Virat Kohli as usual didn’t stop from expressing himself on the field, however, his actions were not appreciated by several ex-cricketers. Many felt the India Test captain went a step ahead while slamming a DRS decision on Day 3 of the third and final Test against South Africa at Cape Town.
The incident involved South Africa captain Dean Elgar, who was trapped LBW by Ravichandran Ashwin before DRS came to the batter’s rescue. It happened when Dean Elgar was batting on 22 as Ravichandran Ashwin hit his pads with a tossed-up delivery, which looked plumb to naked eyes.
Virat Kohli Has A Right To Voice Decision But Has To Keep In Mind That Kids Are Watching The Game: Aakash Chopra
However, ball tracking showed an uncharacteristic bounce and reflected that it was passing above the stumps. Soon after the decision the Indian fielders were left puzzled and questioned the scrutiny of the technology. Virat Kohli too was furious about the decision and in order to express his displeasure the India captain went right at the stumps and said: “Focus on your team as well and not just the opposition.”
Sharing his views on Virat Kohli’s on-field antics, former Indian Test opener and commentator Aakash Chopra said that the outburst could have been due to the heat of the moment but he cautioned the India captain that it was not the right thing to do.
“Of course at the heat of the moment, you are agitated, you’re frustrated because even while looking at the screen I was bewildered ‘how did it actually miss’ because it looked like crashing onto the stump.”
“If you look at Dean Elgar’s face expression after he was told he is not-out, there was a sheepish smile. ‘Okay, did I just get out of jail because even I thought I was out.’ Because the DRS was taken more in hope and less in believe,” said Chopra on Star Sports.
However, the former India player was quick to point out that it was not the appropriate thing to do as it could set perceptions about the umpires or the technology among the kids who were watching the match.
“You have a right to perhaps voice your decision but is that the right manner. I’m not 100 percent certain because as Morne Morkel (co-panelist) pointed there are lots and lots of kids watching the game and they may actually form an opinion about the DRS, umpires,” added Chopra.
Meanwhile, South Africa ended Day 3 of the Cape Town Test at 101 for 2. On Day 3, Virat Kohli kicked the ground in disgust after the DRS went against them and then spoke to the stump microphone. Another Indian player was heard saying, “Whole country is against eleven players.” and another cricketer added, “broadcasters are here to make money boys”. Before Virat Kohli, a frustrated Ravichandran Ashwin was also seen speaking to the stump mic.
Keegan Petersen Scores 82 As South Africa Needs Only 41 More Runs To Win Test And Series
Chasing the target of 212 against India in the third Test, Rassie van der Dussen and Temba Bavuma seem to have hit their strides after they went into a shell following the big wicket of Keegan Petersen(82). They have put on 16 runs in 8.4 overs to take their side 41 runs away from victory at Lunch.
Keegan Petersen and Rassie van der Dussen’s 54-run partnership put the Proteas in front in the first session but Shardul Thakur got India back in the game by dismissing the former who scored a vital 82.