Virat Kohli, the former Indian captain, is universally regarded as the best batsman of this generation. The Australian cricket team has been the target of some of Kohli’s most memorable performances across all three formats. He has a lot of fond memories of playing against Australia, including his first Test century in Adelaide and the successful run chase that won the game for India in Mohali. A few controversial calls have been made against the modern great in Australia’s high-stakes matches.
In this article, we will look back on three such incidents.
#1 Bangalore 2017, 2nd Test
For 15 runs, Virat Kohli was out after being trapped by a Josh Hazlewood delivery that stayed low and slashed back into the right-hander. Third umpire Richard Kettleborough watched several replays to determine whether the ball hit the bat or the pad first while the players waited and a billion viewers crossed their fingers.
Split-screen and snicker replays showed that the contact between the ball, the pad, and the bat was almost instantaneous. Kettleborough was left with an equivocal vision and had to go with Llong’s call on the field.
#2 Perth 2018, 2nd Test
This was one of Virat Kohli’s best Test innings. He batted with India down 8-2 after Australia scored 326 runs in their first innings. He effortlessly scored his 25th Test century. India recovered from a top-order collapse with the skipper at the crease. The manner of his firing sparked debate.
He drove a Pat Cummins delivery but got a thick edge that soared to Peter Handscomb in the slips, who dove low to his right to catch it inches off the ground. The footage showed his fingertips under the ball, but it was unclear if it touched the ground. It was a tough choice that likely decided the game and series.
#3 Delhi 2023, 2nd Test
The Latest termination is here. India needed a massive Virat Kohli innings after a top-order collapse, and he and Ravindra Jadeja connected to help his team return.
But, left-arm spinner Matt Kuhnemann, making his professional debut, bowled him LBW. The debate was whether the bat or pad hit the ball first near miss. Field umpire Nitin Menon assumed the ball hit the pad before the bat, and Kohli examined it and predicted proximal transit.
It was remarkably similar to how he went out in the second Test against New Zealand that year (2021). That day, Ajaz Patel’s left-arm spinner was the one who outfoxed him.
