WTC Final: Virat Kohli lifts 'spirit of the game', photo of Indian skipper hugging Kane Williamson breaks internet

Virat Kohli and Kane Williamson share hugs after WTC Final

India skipper Virat Kohli failed to lift yet another ICC title after losing the World Test Championship final against New Zealand by eight wickets in Southampton on Wednesday night. Chasing a paltry 139-run target on the Reserve Day of the World Test Championship final, New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson along with senior batsman Ross Taylor guided their side to a comfortable win.

Kohli, who is known for his aggressive nature, was seen in a rather soft avatar as the Indian skipper exchanged hugs with his counterpart. The moment soon broke the internet and many took to social media to laud the spirit of the game displayed by the Indian captain.

Bengal cricketer-turned-politician Manoj Tiwary also reacted to the moment and wrote: "Picture of the day four me" and branded Williamson as "a hallmark of a gentleman of a cricketer". Here are a few tweets:

Picture of d day 4 me, being humble even after winning d #worldtestchampionshipfinal as a Captain is a hallmark of a gentleman of a cricketer #Williamson  Congratulations @BLACKCAPS on winning and tough luck team India, there is a need for few changes going ahead #WTCFinal2021 pic.twitter.com/dsGCDImg6X — MANOJ TIWARY (@tiwarymanoj) June 23, 2021

That Hug of Indian Captain Virat Kohli to Worl Champion New Zealand Captain and Hero of Match Kane Williamson #INDvNZ pic.twitter.com/ihS1037dwO

— IPL 2021 - #IPL2021 #IPL #IPL14 #IPLT20 (@CricketDailyIN) June 23, 2021

That Kohli and Williamson hug  — Harleen (@HarleenVij) June 23, 2021

Two Champs in Single frame but luck favours one that's it. Congratulations NZ

Always feel like Williamson is very close to our people. Hard Luck Virat Kohli #WTC2021Final #IndVNz pic.twitter.com/Yrwc3OpVP0 — Siva Harsha || S/H  (@SivaHarsha_1) June 23, 2021

Meanwhile, a day after losing the World Test Championship final against New Zealand, Team India head coach Ravi Shastri on Thursday congratulated the Kiwis.

Reacting to the result, Shastri in a tweet wrote: "Better team won in the conditions. Deserved winners after the longest wait for a World Title. Classic example of Big things don't come easy. Well played, New Zealand. Respect."