ENG vs IND: Animated Virat Kohli spotted dancing on ground ahead of 3rd ODI

Indian star batter Virat Kohli is going through one of his worst phases with the bat for India and has been one of the main talking points for fans and experts in the Indian cricketing fraternity. And his torrid time with the bat has been continuing in the ongoing England tour as well. Amid all the scrutiny and spotlight thrown at him, he still managed to smile and dance ahead of the third ODI on the ground.

Kohli, in the current England tour, is yet to break the 20-run barrier across all formats. He scored 11 and 20 in the rescheduled fifth Test match, 1 and 11 in two T20Is, and 16 in the second ODI. He is also going through the longest century drought of his career for India of over two years. This has also been his worst calendar year with the bat in terms of average.

‘Virat Kohli is a mood on the ground’

In 2022, Kohli has scored 459 runs in 18 innings at an average of 25.50 with four fifties and a top score of 79. His previous lowest batting average for a calendar year was 31.80 in 2008, which was his debut year.  Nevertheless, he looked in fine mood ahead of the deciding ODI. 

Kohli recently posted a picture of him posing in front of a wall with the quote “What if I fall. Oh but my darling, what if you fly” written on it, and with the caption “ Perspective”, on Twitter. Pakistan captain Babar Azam also showed his support to the star Indian batter on Twitter, as he wrote, “This too shall pass. Stay strong.” Kohli replied, “Thank you. Keep shining and rising. Wish you all the best.”

Kohli will be in action for the third ODI against England in Old Trafford, Manchester, on July 17, Sunday. The series is currently all square at 1-1, hence a must-win game for both teams. India skipper Rohit Sharma won the toss and elected to bowl first. Jasprit Bumrah is out of the playing XI due to a niggle and Mohammed Siraj takes took his place.