Virat Kohli, playing an outstanding knock, was dismissed on the final ball of Day 3 during the first Test match between India and New Zealand in Bengaluru. Kohli showcased his trademark form, scoring a brilliant 70 off 102 balls, including 8 boundaries and a six.
His crucial partnership of 136 runs with Sarfaraz Khan helped India stabilize after a tough start, leaving the team in a stronger position. However, Kohli’s dismissal came as a surprise when he got a faint edge off Glenn Phillips, and wicketkeeper Tom Blundell made no mistake in completing the catch. Kohli looked visibly frustrated as his review proved unsuccessful, and the Indian dressing room, led by Rohit Sharma, was left in shock.
Rohit Sharma’s Reaction Captures the Moment
Captain Rohit Sharma’s reaction to Kohli’s dismissal spoke volumes. As the ball sailed into the wicketkeeper’s gloves, Sharma was left stunned, unable to believe what had just transpired.
Captain Rohit Sharma reaction on Virat Kohli's wicket😢
— 𝐑𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐢𝐢⁴⁵ (@rushiii_12) October 18, 2024
Rohit's reaction is saying it all 🥲 pic.twitter.com/eXuGYLlEwD
The Indian team, trailing New Zealand’s 356-run lead, had hoped to finish the day without further loss, but Kohli’s wicket dealt a blow to their momentum. Rohit’s dismay was evident, as the loss of their star batsman just before the end of the day put additional pressure on the team heading into Day 4.
India’s Response to New Zealand’s Dominant Lead
New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra earlier played a stellar knock of 134 runs, helping his team post a massive lead of 356. In response, India reached 231 for 3 at stumps, still trailing by 125 runs. Despite Kohli’s dismissal, Sarfaraz Khan remained unbeaten on 70, continuing his impressive innings.
The crowd in Bengaluru erupted in cheers when Kohli not only reached his half-century but also surpassed 9,000 Test runs, joining Indian legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Sunil Gavaskar. Kohli’s milestone and partnership with Sarfaraz had kept India in the fight, but his late dismissal cast a shadow over an otherwise positive day for the hosts.
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