Ganesh Kendale
NEW DELHI: Disappointment and frustration were written all over Virat Kohli’s face as he walked back after losing his wicket to a tempting full toss from New Zealand’s Mitchell Santner in the second Test in Pune, leaving the crowd stunned.
Kohli, bowled out for just 1, stood at the crease momentarily, visibly shocked by the unexpected dismissal, his head down and leaning on his bat.
Following the dismissal, former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar voiced his thoughts on social media, calling Kohli’s shot “the worst” of his career.
“Oh dear! Virat will know himself that he has just played the worst shot of his career to get out. Got to feel for him… as always he came out with solid & honest intent,” Manjrekar tweeted.
Santner, who had earlier trapped Shubman Gill lbw for 30, struck again with the full toss that bowled Kohli, triggering a collapse that saw India bowled out for 156.
Santner was New Zealand’s hero, taking 7 wickets for 53 runs to dismantle the Indian batting lineup.
New Zealand, riding on fifties from Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra, posted 259 in their first innings.
India, who lost the opening Test in Bengaluru by eight wickets, aiming for a 19th consecutive home series victory since 2012.
India will need a strong comeback to level the series at 1-1 before the final Test at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium.
