New Delhi, May 12, 2025 – Amidst a crucial press briefing on the ongoing Operation Sindoor, Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai, the Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) of the Indian Army, took a moment to acknowledge the retirement of Indian cricket icon Virat Kohli from Test cricket. Speaking to the media in New Delhi, alongside the three military chiefs, Lt Gen Ghai not only expressed his appreciation for the effectiveness of India’s air defence systems using a compelling cricket analogy but also shared his personal admiration for the celebrated cricketer.
A Cricket Interlude in a Military Briefing
The briefing, held in New Delhi on Monday afternoon alongside the chiefs of the Navy and Air Force, was focused on providing details about Operation Sindoor, India’s response to recent terror attacks. However, before delving into the specifics of the operation and the effectiveness of India’s air defense systems, Lt Gen Ghai made a personal remark about the cricketing world.
“Today, perhaps we should also talk about cricket, as I noticed that Virat Kohli has retired from Test cricket. Like many Indians, he is my favourite cricketer as well,” Lt Gen Ghai said, his comment adding a personal touch to the otherwise serious proceedings.
Connecting Cricket to National Defense
Interestingly, Lt Gen Ghai then used a cricket analogy to illustrate the strength and layers of India’s air defense systems, which played a crucial role in countering attacks during Operation Sindoor. He referred to a famous Ashes series between Australia and England in the 1970s, highlighting the formidable bowling duo of Jeff Thomson and Dennis Lillee.
“Targeting our airfields and logistics is way too tough,” he explained. “I believe it was the 1970s. During that time, there was a famous Ashes series between England and Australia. At that time, Australia’s greatest fast bowlers, Jeff Thomson and Dennis Lillee, tore into the England batting line-up. Australians, that time, came up with a saying: ‘Ashes to ashes, dust to dust, if Thommo doesn’t get ya, Lillee must’.”
He then drew a parallel to India’s defense capabilities: “If you see the layers, you’ll understand what I am trying to say. Even if you crossed all the layers, one of the layers of this grid system will hit you.” This analogy effectively conveyed the robustness and multiple layers of India’s air defense in neutralizing threats.
Operation Sindoor: A Response to Terrorism
Operation Sindoor was launched by the Indian armed forces in response to a deadly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam on April 22nd, which resulted in the loss of 26 lives. The operation involved precision strikes on nine terror bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
Whites off, crown intact Virat Kohli bids goodbye to Test cricket, leaving behind an unmatched legacy
: https://t.co/VjuXwUrl8P pic.twitter.com/6apbXkubQ0
— ICC (@ICC) May 12, 2025
During the briefing, officials detailed the success of the operation, highlighting the neutralization of over 100 terrorists and the significant damage inflicted on terror infrastructure. They also addressed Pakistan’s retaliatory attempts, which included drone and missile attacks, all of which were effectively countered by India’s defense systems.
Key Highlights of the Op Sindoor Briefing:
Retaliation for Pahalgam Attack: Operation Sindoor was a direct response to the terror attack in Pahalgam.
Precision Strikes: Indian forces conducted precise airstrikes on nine identified terror camps in Pakistan and PoK.
Terrorists Neutralized: Over 100 terrorists, including key commanders, were eliminated in the operation.
Countering Retaliation: India effectively intercepted and neutralized multiple drone and missile attacks launched by Pakistan.
Air Defense Prowess: The briefing emphasized the effectiveness of India’s multi-layered air defense systems in thwarting enemy attacks.
Ceasefire Breach: Despite a ceasefire agreement, Pakistan continued with drone incursions, which were also repelled.
No Targeting of Civilians: India maintained that the strikes were solely targeted at terror infrastructure, avoiding civilian and military assets of Pakistan.
Virat Kohli Mention: Amidst the briefing, Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai mentioned Virat Kohli’s retirement from Test cricket, acknowledging him as his favourite cricketer and using a cricket analogy to explain India’s defense strategy.
The unexpected mention of Virat Kohli during such a critical briefing underscored the cricketer’s significant impact on the national consciousness, transcending even matters of national security. Lt Gen Ghai’s analogy served as a memorable way to illustrate the strength and resilience of India’s defense capabilities in the face of external threats.
