Watch: Virat Kohli picks up Indian flag after Sydney ODI win against Australia, Video goes viral

After Saturday’s third ODI against Australia in Sydney, star batsman Virat Kohli demonstrated his patriotism by picking up an Indian flag that a fan had accidentally dropped. India cruised to a 9-wicket victory as Kohli, who had registered two ducks in the opening games of the series, returned to form with an unbeaten 74. A video of Kohli interacting with fans on his way back to the dressing room went viral on social media, showing him quickly retrieving the national flag and returning it to the spectator. Fans widely praised him online for both his on-field performance and his respectful gesture.

Senior batters Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma expressed their heartfelt thoughts on their long-standing partnership after India’s nine wicket win over Australia in the third ODI at the Sydney Cricket Ground. They spoke about how much they have enjoyed playing together over the years, a bond that has helped them build several unforgettable partnerships.

Rohit’s strokeplay was brilliant on Saturday, as he scored unbeaten 121 off 125 balls – his 33rd century in the format – with 13 fours and three sixes. Kohli on the other hand, showcased his trademark composure with an unbeaten 74 from 81 deliveries, a konck that made him the second-highest run scorer in ODIs.

By successfully chasing 237 with 11.3 overs remaining and avoiding a clean sweep, the pair produced an unbeaten 168-run partnership – a chasing masterclass that ensured India ended the series with a spectacular victory.

“Good to be out of the pond, honestly (after consecutive ducks). You’ve scored so many runs in international cricket, but then the game shows you everything, even at this stage. Almost 37 in not many days, and I still cannot feel like I don’t know how to get a run. I mean, this game is amazing. That’s why we love batting; we love batsmanship. It’s so challenging when it’s not going your way.”

“Just to find your rhythm again, of course, going out there, having a situation to play in always is something that always brings out the best in me. When Rohit’s already batting there, it’s pretty easy to kind of keep rotating strike. We understand each other’s game pretty well. So again, really good to have a big partnership and another match finishing partnership for us,” said Kohli to broadcasters at the conclusion of the game.

( With IANS Inputs )