In a surprising turn of events during the India vs. Bangladesh World Cup 2023 match in Pune, former Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli made an extraordinary contribution by stepping up to the bowling crease for the first time in a World Cup match since 2015. Kohli, renowned for his extraordinary batting skills, bowled three crucial deliveries, replacing the injured Hardik Pandya. This unexpected twist not only electrified the Pune crowd but also showed Kohli’s versatility on the cricket field.
The drama unfolded in the 9th over of the match when Hardik Pandya suffered an ankle injury while delivering his first over. In response to this sudden setback, Virat Kohli was summoned to the crease to bowl three vital deliveries. During this brief stint, he exhibited exceptional control and finesse, conceding only two runs. The last time Kohli showcased his bowling skills in a World Cup match was way back in 2015, against Australia in Sydney, under the leadership of then-captain MS Dhoni.
During his short but impactful bowling performance against Bangladesh, Kohli’s deliveries consistently reached an impressive speed of around 105 kilometres per hour. What made his performance even more remarkable was the precision in length and line, allowing his opponents to score just two runs. Tanzid Hasan and Litton Das could manage no more than a single each from his three balls.
As Virat Kohli received the ball from the current captain, Rohit Sharma, and walked to the bowling crease, the crowd at Pune’s stadium erupted in thunderous applause and cheers. It was a remarkable sight to witness the former captain taking charge of the ball, a testament to the immense respect and admiration he commands among fans.
Although Kohli’s bowling performance left fans craving for more, he wasn’t granted another over. Instead, all-rounder Shardul Thakur was called into action. However, the Bangladeshi openers, Tanzid Hasan and Litton Das, capitalized on their opportunities against the medium pacer, forming a 50-plus run partnership for the first wicket.
[IND vs BAN] Memes Galore As Virat Kohli Bowls Vs Bangladesh
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Virat Kohli bowling highlights#INDvsBANpic.twitter.com/dUrKhJTydg
— ` (@KohliKlassic) October 19, 2023
Virat Kohli bowling After 6 years.
i am crying 😭🥺❤️ #INDvsBAN pic.twitter.com/uwi1SqeoCs— Daily Detect (@DailyDetect) October 19, 2023
Virat Kohli The Bowler Bowling Right arm quick bowling for India 🔥#INDvsBANpic.twitter.com/21gST0kuHC
— ANSH. (@KohliPeak) October 19, 2023
Virat Kohli about his bowling action.😂#INDvsBAN pic.twitter.com/r62tOkQoTR
— Krishna (@Atheist_Krishna) October 19, 2023
Virat Kohli, right arm quick bowler
The GOAT is bowling after 8 years in a world cup pic.twitter.com/WpYf8MknYS
— Kevin (@imkevin149) October 19, 2023
Virat Kohli bowling during IND vs BAN World Cup Match. 🤩#ViratKohli #INDvsBAN #indiavsbangladeshpic.twitter.com/eYs23iE2gL
— ɅMɅN DUВΞY 🇮🇳 (@imAmanDubey) October 19, 2023
Virat Kohli bowling in World Cup. 👑#ViratKohli #indiavsbangladesh#INDvsBANpic.twitter.com/7rrvULRQja
— ɅMɅN DUВΞY 🇮🇳 (@imAmanDubey) October 19, 2023