As India clobbered Pakistan to clinch a win in the World Twenty20 match at the Eden Gardens here on Saturday -- days ahead of Holi -- off-the-pitch celebrations took a colourful turn with the hashtag "BuraNaManoKohliHai" reflecting the euphoria around Indian cricketer Virat Kohli's stellar contribution.
Extending its hegemony over Pakistan in World Cup matches, India chased down 119 to register an emphatic six-wicket win over the arch rivals in their rain-curtailed World Twenty20 Group 2 encounter at the Eden Gardens.
Virat Kohli scored an unbeaten 55 off 37 balls as India chased down the target with 15 balls remaining to extend their unbeaten record against Pakistan in all World Cups to 11 matches.
Wishing in advance for Holi (which would be celebrated with more fervour because of the victory) fans poured out their ecstasy on microblogging platform Twitter. It seemed as if the festivities had already begun.
"@imVkohli: Happy Holi :)"Happy Holi#BuraNaManoKohliHai," wished a netizen.
The popular expression "Bura Na Mano Holi Hai" refers to "do not feel offended, it is Holi" and is common during India's most colourful festival when revellers generously douse one another in powdered and water-based colours.
Post win, fans replaced Holi with Kohli mirroring the significance of the competition between the two time-honoured cricketing rivals.
"To Pakistan- #BuraNaManoKohliHai YY #IndvsPak," chirped another.
Union Minister of Science and Technology Harsh Vardhan also heaped praise.
"Congratulations India - always a great feeling when u score victory. Proud of you Virat Kohli. Good luck for all future matches. Keep it up," Vardhan tweeted.
Megastar Amitabh Bachchan, who sang the Indian National Anthem ahead of match, animatedly waved the tricolour after the win.
