Cricket fans at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) witnessed a lighter side of Virat Kohli during India’s chase in the third ODI against Australia, as the star batter playfully celebrated getting off the mark after two consecutive ducks in the series. Kohli’s self-aware humour and charismatic gesture instantly went viral.
Virat Kohli breaks his duck streak with a smile
After enduring a rare sequence of back-to-back ducks in Perth and Adelaide, Kohli walked out to bat at the SCG under noticeable pressure. The Indian dressing room and a sea of fans wearing his No. 18 jersey watched in anticipation as he finally opened his account with a quick single. What followed was pure entertainment – Kohli celebrated with a fist pump . The crowd erupted, and broadcasters immediately replayed the moment as commentators laughed along, calling it “classic Kohli energy.”
The sold-out crowd of nearly 48,000 spectators responded with chants of “Kohli! Kohli!” as the star batter’s fun-loving attitude reminded everyone of his magnetic presence on the field. Even amid a rare lean patch, the former India captain showed that he could find humour and positivity in the most pressurized moments – a trait that has long defined his leadership and sportsmanship.
Within minutes, social media platforms were flooded with clips, memes, and GIFs celebrating Kohli’s single. Fans praised the 36-year-old for embracing vulnerability with humour, while commentators and former cricketers lauded the gesture as a display of mental strength and self-awareness.
After his struggles in the first two games, Kohli’s SCG moment turned tension into joy – helping both himself and his teammates relax during a crucial chase. His reaction also highlighted why he continues to captivate fans worldwide, not just with his batting but with his authenticity and charisma.
Here’s the video:
So many emotions! ☺️🥹❤️
He’s off the mark & the crowd has made its happiness loud and clear! 🙌
Will we witness a Chase Master special from #ViratKohli tonight? 🔥#AUSvIND 👉 3rd ODI | LIVE NOW 👉 https://t.co/0evPIuANAu pic.twitter.com/SZiBRnnvUY
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) October 25, 2025
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Kohli’s legacy in ODI cricket
Even in a brief, humorous act, Kohli reaffirmed his stature as one of cricket’s most relatable icons. With 14,200-plus ODI runs and 51 centuries, the Indian legend’s form slump is seen as temporary, especially considering his proven track record of bouncing back under pressure. Fans continue to rally behind him as the Men in Blue aim to avoid a whitewash and build momentum ahead of the upcoming T20I series.
King & his kingdom 🙌👑🥹#ViratKohli takes his first run in what could be his last innings in Australia, & the crowd didn’t hold back their emotions! ❤️🔥#AUSvIND 👉 3rd ODI | LIVE NOW 👉 https://t.co/0evPIuANAu pic.twitter.com/JLFue1L5Q6
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) October 25, 2025
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