Virat Kohli, one of cricket’s greatest modern-day batters, has dominated the game for over a decade with his exceptional skills and unmatched hunger for success. Not only is he the top scorer in One-Day Internationals (ODIs), with 50 centuries to his name, but he is also widely regarded as one of the best all-format batters of all time. Along with his cricketing prowess, Kohli is well-known for his passionate and animated demeanor on the field.
Whether it’s celebrating a wicket like it’s his own or engaging in spirited exchanges with opposition players and umpires, Kohli is always full of energy. But beyond his intensity, he also knows how to enjoy himself, often breaking into dance moves during matches. Let’s take a look at five memorable times when Virat Kohli entertained fans by dancing on the cricket field:
5. Dancing After Shakib Al Hasan’s Dismissal
One of the most recent instances of Kohli’s dancing antics came during the opening Test match between India and Bangladesh at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. While Kohli didn’t make much of an impact with the bat, he still found ways to entertain the crowd. After Ravindra Jadeja dismissed Bangladesh’s star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan with a clever reverse sweep, Kohli celebrated by breaking into a spontaneous dance. His infectious joy delighted both the crowd and his teammates as they gathered mid-pitch to celebrate the wicket.
4. Imitating Riyan Parag’s Bihu Dance
During the second One-Day International (ODI) between India and Sri Lanka in August 2023, Kohli added another dance move to his ever-growing repertoire. After catching Sadeera Samarawickrama, Kohli performed the Assamese “Bihu” dance, emulating the moves of fellow Indian cricketer Riyan Parag. The crowd at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo erupted in applause, and the moment quickly became a social media hit. Kohli’s light-hearted dance was enjoyed by fans across the globe, both in the stadium and watching at home.
3. Dancing While Fielding Against Australia
In the third Test match between India and Australia, Kohli showcased his love for dancing once again. Despite India being bowled out for a meager 109 runs, Kohli’s spirits remained high. Positioned in the slip cordon, he was caught on camera dancing and enjoying the music playing in the stadium. Even as the game intensified, Kohli’s enthusiasm was unshaken, and the viral video of his dance moves spread like wildfire across social media. This moment reinforced that Kohli never misses an opportunity to entertain, regardless of the match situation.
2. Grooving to Bhangra in the 2021 World Test Championship Final
Kohli’s high-energy antics were on full display during the 2021 World Test Championship (WTC) final in Southampton. As Indian fans filled the stands with dhols and other musical instruments, Kohli couldn’t resist the rhythm and broke into the Bhangra, a popular Punjabi folk dance. While India fell short in the match, Kohli’s dance moves, set to the lively beats of the dhols, became a bright spot for fans. The former Indian captain’s ability to lighten up even the most high-pressure games has endeared him to cricket lovers worldwide.
1. Dancing with Chris Gayle During India’s Tour of the West Indies
One of Kohli’s most iconic dance moments came during a rain break in Guyana during India’s 2019 tour of the West Indies. Kohli shared a fun-filled moment with his former Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) teammate, the “Universe Boss” Chris Gayle. The two cricketing superstars put on an impromptu dance show during the delay, shaking their legs and enjoying the music in the stadium. The video of Kohli and Gayle’s dance-off quickly went viral, and fans loved seeing the camaraderie between the two cricket legends. Although the match was eventually abandoned due to rain, this heartwarming moment is still fondly remembered by fans.
Virat Kohli’s dancing highlights not only add fun to the game but also show a different side of his personality, balancing his intense on-field persona with moments of lightheartedness. Whether it’s celebrating a teammate’s wicket, enjoying the crowd’s music, or sharing a dance with an old friend like Chris Gayle, Kohli’s ability to bring joy and entertainment to the cricket field is truly special.
