Watch – Virat Kohli gives a warm hug to Rohit Sharma, gives a cold shoulder to Gautam Gambhir

Virat Kohli played another brilliant knock against South Africa, scoring an unbeaten 65 runs as India defeated the rivals by 9 wickets in the third and final ODI to clinch the series 2-1 on Saturday. Kohli, who amassed over 300 runs in 3 matches, was named the Player of the Match. Amid the celebrations, a video has surfaced showing Virat Kohli and head coach Gautam Gambhir, and their hug forced fans to talk about the star batter’s body language as he came near the coach.

As the Men in Blue crossed the finishing line while chasing a target of 271 runs in Vizag, Kohli gave hugs and shook hands with his teammates and members of the support staff. However, there was a difference between Kohli’s gestures when he greeted the players and the moment he met Gambhir.

He was smiling as he hugged his teammates, including opening batter Rohit Sharma, but his hug and handshake with Gambhir were not warm.

Virat Kohli hugged everyone except Gautam Gambhir #INDvsSA3rdodi pic.twitter.com/dir71IPb7Q

— Suraj Gupta (@SurajGu85705673) December 6, 2025

Gambhir has refused to confirm Virat and Rohit’s places for the 2027 ODI World Cup, saying the global tournament is 2 years away. He made clear the likes of Ruturaj Gaikwad and Yashasvi Jaiswal deserve more chances.

“The ODI World Cup is two years away, and it is important to stay in the present. The young guys grabbed their chances,” Gmabhir said.

“Rutu (Gaikwad) showed his talent despite not batting in his usual position. We wanted to give him chances, considering how he performed against South Africa A. He grabbed the opportunity with both hands when the team was under pressure. His 100 was good. We all know about the quality of Yashasvi Jaiswal. He has been phenomenal in Test cricket, and it is just the start of his career in Test cricket. They both have a massive future,” he added.

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