When Virat Kohli won hearts and helped a cramping Joe Root during the IND vs ENG 1st Test 2021 in Chennai [Watch]

Team India and England stars Virat Kohli and Joe Root have enjoyed a healthy rivalry over the years, thanks to their incredible batting achievements across various formats. Yet, a heartwarming incident occurred during England's tour of India in 2021, when the duo were at the peak of their powers.

Kohli and Root were leading their respective sides, and the latter threw the first punch in the Test series opener in Chennai, scoring a breathtaking century. However, the Chennai weather took a toll on Root, and the then-England skipper started cramping up.

Despite the carnage, Kohli helped Root by stretching the latter's leg to reduce the cramp.

Here is the link to the video clip of Kohli's special gesture that won hearts on social media.

Virat Kohli's predecessor, MS Dhoni, did a similarly generous act in 2015 when South African batter Faf du Plessis suffered cramps after a century in the ODI series decider in Mumbai.

Meanwhile, Root continued in his merry way in the Chennai clash, finishing on 218 from 377 balls to help England post a massive 578 in their first innings. The hosts had no answer to the English skipper's brilliance, folding for 337 in their first essay before eventually going down by 227 runs.

However, Team India bounced back to win the next three Tests and the series by a 3-1 margin.

Virat Kohli vs Joe Root across formats

The upcoming India Test tour of England will not witness the customary Virat Kohli-Joe Root battle, with the former Indian captain announcing his Test retirement last month. Yet, the duo have been involved in several incredible tussles in the red-ball format despite the England star's comfortable lead now.

Root is already fifth all-time in Test runs with 13,006 at an average of 50.80 in 153 outings. Meanwhile, Kohli finished his Test career with 9,230 runs at a 46.85 average in 123 matches.

However, the white-ball numbers favor Kohli emphatically, with the Indian legend third all-time in runs with 14,181 at a remarkable average of 57.88 in 302 games. Root has been no slouch in ODIs, scoring over 7,000 runs at an average of 49.14 in 180 matches.

Kohli also edges Root out in T20Is, averaging 48.69 in 125 outings before retiring from the format last year. The England batter averages 35.72 from his 32 T20I appearances.

The duo won one ODI World Cup in 2011 and 2019, respectively, while Virat Kohli also won a T20 World Cup last year.