Virat Kohli bowed to Sarfaraz Khan in 2015, Rohit Sharma joins him 9 years later in the India vs New Zealand Test

The beauty of cricket is that sometimes two different players who have almost nothing in common can come together in the middle and form a difficult partnership to save their team from crisis. The same happened with Virat Kohli and Sarfaraz Khan as the duo formed a 136-run partnership for the third wicket in the ongoing second innings of the first Test against New Zealand at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

It's quite interesting that the same two batters had joined forces to potentially create one of the moments of IPL 2015. The then 18-year-old Sarfaraz Khan had hit 45 runs off just 21 balls. As Sarfaraz Khan walked back to the dugout, Virat Kohli, who was then RCB captain, had acknowledged his innings with folded hands and a bow.

Cut to Saturday (October 19, 2024), Sarfaraz Khan scored his first Test century and Virat Kohli appreciated his achievement from the dressing room. Virat had a big smile on his face and he could be seen cheering and clapping for the 26-year-old.

Even Rohit Sharma weighed in as the captain seemed very impressed with what Sarfaraz Khan had achieved on Day 4. Rohit almost fell off his chair as he watched the 26-year-old's celebrations.

The BCCI's official social media team shared a video of Virat Kohli's celebrations in 2015 and 2024 and wrote: “Familiar venue, familiar faces. Familiar feelings, different years,” wrote the BCCI’s official handle on X (formerly Twitter).

Sarfaraz Khan and Virat Kohli lead India's fightback on Day 3

Coming back to the ongoing Test between India and New Zealand, Virat Kohli and Sarfaraz Khan came together in the middle on the third day after India got into trouble.

Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma left in quick succession. Kohli and Sarfaraz Khan almost separated on the third day, but Kohli was bowled out by Glenn Phillips for 70 on the last delivery of the day.

However, Sarfaraz Khan along with Rishabh Pant continued India's comeback on the fourth day. Sarfaraz Khan recorded his first international victory. Both Sarfaraz and Rishabh showed willingness to attack right from the start. The duo had a particular fondness for New Zealand bowlers.

Sarfaraz and Rishabh were also involved in a mix-up in the middle. The danger was averted but Sarfaraz Khan's antics in the non-striker's side had everyone laughing.

India are now closing in on New Zealand's lead and the hosts would look to put the visitors under pressure. Rain forced an early end to the first session on the fourth day, but proceedings got back on track in the afternoon session.