Argus News - When Virat Kohli Hugged a Woman at Bhubaneswar Airport, Video Resurfaces - Watch

Bhubaneswar, Dec 3: As Odisha gears up to host the T20I between India and South Africa at the iconic Barabati Stadium in Cuttack on December 9, an old video of Virat Kohli has resurfaced, reminding fans of his compassionate side.

The clip shows Kohli hugging a woman warmly at Bhubaneswar’s Biju Patnaik International Airport earlier this year, sparking speculation about whether she was a fan or a close relative. The account which shared the video had mentioned the woman as a "close relative".

The incident took place after India’s ODI against England in Cuttack on February 9, where Kohli managed only 5 runs off 8 balls. Despite the disappointing performance, his gesture at the airport the following day won hearts across social media. Witnesses recalled how Kohli smiled, evaded security briefly, and embraced the woman amid the crowd.

Virat Kohli met a lady (close relative) at Bhubaneswar airport🥹❤️ pic.twitter.com/r71Du0Uccf

— 𝙒𝙧𝙤𝙜𝙣🥂 (@wrognxvirat) February 10, 2025

It wasn’t the only moment that captured fans’ attention. During England’s innings, Virat Kohli created a memory that a group of ball boys will cherish forever. While fielding near the boundary, the former India captain walked up to the youngsters and extended his hand for a warm handshake.

Throughout much of the innings, Kohli was stationed close to the boundary ropes. At one point, he approached the ball boys, and the budding cricketers eagerly went down on their knees to greet their idol. The brief exchange of handshakes left them overwhelmed with joy, their reactions reflecting the sheer disbelief of meeting their superstar in such a personal way.

For the kids, it was more than just a handshake - it was a once-in-a-lifetime moment with one of cricket’s greatest icons.

In January, during a Ranji Trophy match at Arun Jaitley Stadium, he met his old friend Shavez and his son Kabir, showing his down-to-earth nature despite a lean run in domestic cricket.

Fans in Odisha would definitely miss the Indian stalwart in the upcoming T20I at Cuttack. However, they would certainly hope that Virat Kohli would keep playing and performing until 2027 World Cup.

Meanwhile, Kohli’s on-field form has been a talking point in the ongoing ODI series against South Africa. India currently leads the three-match series 1-0 after a thrilling 17-run win in Ranchi, where Kohli smashed a brilliant 135 to anchor India’s innings.

The second ODI in Raipur saw South Africa win the toss and opt to bowl, with Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal opening for India.