by India’s hopes of fighting back in the first Test against New Zealand took a major hit on the last ball of the third day as Virat Kohli fell on the final ball of the day at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The star batter, who was instrumental in bringing India back into the game after conceding a massive 356-run lead, was dismissed just as he seemed set for the crucial hundred.
Kohli’s wicket left the home crowd in stunned silence and the Indian dressing room visibly depleted.
Kohli, playing at number 3, initially struggled to find rhythm but as the innings progressed he found his usual confident style. The experienced right-hander displayed his trademark positive stroke play, using his feet skillfully and even taking calculated swings against the spinners.
With each run he raised India’s hopes of reducing the gap to New Zealand’s dominant position. Supported by a passionate Bengaluru crowd, Kohli reached his 31st Test half-century, his first of 2024, and soon reached the much-awaited 9000-run mark in the longest format. But just when Kohli seemed set to score big, disaster struck.
On the last ball of the day, Kohli was undone by a subtle delivery from Glenn Phillips. The flatter outside ball resulted in a defensive shot, which Kohli narrowly saved. Although Kohli was initially given up, he immediately reviewed the decision. However, the DRS confirmed a slight advantage, leaving him visibly disappointed as he walked back to the pavilion.
The dismissal not only silenced the raucous crowd but also visibly shocked captain Rohit Sharma, who looked devastated when Kohli left. The moment capped a difficult day for India, and the loss to Kohli just before stumps compounded their problems in a game that now hangs in the balance.
Regard:
Earlier, against all odds, India had made an excellent start to the second innings; The team was bowled out for just 46 in the first innings and then conceded 402, but the batters were unfazed. Rohit Sharma scored a half-century in his trademark attacking style but suffered an unfortunate dismissal. Virat Kohli and Sarfaraz Khan (70*) then put in a commendable performance before the former was dismissed on the last ball to put the New Zealanders back in the lead.
It is uncertain whether Rishabh Pant, who has assumed the No. 5 role since the start of the home season last month, will come in to bat on Day 4. Pant braved a blow to his right knee and didn’t last the entirety of Day 3, but practiced his attack shots later in the day during India’s tea break.
