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        <title><![CDATA[Why, when Kohli hugs a senior player for no reason, is it a concern for fans?]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[The Kohli Hug has become a hot topic in cricket. Every time Virat Kohli embraces a senior player, fans speculate if retirement is near.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[Why, when Kohli hugs a senior player for no reason, is it a concern for fans?]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[The Kohli Hug has become a hot topic in cricket. Every time Virat Kohli embraces a senior player, fans speculate if retirement is near.]]></description>
            <link>https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-analysis/why-when-kohli-hugs-a-senior-player-for-no-reason-is-it-a-concern-for-fans/</link>
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            <category><![CDATA[Cricket Analysis]]></category>
            <pubDate>Sun, 09 Mar 2025 19:29:45 GMT</pubDate>
            <dc:creator>madhanriderz</dc:creator>
            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure><img src="https://media.cricketwinner.com/media/2025/03/WhatsApp-Image 2025-03-09 at 19.23.20_41b3ec19.webp" width="476" height="476" alt="WhatsApp Image 2025-03-09 at 19.23.20_41b3ec19.webp"/><figcaption>WhatsApp Image 2025-03-09 at 19.23.20_41b3ec19.webp</figcaption></figure><br><p>Over the years, cricket supporters have noticed an interesting pattern. Whenever Virat Kohli has an emotional embrace with an elder player, retirement news is close behind. This has created a fun but thought-provoking debate&mdash;is the Kohli Hug a secret farewell sign?</p><h3>1. MS Dhoni (2020) &ndash; The First Clue</h3><p><img src="https://media.cricketwinner.com/media/2025/03/dhoni.webp" alt="" width="800" height="450"></p><p>The Kohli Hug was first popularized in 2019, during the Cricket World Cup. Kohli was observed having an emotional moment with <a href="https://www.espncricinfo.com/cricketers/ms-dhoni-28081">MS Dhoni</a>, even compelling fans to support him.</p><p>Even a year after that, on August 15, 2020, Dhoni had officially retired from international cricket. That was the first time that fans associated a Kohli hug with the retirement of a senior player.</p><p>Also See : <a href="https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/rohit-sharma-the-captain-who-redefined-indian-cricket-s-success-in-icc-tournaments/">Rohit Sharma: The Captain Who Redefined Indian Cricket&rsquo;s Success in ICC Tournaments</a></p><h3>2. AB de Villiers (2021) &ndash; A Farewell at RCB</h3><p><img src="https://media.cricketwinner.com/media/2025/03/abd.webp" alt="" width="800" height="450"></p><p>Kohli and AB de Villiers had a strong connection at Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). During IPL 2021, their friendship was clear, with Kohli openly showing admiration for ABD.</p><p>Before the season had even finished, de Villiers retired from all cricket. Once again, the Kohli Hug appeared to come before a big retirement.</p><h3>3. Rohit Sharma (June 2024) &ndash; The End of an Era</h3><p><img src="https://media.cricketwinner.com/media/2025/03/rohith.webp" alt="" width="800" height="451"></p><p>T20 World Cup 2024 final was a moment of history for Indian cricket. Kohli and Rohit Sharma hugged tightly, both visibly emotional, after India's win.</p><p>Soon after, Kohli and Rohit retired from T20 internationals, an end of era in itself. Fans couldn't fail to see the Kohli Hug leaving its indelible mark once more.</p><h3>4. Ravichandran Ashwin (December 2024) &ndash; A Sudden Goodbye</h3><p><img src="https://media.cricketwinner.com/media/2025/03/ash.webp" alt="" width="800" height="450"></p><p>At the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024, Kohli was spotted hugging Ravichandran Ashwin following a pivotal game.</p><p>Weeks after, Ashwin hinted at his international retirement. With another experienced player leaving shortly after being hugged by Kohli, people could not help but wonder if this was a mere coincidence.</p><h3>5. Steve Smith (March 2025) &ndash; A Rivalry Bites the Dust with Respect</h3><p><img src="https://media.cricketwinner.com/media/2025/03/ss.webp" alt="" width="800" height="450"></p><p>India and Australia's Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final match featured a hard-fought battle. Following Australia's defeat, Kohli hugged Steve Smith with respect..</p><p>Soon after, Smith himself revealed his retirement from ODI cricket. Whether it was a genuine friendly hug or more, the trend followed, and fans couldn't help but speculate.</p><h3>6. Ravindra Jadeja (March 2025) &ndash; The Next in Line?</h3><p><img src="https://media.cricketwinner.com/media/2025/03/jaddu.webp" alt="" width="800" height="450"></p><p>During the final of the Champions Trophy against New Zealand, Kohli was photographed exchanging a warm hug with Ravindra Jadeja after bowling. The action became an instant sensation, raising eyebrows&mdash;is Jadeja next?</p><p>Although Jadeja has yet to confirm any retirement plans, fans are eagerly observing whether history will repeat itself.</p><p>While the Kohli Hug may just be an emotional moment between teammates, it has certainly given rise to a fascinating fan theory. As more legends retire after receiving Kohli&rsquo;s heartfelt embrace, the big question remains&mdash;who&rsquo;s next?</p><p>Also See : <a href="https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/rohit-sharma-the-captain-who-redefined-indian-cricket-s-success-in-icc-tournaments/">Rohit Sharma: The Captain Who Redefined Indian Cricket&rsquo;s Success in ICC Tournaments</a></p>]]></content:encoded>
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