Cricket fans were left curious on Sunday, when Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were honoured with garlands right in the middle of match proceedings for the ongoing ODI series against New Zealand.
The brief ceremony, held during a break in play, quickly drew attention on social media, with many wondering what prompted the recognition.
Why were they honored in the middle of the match?
The gesture was part of a tribute initiative by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to acknowledge the duo’s landmark contributions to Indian cricket, especially in the limited-overs format.
At present, both Kohli and Rohit are playing only ODI cricket for India. With their careers nearing a decisive stage and retirement rumors surfacing every other day on the internet, the Vadodara match could well be their first and last international appearance at this venue.
Images shared by the BCCI on social media showed past icons being felicitated alongside top officials, including representatives from the International Cricket Council (ICC).
Looking through Indian cricket history, felicitating players with garlands mid-match is uncommon but not unprecedented. The BCCI has, on occasion, used live fixtures to recognise achievements when the spotlight is firmly on the players and the crowd. With a packed stadium and millions watching, the tribute ensured maximum fan engagement.
Celebration between match proceedings
In the mid-innings break, both Kohli and Rohit were asked to stand inside a small telephone-booth-sized compartment, which had their photos printed outside.
Then, Baroda Cricket Association President Pranav Amin opened the door, and they had to come out and sign the booth. Neither could stop laughing at the process.
The ceremony was attended by many senior officials from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). ICC chairman Jay Shah, BCCI president Mithun Manhas, vice-president Rajeev Shukla, and India’s chief selector Ajit Agarkar were among the dignitaries attending the first ODI.
For fans, the moment was less about protocol and more about nostalgia—memories of iconic wins, defining innings and an eventful era of Indian cricket which had its fair share of victories and heartbreaks.