Virat Kohli celebrates the amazing catch with a special Diwali gesture

Virat Kohli gave fans a familiar sight in Auckland when he staged a bow and arrow celebration after taking a brilliant catch against New Zealand in the first ODI. With Diwali just around the corner, the gesture also brought some festive flavor to the dominant Indian display.

Kohli was on the spot at second slip when Nathan Smith pushed Anshul Kamboj behind. The former India captain dived to his right and grabbed the ball just inches off the ground. Kohli, clearly pleased with the effort, ran away before pulling out his new celebration and pretending to draw the bow and release the arrow. He then turned to his teammates with a cheeky “can’t you see me” gesture inspired by John Cena.

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The gesture resonated even more with Diwali approaching and brought to mind Lord Ram and his bow and arrows. Kohli has often shown his emotions on the field and this was another such moment.

His effort to get rid of Smith came as India were building a strong grip on the innings, with New Zealand struggling to find some momentum.

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India’s bowlers had New Zealand in serious trouble, reducing the hosts to 131/7 after 31 overs at the time of writing. The goals came at regular intervals, leaving little room for the home side to build partnerships or settle in innings. Anshul Kamboj and Arshdeep Singh had two wickets each, with Kamboj making particularly good use of the conditions.

It wasn’t just bowlers who made life difficult for New Zealand. India’s fielding was sharp as well, with Rohit Sharma also contributing to the run-out with some sharp reflexes on the field. These efforts increased the pressure on the New Zealand batting line-up, which was already struggling to cope with India’s attack.

Kamboj also accounted for Mitchell Santner, who bowled him four as New Zealand’s middle order continued to crumble. Arshdeep, meanwhile, still held on and his dismissal of Kyle Jamieson took New Zealand to 131/8 shortly after the 31-over mark.

– The end