Indian cricket star Virat Kohli has once again captured global attention, not just for his prowess with the bat, but for a unique celebratory gesture that has rapidly gone viral. During the first One Day International between India and New Zealand at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara on Friday, 11 January 2026, Kohli performed a 'snake charmer' dance after New Zealand's Glenn Phillips was dismissed, a moment that instantly resonated with fans online. The animated reaction followed a sharp catch by teammate Shreyas Iyer, adding a memorable flourish to the match proceedings. IND vs NZ 1st ODI 2026: Daryl Mitchell's 84 Helps New Zealand Set Mammoth 301-Run Target For India.

The incident occurred after spinner Kuldeep Yadav delivered a slower ball, which Glenn Phillips attempted to drive. However, Phillips mistimed his shot, sending the ball towards the point where Shreyas Iyer completed a straightforward catch, dismissing Phillips for 19 runs.

Check Virat Kohli's Snake Charmer Celebration

As the Indian team celebrated the crucial wicket, cameras panned to Kohli, who was seen mimicking the movements of a snake charmer, a gesture that quickly spread across social media platforms, drawing comparisons to the 'Nagin dance'. Kohli's expressive celebration, which reportedly saw him break into laughter with Iyer, was arguably a light-hearted acknowledgement of Iyer's composure in taking the catch, especially given the ball's movement in the air.

Kohli is renowned for his energetic and often theatrical on-field celebrations, which frequently become talking points among cricket enthusiasts. This latest display adds to a history of animated reactions that underscore his passion and engagement in the game. Rishabh Pant Ruled out of IND vs NZ ODI 2026 Series, Dhruv Jurel Named Replacement.

The 'Nagin dance' itself has a notable, albeit sometimes contentious, history in cricket, particularly associated with Bangladesh, and has been mimicked by various teams and players over the years. Kohli's rendition, however, appeared to be a spontaneous and jovial expression of team camaraderie and satisfaction following a key dismissal.

The video clip of Kohli's celebration quickly garnered millions of views and shares, sparking widespread discussion and amusement among the cricketing fraternity and beyond. Fans lauded Kohli's infectious enthusiasm and ability to entertain, even in moments of high-stakes competition. The viral moment highlights the significant impact of player personalities and their spontaneous expressions on fan engagement in modern sports, further cementing Kohli's status as one of cricket's most charismatic figures.

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(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 11, 2026 06:15 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).