Even after batting for about 45 overs and fielding for over 10 overs, the energy levels of Virat Kohli remain so high. His celebration of the dismissal of Heinrich Klaasen was far more aggressive and animated than his celebration of his own century.
While Virat Kohli notched up his 49th ODI century, equalling the legend Sachin Tendulkar’s tally, he brought out more reactions and spark in the dismissal celebration of Heinrich Klaasen than he did in his century.
Ravindra Jadeja dismissed Heinrich Klaasen lbw. However, India needed the usage of DRS as the umpire on the field had given Heinrich Klaasen not out. Jadeja and KL Rahul convinced Rohit Sharma to go upstairs as Klaasen is an important batsman and looked out initially, even though the on-field umpire didn’t concur.
Upon review, it was confirmed that Klaasen was out. On seeing the ball ‘Hitting’ the leg stump on the giant screen at the Eden Gardens, Virat Kohli erupted with joy and elation, so did the rest of the Indian players and the 70,000-strong Kolkata crowd. However, Virat Kohli’s celebration was outside the team huddle, and his hyperactive energy was palpable, knowing how important Klaasen’s wicket was for India to come close to sealing this game as Klaasen has been in sensational form in the tournament.
Just behind Virat Kohli stood young Shubman Gill who simply, astonished, watched Kohli celebrate wildly.
Watch: Virat Kohli celebrated wildly the dismissal of Heinrich Klaasen; Gill watches on
Oh man pic.twitter.com/r7OQsWZvND
— Taimoor Zaman (@taimoorze) November 5, 2023
Virat Kohli bagged the Man of the Match for his knock of 101 runs on a tough and ticky pitch. Shreyas Iyer scored 77 runs along with quickfire knocks from Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, and Ravindra Jadeja helped India post a total of 326
After that, Ravindra Jadeja got on a roll and took his maiden World Cup five-wicket haul as India bowled South Africa out for only 83 runs, winning the contest by 243 runs.
Man of the Match Kohli said: “It was a big game, probably playing the toughest team in the tournament. There was a motivation to do well. Because it happened on my birthday, it becomes special and the people made it more special for me. I did wake up with that excitement that today is not just another game. People from the outside look at the game in a bit of a different way.”
