In a nail-biting second Test between India and New Zealand in Pune, Virat Kohli’s untimely dismissal triggered sharp criticism from former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar, who labeled it the “worst shot of his career.” Kohli, often celebrated for his sound technique and shot selection, fell for just 1 run after facing nine balls, bowled by New Zealand spinner Mitchell Santner. Manjrekar, along with numerous cricket fans and analysts, expressed disappointment over Kohli’s poor shot selection, sparking discussions across social media.
Kohli’s Dismissal: A Key Moment in the Match
Kohli’s dismissal, coming at a crucial time on Day 2, put India on the back foot. When Kohli walked onto the pitch, India was under pressure to solidify their innings, having lost early wickets to New Zealand’s disciplined bowling. His departure, just eight balls into his innings, added to India’s troubles. Santner, who spun his way through India’s lineup, capitalized on Kohli’s defensive misstep, with Kohli misjudging a delivery that clipped the stumps.
Sanjay Manjrekar took to X (formerly Twitter) to voice his thoughts on the shot, writing, “Oh dear! Virat will know him self that he has just played the worst shot of his career to get out. Got to feel for him…coz as always he came out with solid & honest intent.” Manjrekar’s tweet underscored the surprising nature of the dismissal, as Kohli is known for his strong situational awareness and typically measured shot selection.
The Social Media Backlash
The moment quickly went viral, with fans and cricket pundits alike expressing astonishment at Kohli’s lapse in judgment. Many pointed out that, as one of the world’s top batters, Kohli’s lapse reflected not only on his form but also on the mounting pressure on him to deliver during this high-stakes series. For a player of his caliber, this type of error is rare, leading to a wave of criticism, tempered by sympathy for Kohli’s recent struggles with the bat.
Despite the criticism, Manjrekar’s statement seemed to reflect the sentiment of fans and analysts who believed Kohli’s shot selection was uncharacteristic and disappointing. Some even speculated that Kohli’s challenging year in cricket could be affecting his mental game, contributing to his unexpected mistakes on the field.
New Zealand’s Dominant Bowling Performance
New Zealand’s bowlers, led by Mitchell Santner and Glenn Phillips, effectively controlled the game, dismantling India’s batting lineup with precision. The spin attack was particularly impactful, as Santner claimed four wickets, while Phillips bagged two, creating a challenging environment for India’s batters. Kohli’s early departure added to the chaos, leaving the team struggling to find stability.
India had entered the day with nine wickets in hand after losing only Rohit Sharma on Day 1, who departed for a duck. However, New Zealand’s effective use of the pitch’s turn and bounce put the Indian lineup under immense pressure. The dismissals of key players, including Kohli, exposed the weaknesses in India’s middle order and emphasized the challenge of playing spin on a dry Pune pitch.
The Toss Advantage: New Zealand Sets the Stage
Winning the toss proved beneficial for New Zealand, allowing them to bat first and set a solid foundation. On a pitch that started breaking down early, their first innings performance created a challenging position for India. New Zealand’s well-strategized approach to the game has left India on the defensive, particularly with Kohli and other key batters failing to anchor the innings.
The Indian team’s struggle against spin has highlighted a recurring vulnerability, especially on pitches favoring bowlers. After losing the series opener in Bengaluru, India entered the Pune Test with added pressure, knowing that another loss would mean conceding the series to the Kiwis.
Kohli’s Form Under Scrutiny
Kohli’s dismissal adds to ongoing concerns about his form, as the celebrated batter has faced a challenging season. Once considered nearly untouchable due to his reliable consistency, Kohli’s recent dismissals have sparked discussions regarding his batting approach. Though he has been a vital part of India’s success, his occasional inconsistency in recent games has left many wondering if it’s a temporary slump or an indication of a broader issue.
As Manjrekar noted, Kohli entered the game with honest intent, yet his early dismissal emphasized the need for mental resilience, particularly against sharp spin attacks. Given Kohli’s high standards, his shot selection will likely be a point of introspection and analysis for the star batter, as he seeks to regain his form in the upcoming games.
India’s Prospects in the Series
With New Zealand already leading the series, India now finds itself in a do-or-die situation. To avoid losing the second Test, they must regroup and focus on adapting to the pitch conditions and countering New Zealand’s spin-heavy attack. Kohli’s dismissal serves as a wake-up call, reminding the team of the importance of resilience and composure, particularly from experienced players in high-pressure matches.
For Kohli and the Indian squad, the path to series recovery is challenging but not impossible. By adjusting their approach and focusing on building partnerships, India can still make a comeback in the series. Fans hope Kohli will use this setback as motivation to return with renewed focus and lead India to a strong finish.
