In the third session of Day 4 at Green Park, Kanpur, cricket fans witnessed a heart-stopping moment that could have dramatically altered the course of India’s innings in the second Test against Bangladesh. Virat Kohli, the seasoned batsman, found himself in a precarious position due to a mix-up with Rishabh Pant, which almost cost him his wicket.
The incident unfolded when Kohli, who had just come to bat at No.5, tapped a slower delivery from Khaled Ahmed towards mid-on. Initially, Kohli set off for a single, with Pant responding before abruptly sending him back. This hesitation left Kohli stranded, short of his crease. Here, fate intervened in Kohli’s favor. Khaled, instead of executing a straightforward run-out, fumbled spectacularly, missing the stumps entirely in his attempt to dislodge the bails.
WATCH: Rishabh Pant Hugs Virat Kohli After He Survives A Mix Up
This stroke of luck didn’t go unnoticed. Kohli, visibly agitated at first, later shared a sportsmanlike hug with Pant, indicating a moment of relief and camaraderie amidst the tension. At the time, Kohli was just two runs off the mark, and India were comfortably positioned at 147 for three, having dominated the early part of the innings.
A mixup between Virat Kohli and Pant.
– Pant hugs Kohli after Virat survives. 😂❤️pic.twitter.com/2R43IB4Eh8
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) September 30, 2024
The day began promisingly for India with the opening duo of Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal setting a brisk pace, amassing 55 runs in just 3.5 overs. However, the momentum didn’t slow down even after Rohit’s dismissal for 23. Jaiswal continued his aggressive play, notching up a quick-fire 72 off 51 balls, adorned with 12 fours and two sixes.
Jaiswal’s departure brought Shubman Gill to the crease, who continued the assault with a brisk 39 off 36 balls. However, the performance of Rishabh Pant, who was promoted to No.4, didn’t match the aggression shown by his teammates. Pant’s brief stay at the crease ended with a score of just nine off 11 balls, showcasing a rare moment of vulnerability in India’s otherwise robust batting lineup.
This Test match in Kanpur not only highlighted the individual prowess of players like Jaiswal and the enduring luck of Kohli but also underscored the unpredictable nature of cricket where a single moment can sway the game’s direction. As the match progresses, fans are left wondering how Kohli’s fortunate escape might influence his performance and the team’s strategy in the remaining overs.
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