Chaos in Vadodara for a Glimpse of Virat Kohli:Two young fans disappointed after missing autograph; 12-year-old breaks down in tears

After a gap of 15 years, Vadodara witnessed an international One-Day match on Sunday at the International Kotambi Stadium. The occasion turned memorable as India registered a hard-fought four-wicket victory against New Zealand. Following the match, thousands of cricket fans expressed hope that Vadodara would once again become a regular venue for international fixtures. Team India and New Zealand squad depart for next match Today, both Team India and the New Zealand squad departed Vadodara for their next match. A large crowd gathered at Vadodara airport to catch a glimpse of the players. Among them were two young fans of Virat Kohli, holding banners and hoping for his autograph. When they failed to get his signature, a 12-year-old fan was seen breaking down in tears. Team India leaves for Rajkot On Sunday, January 11, India won the toss and opted to bowl first at Kotambi Stadium. New Zealand posted 300 runs for the loss of eight wickets in their 50 overs. Chasing the target, India secured victory by scoring the required runs with six wickets down in 49 overs, taking a 1–0 lead in the three-match ODI series. The second ODI will be played on January 14, coinciding with Uttarayan, at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot. On Monday, all players from both teams left Vadodara for Rajkot. Fans disappointed over missed autographs Tight police security arrangements were in place at Vadodara airport ahead of the teams’ arrival. Fans had been waiting for hours to see the Indian players. Large crowds were also present outside the hotel before the teams departed, followed by a similar rush at the airport. While some fans were delighted to receive autographs, many left disappointed. Two young admirers of Virat Kohli were particularly upset after failing to get his signature. A 12-year-old girl, Simoni Reddy, told Bhaskar with tears in her eyes that she had not eaten properly for two days in the hope of seeing Kohli and getting his autograph, but returned heartbroken after missing the chance.