Virat Kohli's video from India's 1st ODI against Australia on Sunday has been widely shared viral on social media. The clip shows Indian players lining up for the national anthem before the match in Perth. Seeing India's ODI captain Shubman Gill behind him, Kohli moves away and signals the youngster to go to the front of the line, followed by vice-captain Shreyas Iyer. After both have taken their positions, Kohli joins them, an action that the fans have recognised as a manifestation of meekness and respect.

Fans flooded social media with praise for Kohli’s gesture. One user wrote, “Respectful person knows about everyone’s respect,” while another commented, “He always pushes others into the limelight; a selfless man who stands behind youngsters.” The moment once again showcased Kohli’s leadership values and his quiet encouragement of the new generation.

Kohli’s comeback ends in disappointment as India fall short

Nevertheless, the return of the seasoned batter to the field, which was eagerly awaited, did not last for long. In the first match of the rain-affected series at the Optus Stadium, India lost to Australia by seven wickets, and Kohli was out for a duck. India, batting first, were all out for 136 in a 26-over-per-side match and the hosts were set a revised DLS target of 131 which they reached easily in 21.1 overs.

Receiving a loud cheer from the crowd, Kohli seemed to be off his rhythm and against Starc, who got him out with a delivery that moved away from the batsman outside off stump. Kohli’s shot was a drive and the ball took a thin edge, and Cooper Connolly was quick to take a sharp catch at backward point — thus, this was the first time that Kohli had been dismissed for a duck in an ODI match in Australia.

The 36-year-old is set to make a comeback in the remaining ODIs in Adelaide and Sydney, where he would be looking to get his batting form back and be a part of India’s future ODI squad.