AUS vs IND [WATCH]: Rohit Sharma bows in respect to Virat Kohli before sharing an emotional hug inside the team bus

Before India departed for their white-ball tour of Australia, an emotional yet heartwarming moment unfolded at Delhi airport. Senior stars Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, pillars of Indian cricket for more than a decade, shared a touching gesture that captured the team’s spirit ahead of the series. The two were part of the first batch to board the flight along with Shubman Gill, Arshdeep Singh and others. Fans gathered at Indira Gandhi International Airport, hoping to catch a glimpse of their cricketing idols. As the BCCI cameras rolled, they captured an exchange that quickly went viral online.

Rohit Sharma pays emotional tribute to Virat Kohli with a bow and warm hug ahead of Australia tour 2025

Before entering the team bus, Rohit noticed Kohli already seated and, in a simple yet meaningful act, bowed lightly before greeting him with a warm hug. The exchange, captured by the BCCI, reflected years of camaraderie and mutual admiration between India’s most celebrated batting pair. Their reunion marked the first meeting since the Champions Trophy final, and the gesture quickly became symbolic of harmony within Indian cricket.

Rohit’s bow wasn’t one of submission but deep respect, a recognition of Kohli’s stature and their shared journey from young talents to global icons. Kohli responded with a smile and a friendly pat, showing that the respect was mutual. Both players, now in the twilight of their white-ball careers, seemed to understand the weight of the moment. For fans watching, it was a quiet reassurance that their bond remains unbroken despite leadership shifts. Their laughter and easy body language inside the bus set a positive tone for the team’s upcoming tour.

Here’s the video: 

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Shubman Gill’s playful entrance brings a lighter mood

Moments earlier at the airport, Rohit was caught off guard by a cheerful surprise from India’s new ODI captain, Gill. Approaching from behind, Gill playfully placed an arm around Rohit’s shoulder, sparking a burst of laughter between the two. “Areyy, Gill! Kaisa hai bhai?” Rohit exclaimed, embracing the youngster in a lighthearted reunion. The exchange reflected how seamlessly experience and youth now blend within the Indian setup.

Gill’s confidence in greeting his senior so casually showed a refreshing dynamic of respect without distance. Later, he greeted Kohli with equal warmth before settling inside the bus, while Shreyas Iyer looked on with a smile from a nearby seat. The relaxed interactions hinted at a team environment that values connection as much as competition. Even as the leadership baton has passed, camaraderie remains the foundation of India’s unity. For a team about to embark on a demanding tour, these small moments of laughter and friendship symbolized balance, the perfect harmony of legacy and fresh ambition that defines modern Indian cricket.

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