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Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma added a personal touch to a special tribute celebrating Indian cricket at Eden Park in Auckland, signing a mural created by renowned New Zealand street artist Otis Frizzell. The artwork, featuring portraits of some of India's prominent cricketing names, offered the visiting stars a memorable off-field moment during the ongoing India tour of New Zealand.
The two former India captains visited the specially curated artwork ahead of the ODI series and added their signatures and personal messages. The mural was commissioned as a tribute to India's cricketing influence and the popularity of its players among fans beyond the country's borders.
Created by Otis Frizzell, the mural brings together portraits of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and young Indian batting sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi. Its design celebrates different generations of Indian cricket, combining the achievements of established international stars with the excitement surrounding emerging talent.
Frizzell is a well-known New Zealand street artist whose work includes large-scale murals and public artworks. His distinctive style has made him a recognised name in the country's urban art scene.
The artwork provided an opportunity to celebrate cricket through a different medium, turning one of Auckland's best-known sporting venues into a space for artistic expression.
Eden Park chief executive Nick Sautner reportedly invited Kohli and Rohit to sign the mural. Their signatures and messages added a personal connection between the players and the tribute, making the artwork more than just a visual celebration of Indian cricket.
🚨Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma sign the special mural at Eden Park in Auckland. This mural is specially curated by street artist Otis Frizzel.#Auckland @imVkohli @ImRo45 @ThumsUpOfficial @OtisFrizzell @CricSubhayan pic.twitter.com/h9nCMvu5f9
— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) November 4, 2026
The mural signing took place during India's five-match ODI series against New Zealand, which began in Auckland on November 4.
Kohli made headlines in the opening match with a 74-run innings off 51 deliveries. His performance helped India chase down a revised target of 143 in a rain-affected contest, securing a five-wicket victory and giving the visitors an early lead in the series.
The innings also carried historical significance, as Kohli surpassed Sachin Tendulkar to become the highest run-scorer in ODI run chases. Rohit Sharma, meanwhile, remains one of India's most recognisable batting figures and a key part of the team's recent success in international cricket.
The mural signing was not the only special interaction involving India's cricketers in Auckland. Kohli, Rohit and current India captain Shubman Gill also received personalised All Blacks rugby jerseys from former New Zealand rugby international Keven Mealamu. These interactions highlighted the connection between two major sporting nations and the respect Indian cricket's leading figures command internationally.
The mural offers a lasting artistic tribute to players who have helped shape the modern popularity of Indian cricket. With Kohli and Rohit adding their signatures, the artwork now carries a personal link to the stars it celebrates.