During the opening match of the ODI series between India and New Zealand at Eden Park in Auckland on Wednesday, Indian batting star Virat Kohli provided a lighthearted moment that quickly became a talking point for fans. As New Zealand batter Glenn Phillips made his way to the middle, Kohli opted to playfully mimic the signature "you can't see me" gesture famously performed by WWE wrestler John Cena.
The incident occurred during the 15th over of the match. It has become a tradition at cricket grounds to play John Cena’s iconic entrance theme song whenever Glenn Phillips walks out to bat. As the music resonated throughout the stadium, Kohli, positioned on the opposite side of the pitch, decided to participate in the theme by performing the wrestler's trademark hand motion. Despite the playful intent, the gesture went completely unnoticed by both Phillips and his batting partner, Daryl Mitchell, who appeared to be deep in conversation as they settled at the crease.
Although the interaction went unseen by the New Zealand players, it did not escape the notice of spectators and social media users. Numerous clips of the moment were circulated online shortly after, highlighting the jovial atmosphere between the players during the encounter. The viral nature of the footage underscored the popularity of the lighthearted exchange, which brought a brief moment of levity to the high-stakes international fixture.
Beyond the playful interaction, Virat Kohli’s performance on the pitch proved to be a significant contribution to India’s victory. The star batter scored 74 runs off just 51 balls, playing a pivotal role in helping his team secure a win over New Zealand by five wickets. This aggressive and calculated innings ensured that India maintained momentum throughout the run chase at Eden Park.
This performance also saw Kohli achieve a notable statistical milestone. By scoring these runs, he became the first batter to maintain an average of over 50 in ODIs across all four SENA nations: South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia. The record highlights his consistency in diverse and challenging overseas conditions, cementing his reputation as a dominant force in world cricket.
Kohli’s record in these countries is underscored by impressive numbers. In South Africa, he has accumulated 993 runs in 18 innings at an average of 76.38, including three centuries and six half-centuries. In England, he has recorded 1,493 runs in 36 innings at an average of 51.48, with one century and 14 half-centuries to his name. His performance in New Zealand stands at 670 runs in 14 innings at an average of 51.53, featuring one century and five half-centuries.
Finally, his record in Australia is equally formidable, with 1,401 runs in 32 innings at an average of 50.03, supported by five centuries and seven half-centuries. As the series progresses, Kohli's form and his ability to balance intensity with such viral moments continue to keep him at the center of cricketing discourse both on and off the field.
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