Virat Kohli's India jersey seen at Babar Azam's home ground as Pakistani fan's gesture gains attention during Champions Cup

Virat Kohli's global popularity knows no bounds. His immense fan following has not only elevated the sport of cricket but also played a significant role in securing a spot for cricket in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. With his exceptional performance across all formats of the game, the 35-year-old has established himself as a true modern-day cricketing legend, poised to break Sachin Tendulkar's long-standing records. Kohli's fan base spans across the globe, including countries like Pakistan, where his talent and charisma are highly admired.

On Sunday, a video of a Pakistan fan waving Kohli's Indian team jersey during a Champions One-Day Cup match in Faisalabad, the home ground of Pakistan captain Babar Azam, went viral on social media. It happened during the match between Stallions and Markhors and the act gained more popularity because the match featured Babar as well.

This is surely not the first instance of the craze of Kohli in Pakistan and among Pakistan fans. Back in 2022, a Pakistan spectator, during a Pakistan Super League (PSL) match, was seen holding a poster in which he asked the India star to score a century in the country. "I want to see your century in Pakistan #Peace," the message on the poster read and it was placed on top of an image of Kohli batting. More recently, a Pakistan cricket fan went viral on social media after she flaunted a Kohli pendant during the T20 World Cup match against India in New York.

The former India captain is currently in Chennai as part of a training camp set up by the BCCI in preparation for the two-match Test series against Bangladesh. The series opener is on Thursday at the Chepauk, while the second Test will be played in Kanpur's Green Park Stadium next week.

This will be Kohli's first appearance in a Test match since January 3, where he participated in the tour of South Africa, and first Test at home in 2024, having skipped the England series in February-March owing to birth of his second child.

India, meanwhile, will look to strengthen their hold on the top spot in the World Test Championship points table when they take on Bangladesh and aim to keep their impeccable record on home turf intact. A clean sweep for India, who have never lost a Test match against Bangladesh and haven't suffered a home-series defeat since 2012, will see them inch closer to qualifying for the WTC final for the third straight time.