"Virat Kohli 76, Extras 8...": What Team India's Scorecard Says About Batters' Performance

29.12.2023 - 11:20 sports.ndtv.com

The Indian cricket team suffered one of its most humiliating defeats in a Test match in recent times, going down to South Africa by an innings and 32 runs in the series opener at Centurion.

In the second innings, Virat Kohli emerged as the only batter who managed to fit the rampant Proteas pace attack, scoring 76 runs from 82 balls before being dismissed by Marco Jansen.

While Kohli's valiant effort wasn't enough for India to even get South Africa to bat for the second time, what's astonishing is that the sum total of all other batters in the second innings was 47.

For India, Virat was the top-scoring batter at 76 while Shubman Gill came in next with a score of 26. No other Indian batter even managed to get into the double-digit score, with the next highest score being 'extras' with 8.

cricket South Africa Cricket Team India Cricket Team South Africa vs India Kagiso Rabada Virat Kohli Rohit Sharma Marco Jansen South Africa India

Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra expressed surprise at Virat Kohli's attacking approach during the second T20I between India and Afghanistan but also cautioned that if he starts playing at a much higher strike rate, he could lose his consistency, which has been one of his hallmarks. Fans in Indore and those watching through electronic devices had a reason to rejoice as 'King Kohli' made his return to the T20I format after more than a year following a crushing loss to England in the ICC T20 World Cup 2022 semifinal. Virat put aside all debates about his strike rate within a matter of a few bat swings, batting with a strike rate of well above 150 and often dancing down the pitch to smash his trademark shots. There were no signs of rust whatsoever as he entertained fans during his brief but electric stay at the crease.

Watch: What Virat Kohli Said After Fan Breached Security To Hug Him During 2nd T20I vs Afghanistan

The fan-following Virat Kohli has in India knows no bounds. As the Indian cricket team took on Afghanistan in the 2nd T20I of the series in Indore, a young man breached security to give the Indian talisman a hug. At that time, the India cricketer was fielding on the ground. After detaining the fan, cops took the young man to Tukoganj police station. A police official said that the youth had a ticket for the match and entered the Holkar Stadium from Narendra Hirwani Gate.

Watch: Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma Can't Control Laughter As India Make Mockery Of Chase In 2nd T20I

India swept aside Afghanistan in the second T20I of a three-match series on Sunday, registering a six-wicket win at the Holkar Stadium in Indore. India captain Rohit Sharma became the first player to feature in 150 T20Is, while star batter Virat Kohli return to the side in the format after a gap of more than 14 months. After bowling Afghanistan out for 172, India achieved the target in 15.4 overs, thanks to half-centuries from Shivam Dube and youngster Yashasvi Jaiswal.

India vs Afghanistan, 2nd T20I: Shubman Gill Dropped, Virat Kohli Returns. What Rohit Sharma Said At Toss

India captain Rohit Sharma won the toss and opted to bowl against Afghanistan in the second T20I in Indore on Sunday. At the toss, Rohit announced two changes as Virat Kohli and Yashasvi Jaiswal returned after missing the series-opener. On the other hand, Shubman Gill and Tilak Varma missed out on a place in the XI. With the series against Afghanistan set to India's last assignment before the T20 World Cup in June, Rohit emphasised that the team wants to try out different things to prepare for the World Cup. As far as the changes were concerned, Rohit did not reveal any details.

India's Predicted XI vs Afghanistan, 2nd T20I: Who Will Make Way For Virat Kohli?

After a convincing victory in the first T20I against Afghanistan, the Indian cricket team gears up for the second match of the series, with returning Virat Kohli in focus. The talismanic batter missed the series opener due to a personal commitment but is back and available for selection in the second T20I of the 3-match assignment. Kohli, who hasn't featured in a T20I for India since the conclusion of the T20 World Cup 2022, will be keen to impress, especially keeping the selection for next year's World Cup in mind.

Novak Djokovic Says He Is Text Buddy With Virat Kohli, Opens Up On His Epic Cricket Shot

Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic will bid for a record-extending 25th Grand Slam when he defends his Australia Open title later this month in Melbourne. Ahead of the Australia Open, Djokovic played an exhibition match with Stefanos Tsitsipas, the man he beat at last year's final at the Rod Laver Arena. Djokovic also hosted a host of Australian celebrities during the even, including Australian cricketer Steve Smith. He also played cricket with Smith and late great Shane Warne's son Jackson. The 36-year-old also revealed that he is in contact with star India batter Virat Kohli through text messaging, despite not meeting him in person.