November 24, 2024: In a touching moment of camaraderie, India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir and star batter Virat Kohli embraced each other in a warm hug after Kohli scored his 81st international century on the opening day of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in Perth. This century was particularly significant for Kohli, ending a 16-match century drought in Tests and adding yet another accolade to his storied career.
The moment came at a critical juncture, as India was reeling after losing three key wickets—Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, and Dhruv Jurel—within a short span. With India in a precarious position, Kohli stepped up with his signature intensity and composure, playing an innings that ultimately silenced his critics. His elegant sweep for four off the bowling of Todd Murphy brought up his century, and the crowd erupted in celebration.
As Kohli raised his bat to acknowledge the applause, his wife, actress Anushka Sharma, was seen visibly emotional in the stands. The Indian dressing room stood on its feet to applaud, recognizing the significance of the moment. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) shared a video capturing the raw emotions of the Indian players as Kohli ended his century drought.
After his milestone, Kohli and Gambhir shared a heartfelt hug, a symbol of the transformation in their relationship. While the two have had a history of on-field spats, notably during the Indian Premier League (IPL), this moment of mutual respect highlighted the maturity and camaraderie they now share.
In his post-century comments, Kohli credited his wife Anushka for being a pillar of support throughout his career, particularly during challenging phases. “Anushka has been right by my side through thick and thin. She knows everything that goes on behind the scenes, what goes on in the head when you don’t play as well,” Kohli said. He also spoke about his commitment to contributing to India’s success, stating, “I do not want to hang around just for the sake of it. I take pride in performing for the country.”
The moment also marked a personal milestone for Kohli, as it was his 81st international century and his 30th Test century in 119 matches. With 9,145 runs at an average of 48.13 in Test cricket, Kohli’s achievements continue to solidify his legacy as one of the game’s greatest players.
Jasprit Bumrah, the stand-in captain for the match, called Kohli and Nitish Kumar Reddy back to the dressing room shortly after Kohli’s hundred, further underscoring the significance of the occasion.