Team India finally opened its account on the England tour with a convincing six-wicket victory over England in the first ODI in Birmingham . The match also marked the return of star batters Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma , but neither player managed to make a major impact with the bat.
While India’s win remained the biggest highlight, a moment involving Virat Kohli during the match quickly became a talking point on social media.
Kohli’s Shoelace Moment Caught on Camera
During India’s fielding innings, the broadcast camera suddenly focused on Kohli, who was seen adjusting and tying his shoelaces. The former India captain first tied one shoe and then adjusted the laces of the other foot as well.
The moment appeared ordinary, as players frequently stop during matches to fix their footwear. However, what caught fans’ attention was that Kohli’s shoes were clearly visible during the process.
Fans Question Whether It Was a Marketing Move
The shoes attracted attention because they were from Kohli’s own sports brand, which had been launched recently. After the clip went viral, some social media users suggested that the moment looked like a clever promotional opportunity.
Some fans questioned whether Kohli knew the camera was focused on him and whether the action was intentional branding. Others defended him, saying that adjusting shoelaces is a routine part of any player’s match preparation and that the timing was simply coincidental.
Match Focus or Brand Promotion?
The viral video has sparked debate among cricket fans. While some viewed it as a smart marketing moment by one of cricket’s biggest personalities, others felt the discussion was unnecessary and that Kohli was simply preparing himself during the game.