Former Team India skipper Virat Kohli recreated his shot from the 2018 Perth Test match in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT 2024-25) opening match. Virat Kohli dazzled viewers by hitting a stunning on-drive against Australia skipper Pat Cummins during the third day on Sunday, November 24.
Virat has been under scrutiny after a string of low scores in the longer format of the game. The right-handed batter scored just 5 runs off 12 balls before being dismissed by Pat Cummins in the first innings. He looked confident before nicking the ball to Usman Khawaja, who was stationed at first slip.
Watch: Virat Kohli Shows 2018 Vintage Glimpse In Second Innings
In the second innings, the 36-year-old batter came to the crease when India was at 275/2. Devdutt Padikkal, who scored 25 runs off 71 balls with two fours, was dismissed on the first ball of the post-lunch session. Kohli played with authority without giving a single chance to Australia in his second outing.
On the first ball of the 93rd over, Kohli played a classic shot reminiscent of his 2018 form with a beautiful straight drive off Pat Cummins. Kohli capitalized on a full delivery and punched it down the ground for four. The star batter flawlessly drove the ball past the non-striker with the full face of the bat.
Here’s Kerry O’Keeffe analysing Virat Kohli’s on-drive. Hello.
Enjoy #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/vqitUP8LWR
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) November 24, 2024
Virat Kohli Remains Unbeaten on 40 Runs After Second Session
Resuming at 0-172, Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul set a record for India’s highest opening stand in Tests in Australia. Jaiswal, who was unbeaten on 90, reached his fourth Test century with a ramp shot off Josh Hazlewood. Australia managed just one breakthrough of Rahul in the morning session.
However, the home team bounced back in the second session on the third day. They managed to take four wickets, including dangerous batter Rishabh Pant. Padikkal was dismissed on the first ball of the session. Jaiswal scored 161 runs off 297 balls, while Pant and Dhruv Jurel added just one run each.
India finished the second session at 359 for five with Virat Kohli (40) and Washington Sundar (14) at the crease. The visitors still have five wickets left in their innings, and they will hope to add more runs in the final session before giving Australian batters a chance to bat.
Real Threat Today Virat Kohli – Kerry O’Keeffe
Before the start of Day 3, former Australian spinner Kerry O’Keeffe said that Kohli could capitalize on a pitch that has flattened out and regain his form. O’Keeffe said that the conditions might favor batting and that Kohli could make the most of it before the pitch becomes more challenging.
“He’s a real threat today Kohli … I think he wants a big innings this second innings,” O’Keeffe explained on Fox Cricket’s Test Match Daily.
“The wicket might just be right for batting today; it may get a little more difficult tomorrow, but Kohli bats today – and India intend you’ve think to bat all day if they can.”
Also read: Rohit Sharma kicked aside! KL Rahul-Yashasvi Jaiswal tagged as the best opening pair for Adelaide Test
