Virat Kohli poses with ground staff, earns massive praise

Dubai: As fierce as he is on the field, Indian batting superstar Virat Kohli has long been admired for his humility off it. He displayed that quality once again after guiding India to a win in the first ODI against New Zealand at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara.

Following the match, Kohli made a heartfelt gesture by stopping to personally thank the ground staff who had worked tirelessly to prepare and maintain the playing surface. The 36-year-old spent time chatting with them and happily posed for group photographs, moments that quickly went viral on social media and earned widespread praise across the cricketing world.

The match itself was a classic Kohli innings. He anchored India’s chase with a superb 93, narrowly missing out on what would have been his 85th international century, but ensured the hosts crossed the line with valuable support from Shubman Gill and KL Rahul. The victory handed India a 1—0 lead in the three-match ODI series.

After the final ball, instead of heading straight to the dressing room, Kohli walked across the field to meet the ground staff at the BCA Stadium in Kotambi. Acknowledging the often-unseen work that goes into hosting an international fixture, he thanked them for keeping the pitch and outfield in excellent condition. While players routinely acknowledge each other after high-pressure matches, Kohli’s gesture stood out for recognising those who work behind the scenes.

Photos and videos shared online showed Kohli smiling warmly, exchanging words with the staff and ensuring everyone who wanted a picture received one. Fans and former cricketers alike applauded the act, calling it a “class act” and a reflection of “true sportsmanship.”

Kohli will return to action on Wednesday when India face New Zealand in the second ODI.