Sydney, October 25, 2025 – Virat Kohli's gesture of picking up a fallen Indian flag after India's dominant nine-wicket victory against Australia in the third ODI at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) has gone viral, winning hearts across the nation. The incident occurred as the players were leaving the field following their convincing win, with Kohli's act of patriotism adding a memorable touch to the day's events.
India secured a consolation victory in the final ODI, ending the series 2-1 in favor of Australia. After losing the first two matches, India bounced back strongly, chasing down the target of 237 with ease. Rohit Sharma led the charge with an unbeaten 121 off 125 balls, while Virat Kohli contributed a composed 74 not out off 81 deliveries. Their unbroken 168-run partnership sealed the win for India.
Harshit Rana's impressive bowling performance, where he took 4 wickets for 39 runs, played a crucial role in restricting Australia to 236. Washington Sundar also contributed with 2 wickets.
As the jubilant Indian team made their way back to the dressing room, a fan accidentally dropped the Indian flag. Kohli, walking ahead of Rohit Sharma, noticed the fallen flag and immediately bent down to pick it up. He then handed it back to the fan, a gesture that was met with loud cheers and applause from the crowd.
The video of Kohli's act quickly spread across social media platforms, with fans praising his respect for the national flag and his deep-rooted patriotism. Social media was flooded with comments appreciating Kohli's gesture, with many calling him a "true Indian".
Kohli's act of picking up the flag resonated deeply with fans, overshadowing any disappointment from the series loss. It served as a powerful reminder of the pride and responsibility that come with representing one's nation.
Earlier in the day, Kohli reached another milestone, surpassing Kumar Sangakkara to become the second-highest run-scorer in ODI history. He also spoke about his equation with Rohit Sharma, acknowledging their understanding and experience as a pair. "I think from early on, we've understood the situation well, that's what we've always done well (as a pair), we're probably the most experienced pair now," Kohli said.
The match also potentially marked the end of an era, with speculations that it could be the last time Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli play together on Australian soil. Their match-winning partnership provided a fitting conclusion to their Australian tour, leaving fans with fond memories. Mitchell Marsh, the Australian captain, praised the pair for their consistent performances over the last decade.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Cricket Australia (CA) are yet to release official statements regarding the series, but individual players have expressed their views on social media.
