Kohli Hits 135, But Gambhir’s Unexpected Hug Becomes the Moment of the Day

Kohli Powers India to 349 with 135 as Rohit Sharma Joins Him in Record 136-Run Stand in Ranchi

A simple embrace in the dressing room turned into cricket's most shared image of the day. Gautam Gambhir greeted Virat Kohli after a masterful 135 in the first ODI at Ranchi. The moment captured hearts and trended across platforms.

Kohli produced a vintage innings. He scored 135 off 120 balls. The knock included 11 fours and seven sixes. Kohli reached a record-extending 52nd ODI century. That figure moved past Sachin Tendulkar's mark of 51 centuries in a single format. Fans noted the landmark and the emotion in equal measure.

Kohli’s Record-Breaking Day

Gautam Gambhir clapped from the dugout during the innings. After Kohli fell in the 43rd over, Gambhir entered the dressing room. The two shook hands and shared a warm hug. Cameras and phones caught the exchange. Photos and short clips spread fast across social feeds.

Kohli powered India to 349 for 8. Rohit Sharma added a solid 57 and shared a huge 136-run stand with Kohli. Ryan Rickelton took the sharp catch that ended Kohli’s stay at the crease. India posted a total that tested the visitors.

A Moment of Mutual Respect

The milestone carried more context. Kohli now holds 83 international centuries, and his ton marked the 7,000th in men’s international cricket. Kohli retired from Tests and T20Is earlier and now focuses on ODIs. At the JSCA Stadium in Ranchi, Kohli has a remarkable record. He has scored 519 runs in six innings there. The average sits at 173 with three centuries and a fifty.

The Gambhir incident brought in the human aspect. The media spotlighted the differences between old conflicts and new cordiality. Some supporters referred to it as a demonstration that rivalry could turn into friendship through sports. Commentators designated it as a manifestation of the robust cohesion of the team under the present captaincy. In short, analysts called it a sign of strong team unity under the current leadership.

Social chatter did more than praise a hug. It revisited the record. Conversations contrasted Kohli’s new mark with Sachin Tendulkar's record across formats. Commentators flagged Kohli’s consistency and hunger. Fans celebrated the blend of skill and emotion.

This episode offered two stories in one frame. The first story praised a record-breaking batter. The second story showcased calm leadership and fellowship. Both stories found equal space on timelines and news feeds.

Key takeaway: cricket produced a milestone and a moment. Gautam Gambhir's gesture remains the image that many remember. Virat Kohli's 135 and the 52nd ODI century secured a fresh chapter in the sport. The Ranchi scene reinforced the sport’s capacity for drama and dignity.