Heading towards the pivotal encounter between India and South Africa, Rabada had previously dismissed Kohli four times in Test matches, setting the stage for a significant showdown between these contemporary giants as India aimed for their first series triumph in South Africa.
Despite India losing three early wickets, Kohli and Shreyas Iyer formed a crucial partnership, contributing 68 runs before succumbing to Rabada’s formidable second spell post Lunch.
Iyer fell victim to Rabada’s delivery due to the low bounce on the Centurion pitch, and shortly afterward, Kohli faced a similar fate, attributed to Rabada’s skill.
The bowler’s delivery angled into Kohli, compelling him to play, but the ball deviated away upon pitching, resulting in a faint nick off Kohli’s bat and a comfortable catch for wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne. Kohli’s dismissal left him visibly surprised, glancing at umpire Paul Reiffel before departing the field.
— Travis Head (@TravisHead8441) December 26, 2023
Following this critical moment, Twitter users swiftly lauded Rabada’s strategic prowess, despite the loss of Kohli’s wicket.