Virat Kohli & Rohit Sharma Amused by Dramatic Felicitation in Vadodara

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Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have attended countless felicitation events over the years, but what unfolded during the first ODI against New Zealand in Kotambi, Vadodara, on January 11 left even the seasoned stars amused.

During the mid-innings interval, the Baroda Cricket Association organised a rather unusual ceremony. Kohli and Rohit were ushered into a narrow, phone-booth-like structure decorated with their photographs on the outside. Once they stepped inside, BCA President Pranav Amin opened the door dramatically, prompting the duo to step out and autograph the enclosure. The quirky setup had both stalwarts laughing as they tried to make sense of the moment.

There was no official announcement explaining the purpose of the felicitation, especially since neither batter was marking a personal milestone. However, with this being the venue's first-ever men's ODI, and potentially the final appearance of both legends at the ground, the association likely wanted to commemorate the occasion in its own distinctive manner.

Meanwhile on the field, New Zealand produced a competitive first-innings effort after being sent in by India. Openers Devon Conway and Henry Nicholls laid a solid foundation, stitching together a 117-run partnership over the first 21 overs. Conway looked fluent during his 56, while Nicholls contributed a steady 62, putting the visitors in a commanding early position.

India clawed back through young pacer Harshit Rana, who shifted the momentum by removing Conway and then applying sustained pressure with clever variations. His breakthrough ignited a collapse, as New Zealand slipped from 117 for no loss to 198 for five, losing control of the innings in the middle phase.

Just when India seemed poised to restrict the total below par, Daryl Mitchell stepped up with a responsible yet aggressive knock. His 84 off 71 deliveries - featuring clean hits and intelligent strike rotation - rebuilt the innings and kept the scoreboard moving. Debutant Kristian Clarke added a valuable unbeaten 24 off 17 balls in the final overs, giving New Zealand the push they needed to finish at 300 for eight, a score that gave the match a competitive edge heading into the chase.