Dubai, Feb 23 (IANS) India batting stalwart Virat Kohli showcased a heartwarming gesture towards Babar Azam when he patted on the back of the former Pakistan skipper before the high-octane match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday.
The two batting stars were seen exchanging pleasantries and spoke with each other when Babar walked out to the middle along with fellow opener Imam-ul-Haq.
Netizens were quick to notice the friendly light-hearted moment as photos and video of the brief-meet quickly went viralon social media. One user wrote, “Friendship” while another said, “That’s why we love Kohli”.
Kohli and Babar are two of the biggest batters in world cricket at the moment, but the latter is currently undergoing a lean patch.
During India’s tour of England in 2022, when Kohli was struggling with his form, Babar took to social media to share a picture of them during a match along with the message, “This too shall pass”. Virat was quick to respond to Babar’s support on X and wrote, “Thank you. Keep shining and rising. Wish you all the best,” he wrote.
Earlier, Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan won the toss and opted to bat first. India’s frontline pacers Shami and Harshit Rana remain wicketless in their opening spells before Hardik Pandya provided the first breakthrough with a pricey dismissal of Babar Azam in the ninth over. Babar departed after scoring 23 runs off 23 with the help of five fours. Later, a direct hit from Axar Patel sent Imam-ul-Haq back to the pavilion for 10 off 26.
It is a must-win encounter for Pakistan to keep their semi-final hopes alive from Group A after losing to New Zealand by 60 runs in the tournament opener in Karachi. On the other hand, India started their campaign with a six-wicket win over Bangladesh.
–IANS
bc/ab
