Virat Kohli, Babar Azam share warm hug in India, Pakistan clash

Indian star Virat Kohli showed his friendly side during the high-pressure Champions Trophy match against Pakistan in Dubai. As the two teams faced off in their much-anticipated second match of the tournament, Kohli shared a warm hug with Pakistan captain Babar Azam in the very first over.  

The moment, captured on camera, quickly went viral as fans from both sides appreciated the sportsmanship. With emotions always running high in an India-Pakistan match, this gesture highlighted the respect and bond the two players share despite the fierce rivalry.  

Babar has often been compared to Kohli, with many drawing parallels between their batting styles and records. While Kohli has already cemented his legacy as one of cricket’s greatest, Babar has built an impressive career of his own, leading Pakistan with match-winning performances. Over the years, both have praised each other and maintained a strong friendship.  

Meanwhile, Pakistan got off to a steady start in the match. Mohammad Rizwan, leading the team for the first time against India, won the toss and chose to bat first. The decision seemed to work in Pakistan’s favor, with openers Babar and Imam-ul-Haq starting cautiously. At the time of writing, Pakistan were 26 for no loss, with Babar on 10* and Imam on 9*.