IND vs SA: Watch- Virat Kohli Motivates Team In Rohit Sharma's Absence Before Final Session Of 1st Test

Former India captain Virat Kohli assumed a leadership role, delivering a motivational pep talk before the final session on Day 2 of the ongoing Boxing Day Test. Virat Kohli attempted to boost the team’s morale as they faced a challenging situation before the Tea break.

Mohammed Siraj provided an early breakthrough, dismissing Aiden Markram (5) in the fourth over. Dean Elgar added a 93-run partnership with Tony de Zorzi for the second wicket. However, Jasprit Bumrah dismissed de Zorzi and Keegan Petersen in quick succession.

Elgar scored his 14th hundred in red-ball cricket, giving the upper hand to his team. The left-handed batter remained unbeaten, scoring 140 runs off 211 deliveries, including 23 boundaries. South Africa finished Day 2 at 256 for 5, holding an 11-run lead in the series opener.

Watch – Virat Kohli Gives Pep Talk Ahead Of Final Session On Day 2

Rohit Sharma was absent after tea at SuperSport Park in Centurion due to an elbow injury. Virat took charge in uplifting the spirits of the team, despite Jasprit Bumrah being the vice-captain. This gesture came after a forgettable second session for the visiting team.

Rohit Sharma was absent initially due to an elbow injury sustained in the second session. However, the Indian skipper returned to the field and resumed leading the team after three overs in the post-tea session. He is expected to be fit to bat in the second innings.

Virat Kohli giving Pep talk ahead of the final session.
Leader ? pic.twitter.com/xrip2XVcPw

— Arjit Gupta (@Melbourne_NT82) December 27, 2023

Kohli led India in Test cricket for seven years, guiding the team to 40 wins in 68 matches. The 35-year-old is widely regarded as the greatest captain in the longest format. He took charge as Test skipper in 2015, and he stepped down after the South Africa tour in 2022.

Also Read: IND Vs SA: Sanjay Bangar Claims India’s Inexperienced Bowling Line-up Hurt Them On Day 2

There Is Not Too Much You Can Do – Dinesh Karthik

Dinesh Karthik commented on Virat Kohli’s dismissal by South African pacer Kagiso Rabada on Day 1, describing it as a delivery of exceptional quality. Karthik noted that Centurion has been a successful venue for both Rabada and Kohli.

“Centurion has been a very happy hunting ground for Kagiso Rabada. The same way, Virat Kohli has some success on Centurion as well and has got a hundred there. So, when the best is up against the best, you got to see what the challenge is all about. It is just not a battle of technique, but the mental battle is as tough as anything else,” Karthik told Cricbuzz.

“Virat Kohli batted really well, weathered the first spell, and when he did come back for his second spell, he did everything he could till he got that nasty one. It was angled in, pitched, and went out. As a batter, all you can do is just play the line, which is what Virat Kohli did, and it ends up taking your edge. There is not too much you can do,” he added.

Kohli entered the crease at 23/2 in 9.4 overs, and contributed 38 runs off 64 deliveries, playing a vital role in establishing a crucial 68-run partnership with Shreyas Iyer for the fourth wicket. This partnership proved pivotal in stabilizing the innings for the visitors.

Also read: IND vs SA: Watch – Virat Kohli’s Magical Bail Switch Earns India Crucial Wicket In Centurion