Drama, anxiety and speculation; the Virat Kohly injury saga was proved to be tantalisingly agonising for the Indian fans. And the bomb finally dropped this morning, when Ajinkya Rahane walked out for the toss instead of captain Kohli.
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Kohli had injured his shoulder while fielding during Australia’s first innings in Ranchi, and couldn’t recover in time for the decider. Kuldeep Yadav was drafted in instead of the captain and has had a good start to his test career, getting rid of the dangerous Warner with a beautiful one that bounced a little extra.
Virat Kohli’s absence would definitely hurt the Indian side even though Kohli hasn’t been in the best of form throughout this series. But Kohli’s presence on the field and the way he motivates his troops would be something that India would dearly miss in the field.
Rahane has taken on the mantle of leading the side and while he is very different in his approach than Virat Kohli, and far less animated, India would be hoping that his methods can help India get over the line against this stiff Australian challenge.
Here is how Twitter reacted to Kohli’s absence. Check out the reactions on the next page:
Though Kohli isn't playing this game, he'll do most damage by coming on the field & by giving suggestions. He's still in the game. #IndvAus
— . (@cricketenthus) March 25, 2017
#IndvAus: Injured Virat Kohli brings teammates drinks, wins hearts https://t.co/zw4vXcluE6 pic.twitter.com/JFAJwKy6uw
— NDTV (@ndtv) March 25, 2017
No Kohli, fine pitch, toss won, batsmen doing well, beautiful stadium, wonder what the tabloids in Oz will search for now….
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) March 25, 2017
Indian team in absence of Virat Kohli be like pic.twitter.com/bkNqOlSz5P
— Malay Joshi (@malaykj) March 25, 2017
Team Australia, when offered water by Kohli pic.twitter.com/kO2L7DQ1pZ
— Wealth CreatoRatty, Not DistributoRatty (@YearOfRat) March 25, 2017
https://twitter.com/RoyalViratian/status/845500149233258498
Kohli the biggest name drinks waiter since? pic.twitter.com/5WAmjoU8kX
— Daniel Brettig 🏏 (@danbrettig) March 25, 2017
People sometimes mistake @ajinkyarahane88's polite, understated demeanour for softness. Don't. Different from Kohli but as tough as anybody
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) March 25, 2017
Pic1:When Steve Smith Came Know Virat Kohli Is Not Playing
Pic2:When Steven Smith Came Know Ishant Sharma Is Not Playing#INDvAUS #INDvsAUS pic.twitter.com/iN9Y7i4Y2t— Sir Jadeja fan (@SirJadeja) March 25, 2017
More reactions on the next page
Can't rule out Kohli coming in as a substitute fielder some time just to rile up the Aussies 🙂
— Karthik (@playstraight) March 25, 2017
'Talent wins you matches, teamwork wins you a series' – This isn't a one man team. Time for Team India to raise the bar sans Kohli #IndvAus
— Jatin Sapru (@jatinsapru) March 25, 2017
Last time India Played without Virat Kohli was Six years ago in November 2011 vs West Indies..
— Broken Cricket (@BrokenCricket) March 25, 2017
https://twitter.com/Sarcasticdudee/status/845166642027909120
Virat Kohli giving a pep talk to the youngster Kuldeep Yadav from the sidelines after he got his maiden Test wicket is gold!👍#IndvAus pic.twitter.com/KnTgMkI9Da
— Chinmay Jawalekar (@CricfreakTweets) March 25, 2017
Indian cricket team without virat kohli is Like an Indian without Aadhar! #IndvAus #INDvsAUS
— Virat Kohli FC (@ViratKohli_King) March 25, 2017