WATCH: Virat Kohli touches Axar Patel's feet after game-changing Kane Williamson wicket in Champions Trophy clash

During Team India's final group stage match against New Zealand in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, a moment of camaraderie and humor unfolded on the field, highlighting Indian star batter Virat Kohli's playful gesture in the game.

This incident unfolded when star spinner Axar Patel secured a crucial wicket, dismissing New Zealand top-scorer Kane Williamson in the 41st over of the game. Williamson, who has made 81 off 120 balls, tried to attempt an aggressive stroke in the game but was ousted by Patel's delivery in the game.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐢𝐠 𝐅𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐬 𝐁𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐮𝐠𝐨𝐮𝐭 🤯

Axar Patel takes down the set Kane Williamson, sealing a crucial breakthrough! 🥶#ChampionsTrophyOnJioStar 👉 #INDvNZ | LIVE NOW on Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 Hindi, Star Sports 2 & Sports18-1!

📺📱… pic.twitter.com/vbPQsSx03y

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) March 2, 2025

Notably, this dismissal turned out to be a crucial one in the game, as New Zealand's chase began to falter despite a brief cameo from skipper Mitchell Santner. As Axar Patel was celebrated with his prized scalp, Virat Kohli approached him with a lighthearted gesture, playfully attempting to touch his feet in a sign of respect and admiration for the crucial wicket.

Axar Patel, taken aback by Kohli's move, tried to evade the moment, leading to a brief, playful exchange between the two players before they resumed their fielding positions. This spontaneous act not only highlighted Virat Kohli's fun-loving personality but also showed strong team dynamics within the Indian team.

This moment quickly went viral on social media, thrilling fans and adding to the match's memorable moment.

Virat kohli touching axar patels feet after he got the williomson wicket #ViratKohli𓃵#INDvNZ#AxarPatel#ChampionsTrophypic.twitter.com/0K9GTEZydT

— Raju Shah (@iamshah0786) March 3, 2025

Also Read: Champions Trophy 2025: Australia face injury scare, star player ruled out ahead of Semi-Final against India

Rohit Sharma opens up after win over New Zealand

"Important to finish on a high. NZ are a good team who are playing some good cricket. Very important to get a good result, we played a perfect game. It was important at that stage (after being 30/3) to build a partnership, and I thought we got to a good total," said Rohit Sharma after the 44-run win against New Zealand

We haven't thought much about the next game, but good headache to have. Critical to possibly win every game and doing everything right in a short tournament. Important to correct mistakes quickly, and that's where we know if your team is going up," he added later.