When it comes to Virat Kohli, nothing goes unnoticed, not his batting, not his breaks, and definitely not his behaviour on or off the field. Even if he’s no longer playing every series, even if he spends more time shuttling between London and India with his family, Kohli remains the gravitational force in Indian cricket. Every gesture becomes a headline, every step becomes a storyline, and his presence, or absence, creates more buzz than most press conferences.
And now, a new moment from India’s ongoing ODI series has set social media on fire: a short clip showing Kohli walking past South Africa head coach Shukri Conrad without a flicker of acknowledgement. No handshake. No eye contact. Not even a polite nod. Just a calm, collected walk-through that spoke louder than any heated exchange ever could.
Fans immediately connected this incident with Kohli’s earlier cold moment involving Gautam Gambhir. But this time, the narrative is even more layered.
The video shows the Indian players walking up the stairs after a practice session, exchanging the usual courtesies with the South African support staff. Everyone stops, greets, and moves on, except Kohli.
Kohli strides ahead, expression neutral, gaze fixed elsewhere, and walks right past Conrad as if the head coach wasn’t even part of the frame.
Only Kohli knows. But the context makes the moment even sharper.
Just a few days earlier, Shukri Conrad found himself in the middle of a storm after his post-Day 4 comment in Guwahati: We really wanted them to grovel.
While some found it harmless or playful, many Indian cricket voices did not. The term carries complex historical weight in South African sports culture, and in cricketing circles, it hits differently.
Former players and experts reacted swiftly, with Aakash Chopra calling it unnecessary, Anil Kumble labelling it unacceptable, Parthiv Patel saying a line was crossed, and Sunil Gavaskar demanding accountability while firmly rejecting the idea that it was just a harmless quip.
South Africa captain Temba Bavuma, however, redirected the fire, pulling the spotlight back on India by referring to the Bauna controversy involving Bumrah and Rishabh Pant. One line was crossed earlier, too, he reminded the media.
With the temperature already high, Kohli’s silent pass-by suddenly meant much more than a simple oversight.
Even though Kohli avoids public controversies today more than ever before, his smallest actions still ripple far. His fans believe he watches every cricket development, even when he’s not in the squad, he doesn’t forget disrespect, whether it’s toward his teammates or Indian cricket, and he expresses disapproval in ways that don’t require words.
And truth be told, that’s been Kohli’s aura for years. His presence itself is powerful enough to convey what many would need press statements for.
The Gambhir storyline had barely cooled when this new Conrad clip reignited debates about Kohli’s role in shaping dressing-room dynamics, even from the outside.
Silence can be strategic. Silence can be assertive. Silence, especially from Kohli, can be seismic.
In the age of social media and instant analysis, small gestures turn into national discussions. For a star as polarising and influential as Kohli, each moment becomes a window into the unseen tensions, unspoken equations, and evolving power structures of international cricket.
This incident may not lead to an official explanation, and it doesn’t need to. The world has already built its narrative: Kohli doesn’t forget, Kohli doesn’t overlook, and Kohli definitely doesn’t pretend. If he chooses to walk past someone, it must mean something.
Modern cricket is as much about psychology and personalities as it is about bat and ball. One remark can shift energy. One look can ignite fan wars. One gesture can dominate headlines.
Whether this was a calculated gesture or a moment of indifference, it adds another chapter to the ever-compelling India-South Africa equation.
And if history is any indicator, this won’t be the last time Kohli silently steals the narrative.
About the Author:
Akanksha Sinha
I’m Akanksha Sinha, a dedicated Sports Content Writer and Blogger with proven expertise in creating engaging sports blogs, news stories, and entertainment-driven articles. With a passion for storytelling and a strong command of research, I strive to deliver content that not only informs but also captivates readers across all age groups. At Possible11, she covers fantasy sports, match previews, and trending topics, making her a trusted voice for sports enthusiasts.
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