Amidst the high-octane atmosphere at the Gabba in Brisbane, the third Test match between Australia and India provided a moment that encapsulated the fierce spirit of cricket’s greatest rivalry. Virat Kohli, ever the animated figure on the field, took a sharp catch to dismiss Marnus Labuschagne, and his celebration was anything but silent.
Virat Kohli takes a fine catch to dismiss Marnus Labuschagne
Labuschagne, who has been a linchpin for Australia’s batting lineup, was looking to steady the ship after early setbacks. Facing Nitish Kumar Reddy, he edged a delivery straight to Kohli at second slip. The catch was taken with all the precision one expects from Kohli, but it was what followed that grabbed headlines.
The iconic celebration
As the ball nestled into Kohli’s hands, he didn’t just celebrate; he made a statement. With his finger on his lips, he gestured for silence towards the boisterous Gabba crowd. This wasn’t just a dismissal; it was a retort to the crowd’s earlier jeers and banter, particularly aimed at Mohammed Siraj, who had been booed after his antics with the bails in the previous Test.
Kohli’s ‘silence’ gesture has become iconic in his career, often used to respond to the opposition’s crowd or to quieten the chants when he’s in the zone. This instance at Gabba was no different; it was a blend of passion, defiance, and a touch of showmanship.
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Here is the video:
India’s man with the golden arm! 😍
Nitish Kumar Reddy breaks a flourishing partnership as Marnus Labuschagne departs! 👏#AUSvINDOnStar 👉 3rd Test, Day 2, LIVE NOW! | #ToughestRivalry #BorderGavaskarTrophy pic.twitter.com/p6wNCCZuTp
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) December 15, 2024
The backstory of the animated antics
Notably, the crowd at the Gabba had been vocal, not just in support of their team but also in their banter with the Indian players. Siraj had previously engaged in some mind games with Labuschagne by switching the bails, which had drawn ire from the spectators. Kohli’s celebration can be seen as solidarity with his teammate and a response to the crowd’s behavior.
Social media platforms exploded with reactions to Kohli’s celebration. Posts, tweets, and shares across platforms like X (formerly Twitter) praised Kohli’s competitive spirit and his knack for turning moments into memorable ones. The video clip of his gesture went viral, with users dissecting the significance of his actions, not just in the context of the match but within the broader narrative of Kohli’s career and his love-hate relationship with Australian crowds.