‘He’s got to be really disappointed’ – Shaun Pollock on Virat Kohli’s mode of dismissal in Centurion Test

Former fast bowler Shaun Pollock said that Virat Kohli would be gutted after the way he got out in the first innings of the opening Test between India and South Africa. On Day one of the game at the SuperSport Park, the 33-year-old Kohli put his head down and helped India recover to some extent after they lost the quick wickets of Mayank Agarwal and Cheteshwar Pujara.

In an 82-run stand for the third wicket along with opener KL Rahul, Kohli scored 35 runs with the help of four fours. But after toiling hard for over 90 balls, the Indian skipper lost his patience and got out while chasing a ball way outside the off-stump. Lungi Ngidi bowled a full and wide delivery and Kohli went for an expansive drive only to find an outside edge.

He must be sitting at the hotel pretty frustrated, says Shaun Pollock

Pollock reckoned that Kohli was coming back into his groove and was looking good with his footwork when the latter played the rash stroke.

“Looking at his dismissal, he’s got to be really, really disappointed. He looked in such good touch; he looked so motivated; his feet were moving nicely. and he was getting in really strong positions,” Pollock was quoted as saying on Cricbuzz.

“To have chased that delivery on 35, almost when he was in set and looked like he was going to get a big score, I think he must be sitting at the hotel pretty frustrated at the fact that he got out in that fashion,” he added.

At the close of play on the first day, the visitors got the upper hand to some extent, finishing at 272 for three in 90 overs. KL Rahul played throughout the day and stayed unbeaten on 122 off 248 balls with the help of 16 fours and one six.

Agarwal also chipped in with a 60-run knock in a 117-run stand for the opening wicket along with Rahul. Ajinkya Rahane and Rahul were the two overnight batters. Apart from Ngidi, who picked up three wickets, none of the Proteas’ bowlers could pick up a wicket.