Virat Kohli was dismissed for 70 on the last ball of Day 3 (X)
The dramatic ending to the day’s play, with Kohli’s heartbreaking dismissal off the last ball set social media off on a frenzy.
It was the highest of highs before the low set in. Virat Kohli was in full flow against New Zealand, dominating bowlers in classic fashion. But, the talisman battter’s sensational outing came to a crushing end as was dismissed off the very last ball of the day in Bengaluru on Friday.
Needing a strong start with the bat, Indian openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma delivered, playing confident drives and drawing up a fifty partnership at ease.
Rohit, specifically, continued to wreak havoc, going on the offensive as he walloped consecutive boundaries off Matt Henry to reach his 18th Test fifty, before being cruelly dismissed as he played himself onto the stumps.
With the weight of the nation on his shoulders, and young Sarfaraz Khan as his comrade, Kohli set out to take over the game with his partner-in-crime, as the duo slashed and dashed their way through the rough patch.
Kohli was in tremendous form, playing exquisite classical drives paired with a tinge of his old-school aggression to put up his 31st fifty of his Test career, and a 100-run stand with Sarfaraz.
In fact, Kohli would even go on to reach a monumental milestone, crossing the 9000-run mark in Test cricket in his 196th inning as he guided India to a spirited fight.
But, with the last ball of the day and Glenn Phillips having lurked around, prodding the Indian defenses, Kohli would fall, finely nicking Phillips’ delviery outside the off-stump, as he was cruelly dismissed for 70 as the day ended.
The dramatic ending to the day’s play, with Kohli’s heartbreaking dismissal set social media off on a frenzy.
WELL PLAYED, VIRAT KOHLI…!!!!70 (102) – dismissed on the very last ball of the over, a heartbreaking end of Kohli. This dismissal will hurt India and fans. pic.twitter.com/tUGtlLqLHT
— प्राशी हिंदुत्ववादी (@prashi_12345) October 18, 2024
virat kohli unlucky dismissal on the last day, was looking so good I thought we might score 150-170 runs on this pitch— aftab (@aftabsays_) October 18, 2024
People were quick to point out the jubilant and ecstatic celebration of Phillips, stating that the NZ bowler knew all too well the importane of removing the evergreen talisman Kohli.
Glenn Phillips’ dismissal of Virat Kohli was indeed a game-changing moment that electrified the crowd. His celebration captured the intensity of the match, reflecting the weight of the wicket. Kohli, known for his prowess, is a significant wicket, and Phillips’ exuberance was a…— Er. nalin paswan (@arya_nalin) October 18, 2024
Glenn Phillips celebrated dramatically after dismissing Virat Kohli, marking a pivotal moment in the match that shifted momentum. His excitement highlighted the significance of the wicket, showcasing the intensity of the competition.— Arjun paswan (@ARJUNPA34988881) October 18, 2024
Others also made note of Indian skipper Rohit Sharma’s dismay at witnessing Kohli’s wicket fall.
Rohit Sharma’s reaction perfectly captures the disappointment of losing a crucial wicket like Virat Kohli’s at 70 runs.— जोगी जी (@jogiji__) October 18, 2024
The onus to lead India’s fight will now fall on Sarfaraz Khan, who will look forward to reaching his maiden century for India possibly.
