IND vs AUS 2023: Was Virat Kohli out today – Wasn’t Kohli not out in Delhi Test?

Dixit Bhargav | 18/02/2023
IND vs AUS 2023: Was Virat Kohli out today - Wasn't Kohli not out in Delhi Test?

Former India captain Virat Kohli’s (44) dismissal in the ongoing second Test match against Australia in Delhi has created a furore across social media platforms. Kohli, who was the pick of the Indian batters on a day where the others failed to adjust to Australian spinners’ masterly lines and lengths, was dismissed under debatable circumstances.

Six runs short of his 29th Test half-century, Kohli became the first Test wicket of debutant Australia spinner Matthew Kuhnemann after he initially appeared to have been struck on the front pad whilst wanting to defend a ball.

Kohli, who didn’t think at all before challenging on-field umpire Nitin Menon’s decision, was unfortunate after third umpire Richard Illingworth didn’t rule the decision in his favour. Clearly frustrated by the same, Kohli was seen in an unbelievable state whilst both walking back to the pavilion and after watching the replays in the dressing room.

Wasn’t Virat Kohli not out in Delhi Test?

It is noteworthy that Kohli was not out in the second session of the second day of this match at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. With the replays confirming that the ball had hit Kohli’s bat and front pad at the same time, Illingworth should’ve overturned the decision.

The same should’ve happened under MCC’s Law 36.2.2 which gives the benefit of doubt to a batter in such a situation. “In assessing point 36.1.3, if the ball makes contact with the striker’s person and bat simultaneously, this shall be considered as the ball having first touched the bat,” read the law.

Had Menon not given Kohli out on the field, he would’ve remained “Not Out” because Australia had lost all their reviews in the morning session itself. Playing an international match at his home ground after almost four years, Kohli was looking in his zone on Saturday. Having provided enough hints around looking to bring an end to a rut in this format, Kohli’s anger was all the more justified.

For those who don’t remember, Kohli was a victim of a similar dismissal during Indian Premier League 2022 Match 18 between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Mumbai Indians in Pune.

Post Edited By: Dixit Bhargav
Australia Australia tour of India 2023 Border Gavaskar Trophy India Matthew Kuhnemann Virat Kohli

About the author

Dixit Bhargav

Born and brought up in Pathankot, Dixit Bhargav is an engineering and sports management graduate who works as a Cricket Editor at The SportsRush. Having written more than 10,000 articles across more than five years at TSR, his first cricketing memory dates back to 2002 when former India captain Sourav Ganguly had waved his jersey at the historic Lord’s balcony. What followed for an 8-year-old was an instant adulation for both Ganguly and the sport. The optimist in him is waiting for the day when Punjab Kings will win their maiden Indian Premier League title. When not watching cricket, he is mostly found in a cinema hall watching a Punjabi movie.

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