In a dramatic moment during the Bengaluru Test between India and New Zealand, Virat Kohli was dismissed on the last ball of the day, missing a well-deserved century. Known for his exceptional fitness and fast running between the wickets, Kohli’s agility, which has been an asset throughout his career, played a role in his dismissal.
The Indian team was in a tough situation, having been bowled out for a mere 46 runs in their first innings at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. New Zealand responded with a dominant 402, securing a lead of 356 runs, putting immense pressure on India.
Virat Leads Fightback with Strong Partnership
In the second innings, Team India started their comeback with a fighting spirit. Captain Rohit Sharma gave a solid foundation with a half-century, and Kohli, along with Sarfaraz Khan, took charge of the innings. They batted aggressively, countering the New Zealand bowling attack and helping India surpass 200 runs.
Kohli looked in excellent form during his knock, hitting some stylish boundaries. His partnership with Sarfaraz brought life back into the Indian innings, adding 136 runs for the third wicket.
The Last Ball Surprise: Kohli Dismissed
As the day’s play neared its end, Kohli was batting with confidence. However, off-spinner Glenn Phillips bowled a crucial delivery, which resulted in Kohli edging the ball to the wicketkeeper, Tom Blundell, who took a sharp catch. Kohli immediately reviewed the decision, but even the DRS (Decision Review System) could not save him, as UltraEdge confirmed the nick. Kohli had to walk back after a well-played 70, falling just short of a century that seemed inevitable.
Fitness and Speed: The Double-Edged Sword
Kohli’s dismissal was a blend of bad luck and his own aggressive running between the wickets. Earlier in the over, Kohli had pushed for an extra run by calling Sarfaraz for a quick second. Although he managed to avoid a run-out by diving to make his ground, the strain of the dive appeared to disrupt his focus.
Additionally, during this dive, his gloves got damaged, leading to a brief pause in play while he changed them. This break in momentum could have contributed to Kohli losing his rhythm. As fate would have it, he was out on the last ball, a moment that left Indian fans heartbroken.
India Still in the Fight
Despite Kohli’s untimely dismissal, his partnership with Sarfaraz Khan played a crucial role in India’s resistance. India finished the day at 231/3, still trailing New Zealand by 125 runs. Sarfaraz Khan remains unbeaten and will carry India’s hopes as they look to build on this innings on the fourth day.
Though Kohli missed a century, his gritty innings and the partnership with Sarfaraz have given India a fighting chance to stay in the match. Fans will be eager to see how the team responds on Day 4, with Sarfaraz and the remaining batsmen under pressure to close the gap.
