December 1, 2025: In a heartwarming moment that captivated cricket fans worldwide, India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir shared a touching gesture with star batter Virat Kohli after his brilliant knock of 135 against South Africa in the first ODI at the JSCA Stadium on Sunday. The duo’s emotional interaction, which included a handshake and a hug in the dressing room, quickly went viral on social media, further endearing them to millions of fans.
Kohli, making his return to international cricket after a brief break, showed the world why he remains one of the finest in the game. The 37-year-old cricketer scored his 52nd ODI century off 120 balls, hammering 11 boundaries and seven sixes. With this knock, Kohli not only led India to a formidable total of 349/8, but also etched his name into the record books by surpassing the legendary Sachin Tendulkar’s mark of 51 Test centuries. Kohli now holds the record for the most centuries in a single format.
In an emotional post-innings moment, Gambhir, who has been Kohli’s coach since 2023, was seen greeting the batter in the dressing room. The two shared a warm handshake followed by an affectionate hug, a simple yet profound gesture of respect and admiration. Pictures of this special moment have since flooded social media, with fans praising the bond between the two cricketers.
Virat Kohli’s 52nd Century & Gautam Gambhir’s Gesture Go Viral
Kohli’s century also marked his 83rd in international cricket, continuing his rich vein of form. This milestone came on the heels of his stellar performance in Ranchi, where he has now accumulated 519 runs in just six innings, including three centuries. His average at this venue stands at an astonishing 173, with a strike rate of 110.19, showcasing his dominance in the 50-over format.
The star batter, who has retired from T20Is and Test cricket, continues to be a force in ODIs. His knock on Sunday was a reminder of his timeless skills and resilience, particularly after a recent rough patch during India’s white-ball tour of Australia. Despite two ducks in the opening games, Kohli finished the series strong with an unbeaten 74, silencing critics and proving his class.
For the Indian team, Virat Kohli’s performance was crucial as they set a mammoth target for South Africa, while Gambhir’s gesture only highlighted the deep camaraderie and respect shared within the team. Kohli, now 17 centuries behind Tendulkar’s all-time record of 100 international hundreds, remains a central figure in India’s cricketing future.
With this performance, Virat Kohli’s presence in the ODI format continues to shine brightly as the 2025 cricket calendar heats up.
