World Cup 2023: Virat Kohli gifts autographed jersey to Babar Azam - WATCH

Virat Kohli and Babar Azam have expressed support for each other in the past. Their bonhomie, respect for each and general admiration has been documented in the past. Azam once posted ‘this too shall pass’ for Kohli when the India batter was going through a lean patch. Kohli, meanwhile, referred to Azam as ‘top batter in the world across formats.’

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Latest chapter in their mutual admiration and respect came at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Saturday. After India’s win over Pakistan, Kohli gifted Babar an autographed jersey. Kohli handed over the piece of memorabilia to the Pakistan captain, shook hands and they exchanged pleasantries.

The gesture drew appreciation from fans for the wholesome factor associated with the gesture despite India and Pakistan being strong rivals on the cricket field.

Babar Azam Asked for a signed jersey from Virat Kohli… Fanboy Moment For Babar Azam!!pic.twitter.com/2g2yJwOG8W

— Gaurav (@Melbourne__82) October 14, 2023

As far as the contest is concerned, India beat Pakistan by 7 wickets with 117 balls to spare in a one-sided showdown. It extended India’s unbeaten streak against Pakistan in World Cups to eight straight matches. Meanwhile at the 2023 World Cup, India picked up their third straight win with Pakistan winning two and losing one.

Jasprit Bumrah emerged as the Player of the Match as the bowlers brought about Pakistan’s downfall to 155/2 to 191 all out – eight wickets in 36 runs. In the chase, Rohit Sharma top-scored with 86 runs from 63 balls and Shreyas Iyer struck the winning runs which brought up his half century.

“The bowlers were the ones today as well who set the game up for us. I don’t think it was a 190 pitch. At one stage we were looking at 280. The way they showed grit says a lot. That is something we pride ourselves in. Whoever gets the ball does the job. We’ve got 6 individuals who can do the job with the ball. My job as a captain is important there as well. It’s to read the conditions and figure out who’s the right guy to do the job,” said Rohit Sharma after the match.

“We were very clear what we wanted to do. Didn’t want to be in two minds about who’s going to bat where. All in all, it’s looking good. Want to keep my fingers crossed. Don’t want to get too excited. Don’t want to get too low as well. Want to stay balanced. Keep calm and keep moving forward. Every opposition we come up against are all quality. You have to play well on that particular day, and that’s what we’re looking at,” he added.