The embrace between the cricket legends occurred before the high-voltage India vs Pakistan match, with Rohit attending as ICC brand ambassador and both having the ceremonial duty of walking out with the trophy. The gesture stood in sharp contrast to India's continued no-handshake stance with Pakistan, maintained since the Asia Cup.
India later dominated the encounter, crushing Pakistan by 61 runs to secure their place in the Super Eights, with Ishan Kishan's explosive 77 setting up the victory before bowlers restricted their rivals.