The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final is underway in Dubai, with India facing New Zealand. Fans are rallying behind the Men in Blue — the favorites to win. Asked to field first, India had a mixed outing, dropping four crucial catches, but still managed to restrict the Kiwis to 251 for 7 in their 50 overs.

Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakaravarthy took two wickets each, while Mohammed Shami and Ravindra Jadeja claimed one apiece. Despite a strong bowling performance, what grabbed everyone's attention was Virat Kohli hugging Ravindra Jadeja after the all-rounder completed his 10-over spell.

Fans believe this could be the infamous "retirement hug" — a trend they've noticed before. It began during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia when R Ashwin announced his retirement after the third Test. Prior to the announcement, a viral photo showed Kohli hugging Ashwin in the dressing room, sparking speculation.

More recently, in the Champions Trophy semi-final against Australia, Kohli was seen sharing a heartfelt hug with Steve Smith after a brief chat. Soon after, Smith announced his retirement. A clip from their conversation even showed Kohli asking Smith if it was his last ODI, to which Smith replied, "Yes," prompting Kohli's emotional reaction and the now-famous embrace. 

After these two instances, Kohli's hug to Jadeja has only intensified retirement rumours. Jadeja impressed with the ball, conceding just 31 runs and dismissing Tom Latham. 

Many took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to talk about how soon after Jadeja bowled his final over, Kohli ran over and shared a warm embrace with him. 

One said, "Nothing scares me more than Virat Kohli hugging a senior player for no reason in the last few months." 

Nothing scares me more than Virat Kohli hugging a senior player for no reason in the last few months 🥺 pic.twitter.com/W0JT0r7ipT

— Sameer Allana (@HitmanCricket) March 9, 2025

Another wrote, "Virat Kohli hugged Ravindra Jadeja after his last over. Appreciation or a sign of retirement? Is this Jadeja's last ODI?" 

Virat Kohli hugged Ravindra Jadeja after he completed his last over. . Appreciation or Sign of Retirement? Jadeja playing his last ODI today ? #INDvsNZ pic.twitter.com/1FDYq9pjgS

— Shubhankar Mishra (@shubhankrmishra) March 9, 2025

Someone asked, "Are we watching Jadeja in an ODI jersey for the last time? Kohli hugged him right after the last ball." 

We are seeing Jadeja last time in ODI jersey 🥲💔
After the last ball is over, Kohli came and hugged Jadeja pic.twitter.com/kMu9EZkSVG

— Kunal Bishwal 🇮🇳 (@KunalBishwal07) March 9, 2025

Another added, "Kohli hugging Jadeja after his over… I feel like I’ve seen this before." 

Kohli hugging Jadeja after his over , I think I've seen this before🙂 pic.twitter.com/1vyOARnTRw

— outside edge (@MeenakshiS325) March 9, 2025

Currently chasing 252 runs, India after 20 overs have scored 108 runs losing two quick wickets. Skipper Rohit Sharma got his 1st 50 of the tournament while Shubman Gill departed for 31 off 50 courtesy of Glenn Phillips' excellent catch. Virat Kohli's stay at the crease was very short as he went for just 1 run.

Earlier for the Black Caps, Daryl Mitchell was their highest scorer with 63 off 101 balls followed by Michael Bracewell's 53 off 40. Rachin Ravindra (37 off 29) and Glenn Phillips (34 off 52) played cameo to help take the total to 251 runs. 

New Zealand (Playing XI): Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham(w), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner(c), Nathan Smith, Kyle Jamieson, William ORourke 

India (Playing XI): Rohit Sharma(c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, KL Rahul(w), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy 

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