"Virat Kohli's Wicket Was Huge": New Zealand Star Blunt Verdict

18.10.2024 - 16:37 sports.ndtv.com

Top-order batter Rachin Ravindra was relieved after New Zealand managed to bag the big wicket of Virat Kohli off the final ball of the third day, and hoped the bowlers will keep piling pressure on India on Saturday.

Kohli (70) and Sarfaraz Khan (70 not out) added 136 runs for the third wicket to take India to 231 for three at stumps in the opening Test.

But the former Indian skipper fell to Glenn Phillips, edging him to stumper Tom Blundell to bring some respite to the visitors. "It's pretty hard to crystal-ball gaze into the future.

It's a quality batting line-up on a wicket that's not doing too much, so it's important for us to hold our lines and lengths and do that for long periods.

cricket India Cricket Team New Zealand Cricket Team India vs New Zealand 2024 Virat Kohli Tom Blundell Glenn Phillips Rachin Ravindra New Zealand India

Team India faced a shocking 113-run defeat against New Zealand in the second Test in Pune. This loss turned out to be a historic one as New Zealand gained an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series and ended India's 12-year-old winning streak at home in Test cricket. In the second Test, India needed 359 runs to win but they got bundled out for 245 as the Kiwi spinner Mitchell Santner wreaked havoc with his six-wicket haul. Apart from this loss, another major concern for Rohit Sharma and co is the poor form of star batter Virat Kohli.

"Those Times Are Gone": AB De Villiers Namedrops Virat Kohli In Big Verdict On India

The Indian cricket team has already lost its ongoing home Test series to New Zealand. In the three-match affair, the Rohit Sharma-led side trails 0-2 against the visitors with a game to go. It also turned out to be India's first Test series loss on home soil in 12 years. Talks of India's dominance at home were put to rest by the Blackcaps, who fetched the best of the conditions on offer. While the hosts' defeat has put them under severe criticism, former South Africa captain and batter AB de Villiers has pointed out that there is nothing wrong with India.

Fresh Video Of Virat Kohli's Reaction After 'Heartbreaking' Dismissal In Pune Test Goes Viral

Batting maestro Virat Kohli was visibly heartbroken after his dismissal on Day 3 of the second Test against New Zealand, which India lost by 113 runs in Pune to concede the series. He was dismissed on 17 by Mitchell Santner, sparking an India batting collapse. With a mammoth target of 359 in front of them, India needed Kohli to stand tall with the Rohit Sharma and others already back in the hut. While Kohli did get a decent start, he was undone by a beautiful delivery from Santer, who got it to zip quickly off the surface. The ball hit him straight in front of the leg stump and umpire Richard Illingworth raised his finger.

"Senior Players Need To...": Ex-India Star Irfan Pathan Sends Warning To Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma And Co.

Following India's series defeat to New Zealand on home soil, former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan took to X to express both praise for New Zealand and concern for the Indian team's performance in the longer format. In his tweet, Pathan commended New Zealand's impressive achievement and emphasized the need for reflection and improvement within Team India. "Well done, New Zealand, on winning the series on Indian soil! For Team India, there's a lot to reflect on. Senior players need to step up and deliver in the ultimate format of the game. The next three months will be crucial for them."

Virat Kohli Can't Control Frustration After 'Unlucky' Umpire's Call Dismissal vs New Zealand. Does This - Watch

Virat Kohli was frustrated man on Saturday. The star India batter is not going through the best of phases. Before India's second innings against New Zealand in the second Test, Kohli's scores in the series read 0, 70 and 1. His latest innings was also not noteworthy as he fell for jusy 17 that left India reeling against New Zealand chasing a high target. Ultimately India fell short by 113 runs to slump to their first home Test series loss in 12 years. Kohli was left seething after his dismissal after he was trapped in front of the wicket by MItchell Santner.

"Unluckiest Cricketer Ever": Virat Kohli's Umpire's Call Dismissal In Pune Test Stuns Everyone

Fans sympathised with star India batter Virat Kohli after his 'unfortunate' dismissal on Day 3 of the 2nd Test against New Zealand in Pune. With a mammoth target of 359 in front of them, India needed Kohli to stand tall with the likes of Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal already back in the hut. While Kohli did get a decent start, he was undone by a beautiful delivery from Mitchell Santer, who got it to zip quickly off the surface. The ball hit him straight in front of the leg stump and umpire Richard Illingworth raised his finger.