During the third day of the second Test match of the ongoing India’s tour of Bangladesh in Mirpur, former India captain Virat Kohli (1) became their fourth batter to get out cheaply in the pursuit of a menial 145-run target.
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Succumbing to pressure created by early wickets, India finished the day on 45/4 in 23 overs. Promoted to No. 4 for the first time in international cricket, all-rounder Axar Patel (26*) batted exceedingly well in a crunch situation as he will resume batting with nightwatchman Jaydev Unadkat (3*) tomorrow.
Having said that, the likes of captain KL Rahul (2), vice-captain Cheteshwar Pujara (6), opening batter Shubman Gill (7) and Kohli were all found wanting against the spinners. Opening the bowling, Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan dismissed Rahul in his second over only to be followed by all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz picking three wickets in the eight overs that he bowled on Day 3.
Not that India should have won the match within 23 overs but a more attacking approach could have prevented the Bangladeshi spinners from dominating in the fourth innings. India could perhaps have taken a leaf out of England’s approach to chase down a 167-run target against Pakistan in Karachi earlier this week.
Virat Kohli and Taijul Islam fight
Although Kohli has long left a lean patch in white-ball cricket behind him, he still has to register a sizeable performance in Test cricket. Been wrongly given out once, Kohli was quick to challenge the umpire’s decision. With replays confirming that he had edged the ball, third umpire Michael Gough overturned an original decision which had ruled him out lbw.
Kohli, however, never looked to dominate or even play positively during his 22-ball stay at the Shere Bangla National Stadium. Been eventually caught at short leg by former Bangladesh captain Mominul Haque, Kohli was seen getting involved in an animated conversation with Shakib.
While the exact details of the same remain unknown, Kohli was signaling towards Bangladesh spinner Taijul Islam during his chat with Shakib. It could be a possibility that Islam might have said something to Kohli right after his dismissal which irked the latter but with him losing his wicket, the right-handed batter had no business staying in the ground for much long.
Not only floundering with the bat in hand, Kohli also erred multiple times on the field on Saturday. Having dropped as many as four catches at first slip, Kohli had a torrid day at work today.
