Virat Kohli with a cheeky smile after scoring first run of ODI series; gets standing reception in Sydney - watch video

A simple single run by Virat Kohli at the Sydney Cricket Ground ignited the crowd, offering a spark of relief and amusement after previous low scores. This moment, celebrated with a standing ovation, underscored his significant connection with the venue and his resilience. Earlier, India's bowlers, led by Harshit Rana, had restricted Australia to 236.

Virat Kohli (Screengrab)

On a sunny Saturday afternoon at the Sydney Cricket Ground, the crowd erupted in delight as Kohli clipped Josh Hazlewood through midwicket for a quick single in the 11th over. It wasn’t a boundary, not even a booming cover drive — just a simple, elegant push and run. But the roar that followed said everything about the anticipation that had built up over his three previous innings in the series.

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As he completed the run, Kohli turned back toward his partner, pumped his fist, and flashed a cheeky smile — a mix of relief and amusement. Click here to watch the video of Virat Kohli's cheeky celebration The Sydney crowd, packed with Indian fans waving the tricolour, rose to its feet for a standing reception, celebrating the moment as if it were a milestone century. After two ducks in Perth and Adelaide, this single run felt like the spark everyone had been waiting for. The cameras caught Kohli grinning as chants of “Kohli! Kohli!” filled the stands. For someone who has given Australia countless unforgettable innings over the years, this one-run moment carried its own quiet significance. It wasn’t about numbers — it was about the connection between a player and his stage, between resilience and recognition. Earlier in the day, India’s bowlers had done their job in style. Pacer Harshit Rana, in just his third ODI, led the charge with figures of 4 for 39 as Australia were bundled out for 236 in 46.4 overs. Washington Sundar chipped in with two wickets, while Mohammed Siraj and Axar Patel provided early breakthroughs. Chasing 237, India’s innings began cautiously before that single from Kohli lifted the energy inside the SCG. Whether it was a prelude to a big knock or simply a symbolic moment, one thing was certain; Virat Kohli had brought the Sydney crowd to life once again.

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