Virat Kohli Voices Concern Over Crowd Reaction to Rohit Sharma's Dismissal

In a recent ODI match against New Zealand, Virat Kohli voiced his disappointment over the crowd's cheers following Rohit Sharma's dismissal. While Kohli led India to victory with a stellar performance, he reflected on the importance of respecting every player's contribution. The incident highlights the dynamics of fan behavior in cricket, where excitement often centers around star players. As both Kohli and Sharma focus on extending their careers into the 2027 World Cup, their performances continue to draw significant attention. The upcoming second ODI promises to be another thrilling encounter.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 12, 2026, 12:16 IST

Kohli's Disappointment with Crowd Behavior

Virat Kohli, the former captain of Team India, expressed his discontent regarding the crowd's reaction following Rohit Sharma's dismissal during the first ODI of the three-match series against New Zealand at the Baroda Cricket Association Stadium in Vadodara on January 11.

Kohli played a pivotal role in India's four-wicket victory over New Zealand, scoring 93 runs off 91 balls and leading the team to successfully chase down a target of 301 runs. His outstanding performance earned him the Player of the Match title, contributing significantly to India's 1-0 lead in the series.

Rohit Sharma's Early Dismissal

Before Kohli took charge of the innings, Rohit Sharma opened the batting alongside skipper Shubman Gill. Rohit had a brief yet impactful innings, scoring 26 runs off 29 balls before being dismissed at a score of 39/1.

During his time at the crease, Rohit hit three boundaries and two sixes, setting a positive tone for the run chase. However, his dismissal was met with cheers from a segment of the Vadodara crowd, as Kohli was next to bat.

Crowd Dynamics in Indian Cricket

This reaction from the crowd is not unprecedented in Indian cricket. Historically, fans have cheered for legends like Sachin Tendulkar and MS Dhoni when they came to bat, often chanting their names in excitement. The crowd typically reserves its loudest cheers for star players, which was evident when Kohli came to the crease after Rohit's dismissal.

While Rohit received applause for his contributions, the atmosphere shifted dramatically with Kohli's arrival, showcasing the immense anticipation surrounding the current cricketing icon.

Kohli's Reflection on the Incident

In the post-match presentation, Kohli acknowledged the crowd's reaction but expressed his discomfort with the cheering that followed a teammate's dismissal. He emphasized the importance of respecting every player's contribution.

"I’m aware of it, and honestly, I don’t feel good about it. I’ve seen the same thing happen with MS as well," Kohli remarked.

He added, "It’s not a great feeling for the guy walking back. I understand the crowd’s excitement, but I try to focus on what I need to do and not think too much about it."

Future Prospects for Kohli and Sharma

Both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have transitioned from T20Is and Tests to focus solely on ODI cricket, aiming to extend their illustrious careers until the 2027 ODI World Cup, which may mark their final international appearance.

Although they have not officially confirmed their participation in the upcoming marquee event, their recent performances in ODIs against Australia and South Africa, along with their contributions in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, indicate their commitment to being part of India's plans for the 2027 World Cup.

Kohli and Sharma are expected to be in the spotlight again when Team India faces New Zealand in the second ODI at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot on January 14.