ICC Cricket World Cup 2023: [WATCH] Virat Kohli Asks Fans To Cheer For Shubman Gill

Few sights on the cricket field rival the sheer brilliance of watching Virat Kohli in action. Whether he’s chasing a target under pressure or guarding the inner circle while defending one, he’s a show-stopper, a cricketing maestro that leaves the cameras clamoring for more.

Every stroke he plays, his swift sprints between the wickets, the subtle flick of his wrists to alter a ball’s course, his lightning reflexes in the field, and his jubilant celebrations when India claims a wicket, it’s all tailor-made for prime-time television. Kohli is unquestionably a box-office cricketer.

When numerous television cameras are trained on Kohli, they can’t help but miss a moment or two during a match. In such cases, the crowd steps in with their mobile phones to capture the action. This was notably true during the India vs. Sri Lanka World Cup 2023 clash at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The crowd caught Kohli grooving to the tune of “My Name is Lakhan” and even convinced him to engage in some shadow bowling after chanting, “Kohli ko bowling do (give the ball to Kohli).” However, it was Kohli’s response to the constant “Sara, Sara” chants that stole the spotlight.

Watch the Video Here:

When the whole crowd was shouting "Sara", Virat said, his name is Shubman Gill🤣🤣❤️#viratkohli #Shubmangill pic.twitter.com/DzcGS8rxsn

— 𝙒𝙧𝙤𝙜𝙣🥂 (@wrogn_edits) November 2, 2023

During this game, Kohli and Shubman Gill found themselves stationed in the slip cordon, anticipating catches with every delivery. This was because of the superb bowling from India’s pace trio: Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Mohammed Shami. Bumrah and Siraj claimed wickets with their first deliveries, and Shami initiated a double-wicket over.

For a brief period, Sri Lankan batters Charith Asalanka and Angelo Matthews put up some resistance. It was during this period that Kohli and Gill stood side by side in the slip cordon, with the Wankhede crowd inventing various slogans. While Kohli took the chants in stride, when they began teasing Gill with ‘Sara Sara’ chants, he requested that they desist. Kohli then gestured toward Gill and encouraged the crowd to chant his name. The stadium echoed with “Shubman Shubman” chants as Kohli rallied the fans.

This night became unforgettable for India in more ways than one. Gill and Kohli formed a formidable 189-run partnership for the second wicket after Captain Rohit Sharma fell early in the match. Though Gill (92) and Kohli (88) narrowly missed centuries, their alliance provided India with a strong foundation.

Shreyas Iyer then took center stage, silencing his critics in style with an explosive 82 off 56 balls, including six sixes. India amassed a commanding total of 357/8.

In response, Bumrah (1/8), Siraj (3/15), and Shami (5/18) decimated Sri Lanka in just 19.4 overs. The 1996 champions were bowled out for a paltry 55, marking their second consecutive low score against India in a final. This resounding 302-run victory secured India’s place in the World Cup semi-finals, making them the sole unbeaten team in the tournament with seven consecutive wins.

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