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[Watch] 'Kohli Ko Ball Do'- Chants Crowd As Virat Kohli Obliges With Playful Run-Up

image-loi7ogvvVirat Kohli had bowled once earlier in World Cup 2023 (Twitter)

Amidst a dominant display by India in World Cup 2023 clash against Sri Lanka, it was Virat Kohli's heartwarming response to the crowd's playful demands that stole the limelight at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday. While the Indian team was enforcing its supremacy over Sri Lanka, fans were treated to an impromptu act of fan service by Kohli.

Virat Kohli heeds Wankhede crowd’s calls to bowl

The day kicked off with Kusal Mendis winning the toss for Sri Lanka and choosing to field, a decision that seemed judicious when India's captain, Rohit Sharma, departed for a duck. 

However, the joy was short-lived as Kohli, in tandem with Shubman Gill, stitched together a massive 189-run partnership. Both batsmen missed out on their centuries, but they set a solid foundation which was capitalized on by Shreyas Iyer's aggressive innings, taking India to a hefty 357 runs.

As the Sri Lankan innings began to unravel in the face of a potent Indian bowling attack, with Mohammed Shami taking a remarkable five-wicket haul and Mohammed Siraj supporting with three wickets, the crowd at Wankhede began to seek entertainment beyond the one-sided match. The chants began as a ripple and soon swelled into a unified chorus – "Kohli Ko Ball Do," they clamoured, urging the former Indian captain to bowl.

Kohli, known more for his skills with the bat than the ball, first responded to the fans with a smile and a quirky reaction that sent waves of laughter around the stands. 

But the chants persisted, growing louder and more insistent. In the 13th over, Kohli gave in to the crowd's wishes.

He limbered up with a series of stretches and even showcased his bowling run-up, all in good spirit and to the delight of fans. While he didn’t actually bowl, Kohli’s gesture showed his playful and engaging character. 

His mock bowling display became an instant highlight of the day and soon went viral on social media. Meanwhile, by the end of the day, as the dust settled with Sri Lanka all out for 55 and India clinching a 302-run victory, it was Shami who walked away with the Man of the Match award.