Gautam Gambhir’s Heartfelt Greeting for Virat Kohli After 135 Breaks the Internet

India head coach Gautam Gambhir melted hearts across social media with a warm embrace for Virat Kohli after the star batter's masterful 135-run knock in the first ODI against South Africa on Sunday, capping a day of milestones and camaraderie at the JSCA International Stadium Complex. As Kohli walked back to the pavilion in the 43rd over, dismissed by a sharp catch from Ryan Rickelton off Nandre Burger, Gambhir—known for his intense demeanor—led a standing ovation from the support staff before sharing a heartfelt side hug with the 37-year-old. The moment, captured on broadcast cameras and shared widely by the BCCI, symbolized mutual respect between the two former rivals turned colleagues, going viral with fans dubbing it a "full-circle" gesture in Indian cricket lore.

Kohli's innings was a vintage display of aggression and composure, blending 11 fours and seven sixes in 120 balls to propel India to 349 for 8 after being put in to bat. Returning from a brief ODI hiatus, he stitched a crucial 136-run second-wicket stand with captain Rohit Sharma (57 off 51), silencing critics following his twin ducks in Australia last month. The century, his 52nd in ODIs and 83rd overall, etched history by surpassing Sachin Tendulkar's 51 Test tons to claim the record for most centuries in a single format, while also marking the 7,000th men's international hundred.

The embrace stood out against Gambhir and Kohli's storied past, marked by on-field clashes during IPL rivalries and the 2011 World Cup final, yet it underscored the coach's public support for his talisman amid whispers of white-ball transitions. Gambhir, who had earlier applauded Kohli's half-century with a six off Corbin Bosch, joined Rohit in celebrating the ton from the balcony, where the skipper's own leap of joy had already become a fan favorite. At Ranchi—MS Dhoni's hometown and Kohli's fortress, where he now boasts 519 runs at an average of 173, including three tons—the knock reaffirmed the batter's ODI pedigree post his Test and T20I retirements.

Also Read: KL Rahul Drops Big Surprise, Says Pant is “Good Enough” to Play Solely as Batter

Social media erupted with adoration, from "Gambhir's hug is the redemption arc we needed" to memes juxtaposing their fiery history with the tender moment, amassing millions of views overnight. Fans hailed it as a testament to growth, with one viral post quipping, "From 2011 glares to 2025 hugs—cricket wins." The gesture also quieted speculation about team dynamics under Gambhir's regime, especially with reports of impending BCCI meetings on senior players' futures.

India's bowlers, inspired by the total, clinched a 17-run win as debutant Harshit Rana (3-65) and Kuldeep Yadav (4-68) dismantled South Africa's chase despite half-centuries from Matthew Breetzke (72), Marco Jansen (80), and Corbin Bosch (67). Kohli's return to form, coupled with Gambhir's affirmation, sets a positive tone for the series decider in Kolkata on Wednesday, where the duo's blend of experience and youth will be pivotal toward the 2027 World Cup.

Also Read: Gaikwad In Contention For No. 4 As Gambhir Holds Lengthy Chat During India Nets