As the Indian cricket team gears up for the high-stakes India vs New Zealand ODI series, the spotlight has shifted from the pitch to the arrivals terminal. On January 7, 2026, Virat Kohli‘s arrival at the Mumbai airport sent social media into a frenzy, not just for his upcoming return to international duty, but for a subtle fashion choice that fans were quick to label a ‘romantic tribute.’ Clad in a black cardigan featuring a red heart and the letter ‘A’ the star batter inadvertently sparked a viral debate over whether the motif was a nod to his wife, Anushka Sharma.
‘A’ for Anushka on Virat Kohli’s black cardigan? The viral heart motif decoded
The ‘Virushka’ fan base was quick to flood social media with screenshots of Kohli’s airport look, decoding the red ‘A’ and heart emblem as a public declaration of love for Anushka. Speculation grew that the custom-knit was a parting gesture as Kohli headed to Vadodara for professional commitments while Anushka reportedly traveled to the UK.
Years may change but Virat wearing A letter shirt or jacket is constant ♾️ pic.twitter.com/7kBR8dCkiP
— 🪷 (@maddified18) January 7, 2026
However, the “truth” behind the garment is rooted in high fashion rather than personal monograms. The cardigan is a signature piece from the French luxury label AMI Paris. The “A” and heart motif is actually the brand’s iconic “Ami de Coeur” logo (Friend of Hearts), designed by founder Alexandre Mattiussi. Priced at a hefty INR 65,700, as per Hindustan Times and multiple media outlets, the luxury knit has become a staple for celebrities, and while the ‘A’ conveniently matches Anushka’s initial, it remains a designer trademark.
एयरपोर्ट लुक हो तो विराट जैसा! 🔥 Ami Paris के सिग्नेचर कार्डिगन और बैगी जींस में किंग कोहली का स्वैग। क्लास और कंफर्ट का परफेक्ट मेल।#ViratKohli𓃵 pic.twitter.com/8YcLSi61qA
— Shashank Singh (@imShashankji) January 8, 2026
Also READ: Brother Vikas hits back at Virat Kohli’s critics ahead of IND vs NZ ODI series
Kohli’s road to 28,000 international runs
While the internet was busy with his wardrobe, Kohli was focused on a landmark year. He arrived in Vadodara to a ‘King’s Welcome’ ahead of the first ODI on January 11. Kohli enters the series in peak form, having recently broken Sachin Tendulkar’s record during the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 to become the fastest player to reach 16,000 List A runs, achieving the feat in just 330 innings. The three-match series against the Black Caps serves as a vital chapter in Kohli’s career as he nears the monumental 28,000-run mark in international cricket.
- 1st ODI: Jan 11 – Vadodara (BCA Stadium)
- 2nd ODI: Jan 14 – Rajkot (Niranjan Shah Stadium)
- 3rd ODI: Jan 18 – Indore (Holkar Stadium)
With Kohli stepping away from T20Is and Tests earlier in 2025, his focus is now singular: dominating the 50-over format and leading India’s charge toward the ODI World Cup 2027.
