Virat Kohli’s Test retirement inspires DGMO’s analogy on India's military readiness: 'Ashes to ashes...'

Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai, Virat Kohli (Pic: ANI/AFP)

In a press briefing on Operation Sindoor held on Monday, Director General Military Operations (DGMO), Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai, drew a striking analogy between India's military strategy and cricket, invoking the legacy of recently retired Indian cricket icon Virat Kohli.

The operation, launched on May 7, was a swift and calculated military response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam. Aimed at dismantling terror infrastructure across the Line of Control, Operation Sindoor targeted nine sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoK). Despite attempts at disruption by the Pakistani military, Indian forces executed the mission with surgical precision, ensuring minimal damage to both civilian and military infrastructure.

Lt Gen Ghai opened his remarks with a tribute to Kohli, who announced his retirement from Test cricket on the same day. "I think I should make a cricket reference. Virat Kohli has announced his retirement from Test cricket today. Like most Indians, he is also one of my favourite cricketers," he said.

He then delved into a nostalgic recollection of a legendary Ashes series from five decades ago, linking the ferocity of Australian bowlers Jeff Thomson and Dennis Lillee to India's layered defence systems.

"In the 70s, when I was a school student, during the Ashes series, Australian fast bowlers Jeff Thomson and Dennis Lillee were very popular. They destroyed the English batting lineup, and the Australians came up with a saying: ‘Ashes to ashes, dust to dust, if Thommo don't get you, Lillee must.' Our multi-layered defence grid works the same way. Even if most systems are breached, one will shoot them down before they reach their target," said Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai.

A day earlier, at a joint press conference held at the National Media Centre, top operational commanders from the Army, Navy, and Air Force shared the outcomes of the mission. The coordinated strikes led to the elimination of over 100 terrorists and inflicted heavy damage on 11 Pakistani air bases, significantly degrading the adversary's military infrastructure.

The operation, spanning land, air, and maritime domains, was executed with measured force and a strong emphasis on avoiding civilian casualties.

Concluding the briefing, the Armed Forces issued a stern warning to Pakistan: "This time, if Pakistan dare take any action, Pakistan knows what we are going to do."

(With inputs from agencies)