India’s decision to bat after winning the toss was overshadowed by Keshav Maharaj’s early breakthroughs against Rohit Sharma and Rishabh Pant in the second over.
With Suryakumar Yadav also falling within the powerplay, Axar Patel was promoted to No. 5 to stabilize alongside Virat Kohli.
A notable moment came in the ninth over when Axar hit a six off Maharaj, earning Kohli’s approval. In the ninth over, after three singles, Axar confidently slog-swept a tossed-up delivery from Maharaj for a six.
— Johnson (@Johnson427427) June 29, 2024
Virat Kohli appreciating Axar. ♥️ pic.twitter.com/zBVZset1GH
— 𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗶.🏴 (@kohlifangirl178) June 29, 2024
Kohli, watching from the non-striker’s end, gave Axar a thumbs-up gesture in appreciation. Even Maharaj, the bowler, seemed impressed by the quality of the shot, sparking a reaction across social media.
