Rishabh Pant's replacement KS Bharat says that Virat Kohli gesture will motivate youngster

Mumbai: KS Bharat, the new member of the Indian cricket team was over the moon when Team India skipper Virat Kohli had invited him to hold the trophy after the team won the pink ball D/N Test against Bangladesh at the Eden Gardens on Sunday.

Speaking exclusively over telephone from Kolkata, the 26-year-old Srikar Bharat who had replaced wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant (released to play Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy), said, "Virat bhaiya walked up to me and just put the Trophy in my hands. I didn't know how to react and what to say...".

"Then Virat bhaiya told me it's a small gesture of welcoming you in the team. Enjoy it".

"Then came Rohit bhaiya who was standing next to me. He told me to enjoy the moment. He said it is your time to enjoy and feel it".

"I was very nervous but was very happy the way they treated me", Bharat added.

"My parents were very happy and proud seeing me with the Trophy".

"I can never forget this moment in my life. Sharing the dressing room and also learning this...It will motivate me a lot as a young player and I am sure many more youngsters will be motivated", Bharat signed off.

MS Dhoni, during his tenure as Indian captain, had started the practice of inviting young team members to hold the trophy.