The third and final ODI between India and South Africa in Visakhapatnam delivered an unexpected but delightful moment thanks to Tilak Varma. As he prepared to bowl, Varma suddenly stopped mid-stride, glanced toward the non-striker’s end, and shared a laugh, giving Matthew Breetzke a playful scare. Instead of controversy, the moment quickly turned into a talking point of good humour.
At that stage, South Africa were rebuilding well. After the loss of an early wicket, Quinton de Kock produced a sparkling 76-ball 76 — smashing five sixes and six fours — and stitched a 113-run stand with Temba Bavuma. Breetzke had just arrived at the crease when Varma’s quirky pause added a dash of levity to the proceedings.
Breetzke, momentarily startled, rushed back into his crease only to realise Varma wasn’t attempting a run-out. The bowler clarified with a smile that he was simply adjusting due to field changes. The umpire shared the laugh, and the mood on the ground instantly eased.
On Twitter, the moment exploded with positivity. Fans hailed Varma’s gesture as a refreshing reminder of cricket’s “spirit of the game,” praising his sportsmanship and the light-hearted interaction between the players. Humour and appreciation flowed freely across timelines.
— Usman mohammed (@Usmanmoham35703) December 6, 2025
To many, this wasn’t just a comic interruption — it represented respect, camaraderie, and the human side of cricket. In an intense series decider, Varma’s playful gesture stood out for all the right reasons.
Ultimately, the incident showcased that while scores and results matter, cricket is also about respect, joy, and shared moments that remind everyone why they love the game.