India vs South Africa: Virat Kohli applauds Rohit Sharma's authoritative pull shot off Lungi Ngidi

India and South Africa are currently involved in the third Test in Ranchi. The hosts have won the toss and opted to bat first. But the visitors have hit back superbly picking wickets with the new ball. Mayank Agarwal and Cheteshwar Pujara got out cheaply to Kagiso Rabada which brought the Indian skipper Virat Kohli to the middle much earlier than he anticipated.

Rohit Sharma at the other end was getting the feel of the pitch and to be fair, somehow managed to survive Rabada’s fiery opening spell. Kohli joined him with India’s score reading 16/2 and the duo concentrated on rebuilding the innings. After a few plays and misses though Rohit got into his elements and started to play his shots after the first drinks break.

It was in the 15th over of the innings which left Virat Kohli overawed after watching Rohit playing the pull shot. After tying him up for a long time, Lungi Ngidi pulled the length back. He tried to surprise him with a bouncer. But the Indian opener was ready as he rocked him immediately and pulled it authoritatively over square leg.

Virat Kohli in awe

There was no venom in the short ball and the fact that Rohit Sharma loves to play the pull shot, it just played in his hands. The replay was also showed through every angle but Virat Kohli had the best seat in the house at the non-striker’s end. He enjoyed it to the fullest and was quick in applauding his limited-overs deputy in the middle.

Here’s the video:

Meanwhile, after opting to bat first, India are in a spot of bother. To add to their agony, Virat Kohli also got out early with Anrich Nortje pinning him in the front of the stumps. At 39/3, things didn’t look encouraging for the home side. But Rohit held the fort and along with Ajinkya Rahane, made sure that there were no more stutters until lunch. India ended the first session at 71/3 and will need the unbeaten duo to carry on for long.

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