The first innings of the fifth Test match between India and Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on January 3, 2025 was filled with drama, not only for the players but also for the fans who followed every match closely . However, it was not just Virat Kohli’s performance that caught everyone’s attention. His wife, Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma’s reaction after her husband was sacked went viral and became one of the most talked about moments of the day.
Virat Kohli, lucky lady Anushka Sharma appeared in Sydney to support Virat
Hope he can achieve great results today #INDvsAUS #viratkohli_ pic.twitter.com/jM9mMUN14z— Cricktainment (@Cricktainments) January 3, 2025
Kohli’s near miss and viral moment
Kohli’s arrival was eagerly anticipated. India are struggling at 17/2 after losing both openers early on. The pressure is mounting and it’s Kohli’s job to steady the ship. However, things did not go as planned as he soon found himself involved in nerve-wracking moments in the early stages of the innings. Australia’s reliable pacer Scott Boland bowled a probing ball outside off stump. Kohli, who has often been troubled by deliveries in the area, took a stab outside off and it flew to the first slip. The ball appeared to scrape the ground before Steve Smith made a stunning catch attempt. Australia was convinced that Kohli’s delivery was over, but after review, third umpire Joel Wilson felt that Kohli’s delivery was not over.
Soon after, however, disaster struck Kohli for the second time. In the 31st over, Kohli again bowled Bolan’s delivery, this time caught at third slip by Webster. It wasn’t just Kohli’s death that made headlines, his wife Anushka Sharma’s reaction also captured the hearts of fans and went viral.
Anushka Sharma is visibly disappointed
As soon as Kohli was dismissed, the camera panned to the stand where Anushka was sitting. Her expression was clearly one of disappointment, frustration and concern. Fans who paid close attention noticed her reaction and immediately shared the moment on social media, commenting on how it reflected the deep emotional connection between the two.
Anushka’s response – in disbelief, an almost silent prayer for her husband – quickly went viral. It resonated with millions, showcasing not only her role as a supportive partner but also her genuine care for Colley’s performance, which has been closely watched throughout the series. Her frustrated expression reflected the feelings of many Indian fans, who wished Kohli well in a crucial Test match. The incident quickly became a trending topic and fans rallied behind Kohli and Anushka in support.
Background: Kohli’s struggles and crucial tests
For Virat Kohli, the Sydney Test is more than just another game. With India’s hopes of a Border-Gavaskar Trophy hanging in the balance, Kohli’s performance has been under scrutiny. Although he performed well in the first Test of the Perth series, his subsequent results were far from reassuring. Kohli has struggled to maintain consistency in the 2024-25 series and his dismissal in Sydney only added fuel to the fire.
This particular dismissal came after a controversial near-golden duck earlier in the day, which seemed to heighten the pressure on the former captain. Kohli’s early exit left India in a precarious position at 72/4. However, the game is far from over and India still have a chance to get back into form, especially with the likes of Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja in the side.
Anushka’s support: a silent but powerful presence
While Anushka’s reaction may have been filled with frustration, it also highlighted her unwavering support for her husband. She has been Kohli’s rock through good times and bad, and moments like this show how much she feels about the challenges Kohli faces. While cricket can put players under immense pressure, the emotional side of the sport can often be seen in such candid moments, allowing fans to relate to their stars not only for their performances but also for their humanity. Admire the stars.
Impact on Kohli and India
Kohli’s dismissal comes at a critical time when India are in a weak position. Losing the star batsman at 72/4 is a blow, but the team needs to regroup and recover from the setback. The emotional rollercoaster of Anushka’s reaction certainly reflects the wider emotional journey of Kohli and the Indian team as they look to get stronger in the coming innings.
While Kohli has faced numerous setbacks over the years, this viral moment has only highlighted his resilience. Will this moment of disappointment be the catalyst for his comeback? Only time will tell.