Cricket royalty was in attendance at Lord’s on Sunday as the India Women’s team suffered a six-wicket defeat against Australia Women in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026. Among those present in the stands were former India captain Virat Kohli, his wife Anushka Sharma, former head coach Ravi Shastri and ex-opener Shikhar Dhawan.
However, it was an interaction involving Kohli away from the field that grabbed widespread attention. Before the start of the match, the batting legend was seen warmly interacting with a specially-abled fan from Pakistan outside the iconic venue.
In a video that has since gone viral on social media, Kohli is seen happily posing for a photograph with the fan while another person says, “Hum Pakistan se hai, lekin yeh aapko love karta hai” (We are from Pakistan, but he loves you). Kohli smiled, obliged the request and spent a few moments with the fan, earning praise from cricket followers across the globe.
The gesture comes at a time when cricketing and diplomatic relations between India and Pakistan have remained strained over the past year and a half. Despite the rivalry, Kohli’s interaction once again highlighted the game’s ability to bring people together beyond national boundaries.
Kohli watched the crucial Group A clash alongside Anushka Sharma and Ravi Shastri, while Shikhar Dhawan was also spotted cheering for the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side from the stands.
On the field, however, it was disappointment for India. Australia Women defeated India Women by six wickets to eliminate them from the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026. India entered the contest needing a victory to qualify for the semi-finals after South Africa Women had earlier defeated Bangladesh Women.
With the defeat, India crashed out of the tournament after also suffering a crucial group-stage loss to South Africa earlier in the competition. Australia, meanwhile, finished the group stage unbeaten and booked their place in the semi-finals, continuing their impressive record in ICC events.
