Despite his modest performance with the bat, Virat Kohli’s on-field enthusiasm and camaraderie became the talking point of the Super 4 clash between India and Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup 2023. In a low-scoring thriller, Kohli showcased his unwavering support for teammate Rohit Sharma.
During the 26th over of Sri Lanka’s innings, Rohit Sharma, stationed in the slips, made an impressive reflex catch to dismiss Sri Lankan captain Dasun Shanaka. Ravindra Jadeja was the bowler responsible for this crucial wicket. Kohli’s immediate reaction was to rush towards Rohit and greet him with a tight hug. This grand gesture symbolized India’s excitement in securing the pivotal wicket, restricting Sri Lanka to 99-6 in their pursuit of the target.
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Virat Kohli’s animated gestures towards Rohit delighted fans on social media. Throughout the Sri Lankan innings, he also engaged in a group hug with his teammates KL Rahul, Kuldeep Yadav, and skipper Rohit Sharma. This display of unity was likely in appreciation of spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who had been instrumental in India’s triumph.
#INDvSL
What a catch taken by Captain #RohitSharma𓃵 Rohit Sharma.
He is India’s best slip fielder#INDvsSL
And we witness another Rohit-Kohli hug.
We live to see moments like this ❤️#INDvsSL #INDvSL #RohitSharma𓃵#ViratKohli#जय__जय__श्री__राम #जय_श्री_राम pic.twitter.com/rcDHMrcVOP— Anu Saini (@Sainianu22) September 12, 2023
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli hugged each other! 🥹❤️
Moment of the day 🇮🇳❤️#INDvsSL #AsiaCup23 pic.twitter.com/UfGeBopz8u— Aasim khan (@Virat__world18) September 12, 2023
The match featured a remarkable bowling performance from Kuldeep Yadav, helping India overcome an impressive all-round display by Sri Lanka’s Dunith Wellalage, who claimed a sensational five-wicket haul. Although Wellalage remained unbeaten on 42, the Sri Lankan team faltered, folding for 172 runs.
Rohit – Kohli bromance is back 😭😭🔥💙💙
We need this Badly in World cup too😭#INDvsSL pic.twitter.com/DFsiWPBnLj— KK (@_Dear__Zindagi_) September 12, 2023
Kuldeep Yadav emerged as the wrecker-in-chief for the Indian side, securing four wickets while conceding 43 runs. India secured a thrilling 41-run victory over the defending champions, assuring their place in the final of the Asia Cup. In another notable achievement, Kohli and Rohit became the fastest duo to accumulate 5,000 partnership runs in One Day Internationals (ODIs).
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Their partnership is the eighth in ODI cricket history to reach this milestone, and they are the third Indian pair to achieve this feat after Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly. Additionally, Rohit Sharma has also surpassed 5,000 partnership runs in ODIs with Shikhar Dhawan.
