Ahead of the high-stakes three-match ODI series against New Zealand, the Indian cricket team's training session in Vadodara was lit up by a moment of pure, unadulterated fun. The source of the laughter? None other than batting maestro Virat Kohli, who left teammates and fans in splits by perfectly mimicking left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh's distinctive bowling run-up.
Kohli Turns Mimicry King at Vadodara Nets
The incident took place during the team's practice on Friday, just days before the series opener on January 11, 2026. In a video that rapidly spread across social media platforms, Kohli is seen in a jovial mood, channeling his inner Arshdeep Singh. He replicated the pacer's unique sprint style, complete with the quick build-up, the characteristic bounce in his step, and the energetic delivery stride. The precision of the imitation was uncanny, proving Kohli's sharp observational skills extend beyond just reading bowlers on the field.
Watching the spectacle unfold from behind was captain Rohit Sharma, whose wide, appreciative smile added to the wholesome and relaxed team atmosphere. This light-hearted display offered a delightful glimpse into the off-field dynamics of the squad, where intense competitors seamlessly switch to being cheerful teammates.
Social Media Erupts as Camaraderie Takes Center Stage
The viral clip was a massive hit online, with fans flooding platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram with laughing emojis and heart reactions. Numerous fan accounts and team video handles shared the moment, with netizens unanimously praising Kohli for his spot-on mimicking skills. The episode reinforced why Virat Kohli remains a fan favourite, celebrated as much for his fierce on-field intensity as for his playful, relatable persona off it.
This fun interaction underscores the strong camaraderie within the Indian cricket team. Such moments of levity are crucial, especially as the team prepares to host a formidable New Zealand side following a packed international calendar. The positive vibe in the camp bodes well for the challenging contests ahead.
Focus Shifts to ODI Series Amid Positive Vibes
The laughter in Vadodara sets a positive tone for the upcoming battle. The team, led by Shubman Gill with Shreyas Iyer as his deputy, is a blend of experience and youth. The full squad includes stalwarts like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Rishabh Pant, and exciting talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Washington Sundar, Harshit Rana, Prasidh Krishna, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and of course, Arshdeep Singh himself.
While the team will soon switch to its trademark competitive mode, this viral video is a timely reminder that Team India is one of the most entertaining units in world cricket—deadly serious when it matters, but always capable of finding joy and laughter in the game they love.
