Virat Kohli, the Indian skipper led from the front and took on a rebuilding job for his team on Saturday, taking them to 146 for 3 before bad light played spoilsport on Day 2 of the inaugural World Test Championship (WTC) final against New Zealand.
Virat Kohli’s performance with the bat-inspired Bharat Army to sign his name from the stands in a special chant.
Virat Kohli’s Performance With The Bat Inspired Bharat Army To Chant His Name
Virat Kohli and his deputy Ajinkya Rahane added 58 runs for the 4th wicket as the duo remained unbeaten at Stumps on Day 2. Virat Kohli really stood out with his control in bowler-friendly conditions at Rose Bowl. He was batting on 44, while Ajinkya Rahane was accompanying him on 29.
“Kohli is a boy making a big noise when he picks the bat he will take on the world these days. Fashion that raze, smashing New Zealand all over the place.”
Notably, bad light and rain forced early Stumps as only 64.4 overs were bowled as play was suspended twice after Tea before being eventually called off. Incessant rain saw the opening day’s play being washed off at the Ageas Bowl on Friday while India managed to score 146/3 before bad light stopped play.
Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, And Cheteshwar Pujara Were Dismissed
New Zealand will be disappointed as it could have been worse after a 62-run opening stand between Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, the first 50 run plus opening stand in a decade in England. New Zealand’s new-ball bowlers Tim Southee and Trent Boult got off to an uncharacteristically indifferent start. Towards the end of the day, Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane looked sublime in fading light as New Zealand didn’t offer easy scoring opportunities.
After persistent rain washed out the entire opening day on Friday, New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson won the toss and elected to bowl against India under overcast conditions. Both teams stuck to their strength with India picking both their spinners — Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja — and New Zealand opting for an all-seam attack including all-rounder Colin de Grandhomme.
India 146 for 3 (Rohit 38, Gill 28, Pujara 8, Rahane 29*, Kohli 44*, Jamieson 1-14, Wagner 1-28, Boult 1-32) vs New Zealand at Stump’s on Day 2