwS4apAlIE
— Thomas Müller (@esmuellert_) June 3, 2019
Happy fans
Müller's gesture wins several hearts
Following Müller's declaration that he was cheering for Kohli in the World Cup, fans expressed their delight.
While most of the fans were pleasantly shocked by Müller's gesture, many couldn't hide their joy that even a German footballer is supporting Kohli and cricket.
Notably, cricket is still not popular in Germany, where football rules the hearts.
Twitter Post
Entire Germany rooting for India!
Muller says it's the entire German National team cheering for India, but still it feels good that a top Football star cheering another country for other sport...hope this happens more...😁
— Ram Prasad (@ramprasad_rp) June 3, 2019
Twitter Post
Müller might have won a billion fans in India
You have won a billion hearts by saying that
— Roshan (@roshanjainn) June 4, 2019
German fan
Kohli is a fan of German team
If one remembers, Kohli publicly said he is a fan of German football.
He did support them during the 2018 FIFA World Cup, as he also sported a picture of himself wearing the German jersey ahead of the 2016 UEFA Euro.
Following his declaration, German football Toni Kroos had expressed his delight, praising Kohli and promising to send him a gift.
Twitter Post
Kross impressed with Kohli's German allegiance
Beautiful shirt and great number choice @imVkohli ! Awesome! Going to send you a gift😀 #FirstNeverFollows https://t.co/A0u3n15WP3
— Toni Kroos (@ToniKroos) June 11, 2016
Brazilian love
David Luiz too wishes Kohli for World Cup
Müller is not the only international footballer who has wished Kohli, as Brazilian defender David Luiz too sent out his best wishes to Kohli ahead of the World Cup.
In a video posted on Twitter, Luiz was seen saying wishing him and entire Team India.
He also promised to meet the Indian skipper soon.
Twitter Post
With love from Brazil!
As you all know I love both football cricket. I asked @DavidLuiz_4 who he was backing for the @cricketworldcup his reply was @BCCI captain @imVkohli . He had a special message for the captain. 🇮🇳 #ViratKohli pic.twitter.com/2kKqwSnrtX
— Frank Khalid (@FrankKhalidUK) May 26, 2019
What's next?
Kohli and Team India eye winning start to World Cup
Currently, Kohli is all focused on his team's opening match of the World Cup against South Africa on Wednesday.
As India would aim to get off to a winning start, the pressure would be on South Africa, as they have lost two games in the tournament.
The Proteas would be coming out all guns blazing as the match is expected to be a cracker.