Ranchi witnessed a heartwarming display of camaraderie on Sunday as Virat Kohli smashed his 52nd One Day International (ODI) century against South Africa, followed by an emotional embrace with India's head coach, Gautam Gambhir, in the dressing room. The moment, which has quickly gone viral on social media, signifies a possible thawing of relations between the two cricketing icons, who have had their share of differences in the past.
Kohli’s brilliant knock of 135 runs off 120 balls, studded with 11 boundaries and seven sixes, came in the first ODI of the three-match series. Walking in early after Yashasvi Jaiswal's dismissal, Kohli steadied the ship and then accelerated, displaying a mix of classic strokes and aggressive intent. After reaching his century, Kohli unleashed a flurry of boundaries, and for a moment, it seemed like he was aiming for his maiden double century in the format. However, his attempt to hit a maximum off Nandre Burger led to his dismissal.
As Kohli walked back to the pavilion, acknowledging the roaring Ranchi crowd, the cameras captured Gautam Gambhir, along with other members of the support staff, giving the 37-year-old a standing ovation. The moment was marked by genuine appreciation for Kohli's masterclass, reminiscent of his dominant form during the 2023 World Cup.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) shared a video on social media platform X, highlighting the team's reaction. The warmth extended beyond the field, as Kohli made his way back to the dressing room where he and Gambhir shared a heartfelt hug. This gesture, caught on camera, quickly spread across social media, with fans and pundits alike celebrating the apparent reconciliation between the two.
This century was particularly significant for Kohli, marking his third ODI ton at the Ranchi venue, which is also the hometown of former India captain MS Dhoni. A fan even breached security to touch Kohli’s feet, further underscoring the electric atmosphere and the significance of the innings.
Speaking after reaching the milestone, Kohli acknowledged his wife Anushka Sharma's support, highlighting her presence as making the achievement even more special. He emphasized his desire to contribute to the team's cause and take pride in performing for the country.
India ultimately posted a total of 349/8 in their 50 overs, setting a challenging target for South Africa. The partnership between Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who scored 57, was also a key highlight of the innings. Sharma was eventually dismissed by Marco Jansen.
The standing ovation from Gambhir and the subsequent hug in the dressing room have become the talking points of the match, overshadowing even Kohli's magnificent century. While both Kohli and Gambhir have maintained professional relationships, their interactions have often been under scrutiny due to past incidents. This public display of affection suggests a possible turning of a new page, much to the delight of cricket fans across the nation.
