IND vs NZ: Virat Kohli, Rahul Dravid, Mohammed Siraj congratulate Ajaz Patel for 10-fer

Although New Zealand had a forgettable outing on Day 2 of the ongoing second Test against India, Ajaz Patel scripted history with his magical spell. The left-arm spinner scalped all 10 wickets on offer in India’s first innings and the hosts got bundled out for 325 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai despite a stellar start. Notably, Patel became the only third bowler to get the unthinkable milestone in Test history.

England’s Jim Laker and India’s Anil Kumble are the other two holding the feat. Having taken four wickets on Day 1 of the contest, Patel scalped six more wickets in the following day to take his tally to 10. Needless to mention, the 33-year-old received praises from different corners for his brilliance.

Following the conclusion of India’s first-innnings, Indian skipper Virat Kohli, head coach Ravi Shastri and pacer Mohammed Siraj were spotted congratulating the spinner. Pictures of the same have gone viral on social media and, fans have been praising the Indian trio for their sportsmanship.

Virat Kohli, Mohammed Siraj and Rahul Dravid congratulate Ajaz Patel on his historic performance. A nice moment.#INDvNZ #INDvsNZ pic.twitter.com/hyjQ2fW3jT

— CricBlog ✍ (@cric_blog) December 4, 2021

Quite a special occasion for me: Ajaz Patel

Though Patel represents New Zealand in international cricket, he was born in Mumbai, the very same city he took the 10-fer. Speaking of his milestone after the game, Patel said it’s a surreal feeling. “Quite a special occasion for me and not just me but my family. Unfortunately for me, they’re not here because of COVID. Honestly, it’s surreal and to be able to do that in my career is pretty special,” Ajaz told host broadcaster Star Sports.

The left-arm spinner also said he’s delighted to join Anil Kumble in the elite list. “The stars have aligned for me to do it in Mumbai. I’m in very illustrious company with Kumble sir as well. Obviously, not a great start for us, but we have a few boys in the shed and put on some runs,” he added further.

Meanwhile, India are in command inspite of Ajaz Patel’s heroics with the ball. After posting 325 while batting first, the hosts restricted the Kiwis for a paltry 62. Moreover, India, at stumps on Day 2, were 69/0 in their second innings and their win looks pretty inevitable.