Virat Kohli and Sarfaraz Khan were involved in a crucial partnership of 136 runs on Day 3 of the ongoing first Test between India and New Zealand in Bengaluru.

The pair didn’t only stage India’s fight back with this stand, but also made everyone nostalgic about their wholesome moment at the same venue nine years ago.

Notably, an 18-year-old Sarfaraz had played an audacious knock of 45* in 21 balls for RCB during the IPL 2015 season at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. His physics-defying shots that night left his then-captain Kohli awe-struck.

While walking back to the change room, Sarfaraz was greeted by Kohli with folded hands and a bow, a gesture that went viral on the internet.

Sarfaraz was released by RCB ahead of the IPL 2018 season, and his on-field interactions with Kohli became few and far between.

On Friday (October 18), the duo reunited at the Chinnaswamy Stadium to create special memories. They batted together for India in a pressure situation, helping the hosts reduce the deficit to 125 runs after conceding a massive first-innings lead of 356 runs.

While Virat Kohli was dismissed for 70 on the last delivery of the third day, Sarfaraz Khan remained unbeaten on 70.

Sarfaraz continued his assault on Day 4 morning, reaching his maiden Test ton in just 110 balls. He notched up the three-figure mark with a back foot punch for boundary off Tim Southee.

As Sarfarz erupted in celebration, he was duly appreciated by the Indian dugout. Kohli's applause for the youngster evoked memories of the IPL 2015 season and BCCI shared a video featuring the two heartwarming moments. 

At the time of writing, Sarfaraz Khan (125*) and Rishabh Pant (53*) had already stitched an unbroken 113-run stand for the fourth wicket, further reducing the deficit to 12 runs when rain interrupted play.