Vadodara, Jan 11 (NationPress) Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma found themselves at the heart of a delightful and entertaining moment during India’s inaugural ODI against New Zealand at Kotambi Stadium on Sunday. This event marked the venue's first-ever men's 50-over international match, and the Baroda Cricket Association (BCA) took the opportunity to honor two of India’s finest ODI batsmen with a mid-innings tribute that quickly captured the fans' attention.

What set this tribute apart was not only the appreciation itself but also the quirky presentation. During the interval, the organizers revealed a cupboard placed near the boundary, decorated with life-size images of Kohli and Rohit. To the crowd's amusement, the cupboard doors swung open to reveal the players stepping out when their names were announced, eliciting laughter from the audience and smiles from the honored players.

Present at the ceremony were ICC president Jay Shah and BCCI chief Mithun Manhas, who presented the duo with bouquets as a symbol of respect.

The light-hearted atmosphere resonated well with spectators, many of whom humorously remarked on social media that the event resembled an “unboxing ceremony” for these Indian legends. Kohli and Rohit appeared equally amused, sharing a laugh as they acknowledged the crowd's adulation.

This occasion held additional significance considering the historic context of the match. Kotambi Stadium was hosting its first men’s ODI, and an audience of nearly 35,000 attended to witness this landmark event. Given the limited opportunities for international cricket in regions like Vadodara, the organizers were eager to make the moment unforgettable while celebrating two players who have significantly contributed to India’s success in the ODI format over the last fifteen years.

In terms of the match itself, India chose to bowl after winning the toss. New Zealand got off to a strong start with Devon Conway and Henry Nicholls, whose century-plus opening partnership put pressure on the home team. However, India fought back, ultimately restricting the visitors to 300/8 in 50 overs. Daryl Mitchell played a crucial role, guiding New Zealand to what seemed like a competitive score on a sluggish pitch.