During their league stage clash against Delhi Capitals at Arun Jaitley Stadium on Saturday, Royal Challengers Bangalore had a strong position at the 15-over mark. At this point, the scoreboard showed 126/2 with Virat Kohli and Mahpial Lomror batting.
Kohli, a local boy who had previously built a reputation for himself on this ground, had already scored his half-century. It was his first IPL game in front of the Virat Kohli pavilion, which had been inaugurated in 2019.
Kohli’s childhood coach was also present at the venue to ring the bell before the game, adding to the sentimentality of the occasion. On the field for Delhi Capitals was Ishant Sharma, who has played alongside Kohli since they were young.
The duo made their first-class debuts together for Delhi in 2006, and their strong relationship was evident during Kohli’s innings. In the 13th over, Kohli played a shot towards the leg side and took a quick single while Ishant ran after the ball.
Even though Ishant had already taken the ball in his hands, Kohli teased him by urging Mahipal for a second run before returning to his crease. The duo then shared a heartfelt laugh as they walked back to their positions.
The fans quickly took notice of this heartwarming moment between the opposing players, knowing how instrumental Kohli was in Sharma’s Test comeback when he was still the skipper. The display of friendship on the field was a rare sight and appreciated by many on social media.