Virat Kohli marks superb slip catch with bow-and-arrow celebration in Auckland

Virat Kohli celebrated with a bow-and-arrow gesture after taking a superb catch in the first ODI between India and New Zealand in Auckland on 2026-11-04. With Diwali approaching, the celebration added a festive note to India's dominant display.

Stationed at second slip, the former India captain dived to his right to take a low catch when Nathan Smith edged Anshul Kamboj behind. Kohli secured the ball just inches above the turf, then ran away before producing his bow-and-arrow celebration, followed by a John Cena-inspired 'you can't see me' gesture. A clip of the moment was shared by Sony Sports Network (@sonysportsnetwork).

The bow-and-arrow move carried extra resonance because Diwali was imminent, and the imagery recalled Lord Ram and his bow and arrow. Kohli has frequently shown his emotions on the field, and this sequence was another visible example of that tendency.

Kohli's catch came as India were tightening their grip on the match, with New Zealand struggling to find momentum. At the time of writing, India's bowlers had reduced the hosts to 131/7 after 31 overs.

Anshul Kamboj and Arshdeep Singh had taken two wickets apiece, with Kamboj cited for making particularly good use of the conditions. Kamboj also accounted for Mitchell Santner, bowling him for four.

India's fielding contributed to the pressure, with Rohit Sharma involved in a run-out through sharp reflexes on the field. Shortly after the 31-over mark, Arshdeep dismissed Kyle Jamieson to leave New Zealand 131/8 as their middle order continued to fall apart.

Wickets arrived at regular intervals, leaving the home side with limited opportunity to build a partnership or settle into their innings.