Virat Kohli’s recent innings in the second Test against New Zealand at Pune’s Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium was short-lived, extending his lean run in Tests for 2024.
Kohli, who has a strong record at the venue and recently scored 70 runs in the first Test, was expected to make a big contribution but fell for just 1 run off 9 balls. His dismissal, bowled by a low full-toss from Mitchell Santner, was particularly surprising for a player of his caliber.
Attempting an uncharacteristic cross-line shot, Kohli missed the ball, which slipped under his bat to hit middle and leg stumps.
Fans voiced disappointment on social media, with criticism mounting over Kohli’s performance. England’s Barmy Army added fuel to the fire by posting a picture of his dismissal with the caption “Mind the gap,” though they quickly deleted it after backlash.
With a substantial lead of over 250 runs and four wickets down in their second innings, New Zealand is in a commanding position.
India, meanwhile, will need Kohli and other top-order batters to step up in the second innings if they hope to prevent New Zealand from breaking India’s unbeaten home series record, held since a 2012 loss to England.