Virat Kohli’s retirement from Test cricket on May 12, 2025, resonated far beyond the cricket field-even making its way into the nation’s top defence briefing. During a special press conference on ‘Operation Sindoor,’ Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai, the Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) of the Indian Army, paid a heartfelt tribute to Kohli, seamlessly blending cricket and military strategy in his remarks.
DGMO’s Tribute: Kohli as a Favourite and a Metaphor
Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai began his address by acknowledging the news that had gripped the nation: Virat Kohli’s Test retirement. He openly shared his admiration, stating that Kohli is his favourite cricketer, echoing the sentiment of millions of Indians. This personal touch set the tone for a unique analogy.
Drawing Parallels: Cricket, Defence, and the Ashes
To explain the effectiveness of India’s multi-layered air defence system, Lt Gen Ghai used a cricket analogy rooted in history. He recalled the legendary Australian fast bowlers Jeff Thomson and Dennis Lillee from the 1970s Ashes series, who were so dominant that the phrase emerged:
“Ashes to ashes, dust to dust, if Thommo don’t get you, Lillee must.”
He likened this to India’s air defence: just as the Australians had multiple threats to ensure no batter escaped, India’s defence grid is designed with several layers-if one system misses, another will intercept any threat before it reaches its target. This analogy helped illustrate the robustness and depth of India’s security measures.
Kohli’s Retirement: A Moment of National Reflection
Lt Gen Ghai’s reference to Kohli during such a critical military briefing highlights the cricketer’s stature as a national icon. Even as the armed forces discussed the success of Operation Sindoor and the defence of the nation, Kohli’s retirement was recognized as a moment of collective significance for India.
Key Points from the DGMO’s Press Briefing
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Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai called Virat Kohli his favourite cricketer while addressing the nation on a major military operation.
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He used a cricket analogy, referencing Kohli’s retirement, to explain the concept of layered defence systems.
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The “Ashes to ashes, dust to dust…” saying was used to illustrate how India’s multi-layered air defence ensures every threat is countered, much like a relentless bowling attack.
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The mention of Kohli at a defence briefing underscores his impact on Indian society, transcending sports.
FAQs
Q1: Why did the DGMO mention Virat Kohli during the press briefing?
Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai referenced Kohli to connect with the public and used cricket as a relatable metaphor to explain India’s defence systems.
Q2: What was the cricket analogy used by the DGMO?
He cited the 1970s Ashes series, saying, “Ashes to ashes, dust to dust, if Thommo don’t get you, Lillee must,” to illustrate the layered nature of India’s air defence.
Q3: What does the analogy mean in the context of military defence?
It means that India’s defence has multiple layers-if one fails, another will intercept the threat, just as multiple bowlers in cricket ensure no batter escapes.
Q4: How did the DGMO describe Virat Kohli?
Lt Gen Ghai called Kohli his favourite cricketer, reflecting the admiration Kohli commands across all walks of Indian life.
Q5: What was the main focus of the press briefing?
The briefing centered on Operation Sindoor and India’s successful defence against recent threats, with Kohli’s retirement used as a powerful metaphor.
Conclusion
Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai’s reference to Virat Kohli during the Operation Sindoor press briefing was more than just a tribute-it was a reminder of how sports and national spirit often intertwine. By drawing parallels between Kohli’s relentless approach on the field and India’s uncompromising defence strategy, the DGMO highlighted the shared values of resilience, preparation, and pride that define both cricket and the armed forces.