Virat Kohli obliges paparazzi with pictures upon landing in India for SA ODIs

Published - 25 Nov 2025, 17:29 IST | Updated - 25 Nov 2025, 17:47 IST

Batting stalwart Virat Kohli arrived in Mumbai on Tuesday for the upcoming three-match ODI series against South Africa and was greeted by fans and the media. While the former India captain initially avoided posing for photographs at the airport, he later obliged the paparazzi.

The video went viral, witnessing Kohli landing at the Mumbai airport ahead of the South Africa series and being surrounded immediately by fans and photographers. The star cricketer had initially declined to pose and walked directly to his car. After placing his bags inside, he returned and offered photos and selfies.

Kohli should have continued playing Tests: Ex-RCB player

Meanwhile, the upcoming series will be Kohli’s first appearance in India colours at home since announcing his Test retirement. Since then, he played a crucial part in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s maiden IPL title win and recently featured in the three-match ODI series against Australia.

Following his retirement from Test and T20I cricket, his sole focus is on ODIs as he hopes to feature in the 2027 ODI World Cup. His international comeback last month in Australia was turbulent, beginning with two ducks before he bounced back with an unbeaten 74. The 37-year-old’s ODI return in Australia triggered debates about his long-term role, especially after the dismissals in the first two games.

Notably, Shreevats Goswami, his ex-RCB colleague, recently stated that Kohli should have continued playing Test cricket rather than stepping away from the format. Goswami revealed that the passion and intensity Kohli brought are the qualities currently missing from India’s struggling Test team. Even though he retired 770 runs short of the dream milestone of 10,000 Test runs, Kohli has looked to excelling in ODIs. Earlier this year, he notched his 51st ODI century in the Champions Trophy against Pakistan.