• Home
  • Entertainment
  • Music Heartthrob Is A Virat Kohli Fan Shawn Mendes Heartfelt Tribute To India Star

Music Heartthrob Is A Virat Kohli Fan! Shawn Mendes' Heartfelt Tribute To India Star

Soumyajit Dutta

Shawn Mendes and Virat Kohli [Source: @mufaddal_vohra/X.com]Shawn Mendes and Virat Kohli [Source: @mufaddal_vohra/X.com]

Story continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Global pop sensation Shawn Mendes made his long-awaited India debut at Lollapalooza 2025 in Mumbai on March 8, delivering a historic performance that blended music, culture, and cricket fandom. The Canadian superstar, famed for hits like Stitches and Senorita, stunned fans by sporting Virat Kohli’s Team India jersey during his set.

Earlier, British music band Coldplay was also seen tributing Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah and Mendes only cemented the love for the nation and his bond with Indian audiences just hours before the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final.

Shawn Mendes’ Tribute to Virat Kohli

The highlight of Mendes’ 90-minute set came when he emerged wearing Kohli’s No. 18 jersey, sparking deafening cheers from the crowd at Mahalaxmi Racecourse. Social media exploded as fans shared clips of the singer’s heartfelt nod to India’s cricket icon, with the jersey bearing “Virat” on its back.

Mendes didn’t stop there. Ahead of India’s final against New Zealand on March 9, he rallied support for Rohit Sharma’s squad. “India, I know you have a match tomorrow. Good luck. I hope it goes well!” 

Shawn Mendes Pays Homage To Indian Culture

The Grammy-nominated artist paid homage to India’s rich musical heritage, sharing the stage with traditional tabla and sitar performers.

“No matter where I go, music unites people in a beautiful way. I’ve always loved India’s culture, music, and musicians. Tonight, I wanted to create something special for you,” he said, introducing the fusion segment.

While Mendes wished good luck, India is just a few hours away from facing their ICC knockout rivals in Dubai. The stage is set for action as Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma were seen grinding hard in the nets too a day before the final.