[WATCH] Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma get felicitated by BCA in unique coming-out-of-closet act, video goes viral

Indian veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were honoured with a special felicitation at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara during the first ODI against New Zealand on January 11. The stadium is hosting its first-ever men’s international cricket match, making the occasion historic.

As part of the ceremony, both legends were unveiled from a closet featuring their photos on the door, recognising their immense contributions to Indian cricket across formats. After coming out, they signed their photographs,

marking the moment. Rohit and Kohli have dominated oppositions for years, and fans will next see them in action for India following their recent 2-1 series win over South Africa.

Just in! Kohli and Sharma come out of closet pic.twitter.com/ZC0uKlCfxD

— Kapil (@KapilReddy) January 11, 2026

During the felicitation ceremony, several dignitaries were present at the BCA Stadium, including Baroda Cricket Association president Pranav Amin and senior officials from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). BCCI president Mithun Manhas, vice-president Rajeev Shukla, and India’s chief selector Ajit Agarkar were also in attendance for the first ODI.

At present, both Kohli and Rohit are featuring only in ODIs for India. With their illustrious careers nearing the final phase and retirement not far away, the match in Vadodara could potentially be their first and last international appearance at this venue.

India, however, suffered a setback ahead of the match as wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant was ruled out of the ODI series after sustaining an injury while batting in the nets during Saturday’s practice session at the BCA Stadium. Dhruv Jurel was subsequently named as Pant’s replacement in the squad.

Speaking about the match, New Zealand posted a competitive total of 300/8 in their allotted 50 overs. Henry Nicholls scored 62 off 69 deliveries, Devon Conway contributed 56 from 67 balls, and Daryl Mitchell top-scored with 84 off 71 balls to anchor the visitors’ innings. For India, the pace trio of Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and Harshit Rana led the bowling effort, with each picking up two wickets.