IND Vs AFG: Virat Kohli Took A Lot Of Time: Suresh Rain's Scintillating Verdict After Australian Dominance

Suresh Raina believes that Virat Kohli assumed a significant responsibility and played with composure following his crucial dropped catch during the India vs. Australia clash on Sunday, October 8th.

In the riveting encounter at Chepauk, a pivotal moment occurred that had a profound impact on the game’s outcome. During India’s chase against Australia, Virat Kohli was offered a lifeline when Australian player Mitchell Marsh dropped a straightforward catch when Kohli had just scored 12 runs. This incident rapidly emerged as a game-changing turning point.

India’s innings had a shaky beginning, with their first three wickets falling for a mere two runs. Under immense pressure, Kohli and KL Rahul were tasked with stabilizing the innings.

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In the eighth over, Kohli handed a seemingly simple catch to Mitchell Marsh, courtesy of a delivery by Josh Hazlewood. However, Marsh failed to clutch onto the ball, granting Kohli a reprieve. This drop became a pivotal moment as it allowed Kohli to continue his innings, ultimately playing a vital role in India’s victory.

Virat Kohli capitalized on this opportunity and, alongside KL Rahul, constructed a formidable partnership of 165 runs. Kohli contributed a well-constructed 85 runs off 116 balls, while Rahul remained unbeaten with a score of 97 runs off 115 balls.

This partnership brought India close to victory, and even after Kohli’s departure, the match was already beyond Australia’s grasp. Hardik Pandya and Rahul then completed the task, securing India’s triumph with six wickets in hand and 52 deliveries to spare.

Virat Kohli’s Drop-Catch Was The Turning Point

During an interview with Sports Today, Suresh Raina expressed his belief that the dropped catch of Kohli marked a turning point in the game. The former Indian cricketer also noted that after that pivotal moment, Kohli shouldered a significant responsibility, maintained his composure, and played an exceptional innings.

“Absolutely. That was the turning point when Mitchell Marsh dropped the catch. After that, Virat Kohli took a lot of time, took a lot of responsibility, calmed down, and played very well,” remarked Raina.

Virat Kohli eventually got out on 85 falling short of 15 runs of what could have been his 48th century in ODI cricket. He was again there when the team needed him most, took his innings step-by-step, and stitched up a match-saving partnership with KL Rahul.

India will now face Afghanistan in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 on 11th October at the Arun Jaitely Stadium in Delhi. Coincidentally, 11th October is also the team’s vice-captain Hardik Pandya’s birthday. It will be a great gift to Hardik if India adds two more points to the tally.