Virat Kohli was seen leading the cheering duties on day 4 of the ongoing BGT 2024 Test between India and Australia, which was played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Sunday.

In addition to assisting the bowlers and being aggressive, he kept the crowd on their toes by engaging with them on a regular basis. In one instance, he approached an Indian part of the crowd and motioned for them to cheer.

When the supporters sang his name, he pointed to Mohammed Siraj and asked them to get behind the fast bowler instead, which elicited screams of 'DSP, DSP'. Kohli returned and continued imploring them to raise their voices as Siraj began his run-up.

Siraj's nickname 'DSP' has become a fan favorite in India. He was appointed Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) on October 11, 2024. It happened on the orders of Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, who directed his officials to promise Siraj a government position and a plot of land, after his involvement in India's T20 World Cup 2024 win.

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After a difficult first innings, Siraj bowled with spirit and technique at the MCG on Sunday. He grabbed three of the first nine wickets in the Australian innings, including those of Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, and Usman Khawaja.

When talking about Steve Smith’s wicket, Kohli masterminded the Australian Great’s wicket with Mohammed Siraj. The dismissal was critical in halting Australia's second innings and demonstrated the synergy between Kohli's tactical understanding and Siraj's performance.

The turning moment came when Kohli, known for his proactive approach on the field, was recorded on the stump microphone instructing Siraj on how to bowl to Smith. Kohli told the pacer to bowl from the wide edge of the crease, a subtle change intended to attack Smith's proclivities.  

After Kohli’s advice, Siraj bowled to Smith from wide of the crease and Smith misjudged the delivery, only managing to edge the ball to keeper Rishabh Pant.

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Australia ended day 4 on 228/9 with a lead of 333 runs in hand.