In Tuesday’s first innings of the current Boxing Day Test between India and South Africa, Virat Kohli was unable to turn a strong start into a large total. Once again, the top Indian batsman edged a delivery beyond the off stump to go out in.
On the penultimate delivery of the 31st over, Kohli was on 38 from 63 when he clumsily attempted a defensive shot off Kagiso Rabada. After veering slightly away from Kohli, the ball hit Kyle Verreyne, the wicketkeeper, on the outside edge of his bat.
When Rabada and Verreyne made an appeal for caught behind, the umpire immediately raised his finger. Here’s where you can view the video:
A big Roar from South Africa fans in the Centurion as Virat Kohli departs 38(64)
India are in deep trouble ????????#ViratKohli???? #INDvsSA #SAvIND#TestCricket #CricketTwitter #WTC25 #ViratKohli pic.twitter.com/UP6nviHzs3— ???????????????????????????????????? (@tweets_katta) December 26, 2023
During his 38-run innings, Virat Kohli smashed four fours, demonstrating his excellent form. The top Indian batsman, nevertheless, was unable to maintain his excellent form and was removed in the innings’ thirty-first over.
Virat Kohli’s dismissal puts India on the back foot in 1st Test against South Africa
India’s score fell to 107-5 in their initial round after Virat Kohli was dismissed. Kohli and Shreyas Iyer (31) racked up 68 runs together until Rabada ousted both of them, leaving the visitors at 107-5. Nandre Burger gave excellent support by securing two more wickets for his team: Yasashvi Jaiswal (17) and Shubman Gill (2).
The wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul is now partnered with Ravichandran Ashwin on the pitch. Following this duo, India has Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna awaiting their turn.
While India will want to lead a comeback and post a decent score, South Africa will be looking to break the sixth-wicket partnership and end India’s innings shortly.