In the challenging terrain of Centurion, overthrowing South Africa proved to be a formidable task for the Indian cricket team during the initial clash of the two-match Test series. The pressure intensified as the Proteas secured a substantial lead of 163 runs in the second innings, setting the stage for a demanding batting session for India in the Boxing Day Test.
The South African bowlers, executing their plans with precision, swiftly dismantled the top three Indian batsmen, creating a tense atmosphere for the visitors. However, amidst this adversity, Virat Kohli emerged as a beacon of skill and determination. In the 19th over, facing Gerald Coetzee, Kohli’s seemingly effortless six over deep cover provided a moment of respite for the touring party.
The pitch, which had proven challenging for the Indian bowlers earlier in the day, underwent a transformation as the Proteas bowlers executed their strategies effectively. By the 17.5th over, the scorecard displayed a precarious 72-4, with Shreyas Iyer falling victim to Marco Jansen. Faced with a fragile batting lineup, Kohli stepped up to the challenge in the very next over, delivering a spectacular six off Coetzee’s short delivery outside the off stump.
Executing a masterful stroke, Kohli shifted his weight to the back foot, elegantly lofting the ball over the deep cover region with a combination of deft wrist work and a bottom-handed touch. Despite the difficulty the Indian batters faced in playing their strokes on this challenging surface, Kohli’s shot defied expectations.
The trajectory of the ball left broadcasters momentarily uncertain of its destination, only for the umpire’s confirmation to reveal an unexpected maximum for the visitors. The Twitter community swiftly caught wind of this defining moment, showering Kohli with praise for his exceptional display of skill under pressure.
Watch The Posts Here:
— Virat Sharma (@ViratSharm39743) December 28, 2023
25th Test Six for Virat Kohli pic.twitter.com/XbftGlDohi
— Abhi (@Abhishek43Jain) December 28, 2023
What a shot for six from King Kohli 👑
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) December 28, 2023
– He is looking for big one. pic.twitter.com/ggQ9j3FPGo
WHAT A SIX BY VIRAT KOHLI. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/oqFUZffmIi
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) December 28, 2023
🚨 STOP THE PRESS 🚨
— Aditya Saha (@Adityakrsaha) December 28, 2023
Virat Kohli has just hit a six to a fast bowler in the off-side.
What a six by Virat Kohli 🥵💉 pic.twitter.com/nNJJ5BGkd9
— ` (@imleser82) December 28, 2023
First six for Virat Kohli in 2023 Test Cricket. pic.twitter.com/tnOLbFaZdJ
— Cricket🏏 Lover // ICT Fan Account (@CricCrazyV) December 28, 2023
https://twitter.com/AkshatOM10/status/1740374520765235689?t=ga-3Ye5tVFDK9q1nCBzCQw&s=19
That six off Coetzee was Virat Kohli's 25th six in Test cricket. He has now hit as many sixes in Tests as Mohammed Shami ; going past Umesh Yadav's tally of 24 🙂#INDvsSA
— Rhitankar Bandyopadhyay (@rhitankar8616) December 28, 2023
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