Star Indian batsman Virat Kohli exhibited exceptional form during the practice session in Cape Town before India’s upcoming second Test against South Africa starting on January 3.
A video shared by a PTI journalist showcased Kohli facing deliveries from bowlers like Mohammed Siraj, Ravichandran Ashwin, and a net bowler. Kohli elegantly dispatched a delivery from Siraj towards mid-wicket and then confidently dispatched Ashwin for a massive six down the ground, displaying his prowess.
Kohli’s impressive performance, scoring 76 runs off 82 balls in the first Test at Centurion, highlighted his recent sensational form. However, his individual brilliance didn’t receive adequate support from the rest of the team, resulting in the visitors suffering a comprehensive defeat by an innings and 32 runs on Day 3, handing the Proteas a victory.
Even in the initial innings, Kohli’s promising 38 runs were curtailed by an exceptional delivery from Kagiso Rabada. Although KL Rahul scored a century in the same innings, India struggled overall with the bat, unable to counter the relatively inexperienced South African pace attack.
Despite their hopes for a series win fading, India still has significant stakes in the Cape Town Test. They have the opportunity to level the series and secure crucial World Test Championship (WTC) points. However, achieving this goal might involve making strategic selection decisions and altering the team composition.
Virat Kohli at nets. Lofts Ashwin for a Six.#IndianCricketTeam #INDvsSA pic.twitter.com/W9MkUGMvwB
— Kushan Sarkar (@kushansarkar) January 1, 2024
If Ravindra Jadeja is fit, he could seamlessly replace Ravichandran Ashwin in the lineup. Considering Shardul Thakur and Prasidh Krishna’s subpar performance in Centurion, it’s likely that one of them might be omitted. India might consider backing Mukesh Kumar as the third seamer in Cape Town or look towards Avesh Khan, who exhibited promising form for India A.