South Africa’s 163-run lead following the second innings applied immediate pressure on the Indian batting lineup during the Boxing Day Test’s second session. The Proteas’ bowlers swiftly dismissed the top three Indian batters, intensifying the challenge for the hosts.
However, a moment of relief emerged for the touring team when Virat Kohli’s elegant six, executed with a wristy shot over deep cover, momentarily eased the mounting tension.
The pitch, which had posed challenges for the Indian bowlers in the morning session, transformed when the Proteas’ bowlers impeccably executed their strategies. By the 17.5-over mark, the Men in Blue found themselves at 72-4, losing Shreyas Iyer to Marco Jansen.
With a fragile batting lineup in line, Kohli countered the mounting pressure by delivering an exceptional six off Gerald Coetzee in the third ball of the 19th over. Coetzee’s speedy delivery outside the off stump prompted Kohli to shift his weight onto the back foot, allowing him to elegantly lift the ball over the deep cover region for a six.
25th Test Six for Virat Kohli pic.twitter.com/XbftGlDohi
— Abhi (@Abhishek43Jain) December 28, 2023
.@imVkohli brings up his 5️⃣0️⃣
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) December 28, 2023
He came out in the middle with all guns blazing countering the fiery 🇿🇦 bowling attack 🔥
Will the 👑 go on & convert it into a big one?
Tune in to #SAvIND 1st Test
LIVE NOW | Star Sports Network#Cricket pic.twitter.com/edhPpCavOi
Amidst a pitch where the Indian batters struggled to execute their shots, the Indian captain displayed exquisite timing with his wristwork and lower-handed finesse. Initially, even the broadcasters struggled to trace the ball’s landing, but the umpire’s signal confirmed it as an unexpected maximum for the home team.