Twitter Reactions: Virat Kohli lauded for coming to bat, criticized for getting out cheap

You simply can’t keep Virat Kohli out of the game for too long. With the bat, the Indian skipper struggled to find runs but he has been as lively as ever at the slips throughout the series so far. After sustaining a shoulder injury while fielding, it was rumored that Kohli might not play any further role in this particular Test match, but it was later informed that the injury isn’t too serious and therefore we will see the Indian skipper at the center stage once again.

Even before he come out to bat, Kohli was trending, all thanks to his mocking act from the dressing room when the DRS review went against Australia’s favor earlier in the day. Post lunch session, a big cheer welcomed the injured batsman. Kohli had a poor string of scores coming into this Test match but what was heartening to see is the fact that he didn’t disturb the batting order and came out to face the Australian attack under the scorching heat.

The right-handed batsman played a front foot defense to see off Steve O’Keeffe’s over post the break but he was quickly introduced to Josh Hazlewood, more of a test of his injured shoulder. The captain’s daredevil move didn’t last for too long as he played a loose shot, giving up a flier to the slips while facing Pat Cummins.

He perished for 6 with India at 225/3. Each of the 23 balls that he faced, tested his temperament and character. Not someone to go down without a fight, Kohli lived up to his image. He coiled hard, soaked in the atmosphere and didn’t look too much uncomfortable.

This particular instance also brought back memories from the historic event of 2009 when- then South Africa’s skipper Graeme Smith came out to bat with a broken left hand against the Australians. The good news for India is Kohli is out of any serious injury and the series is very much alive with India making a strong case in reply to Australia’s 451.

Let’s check out some of the reactions on Twitter:

TEARS JUST FLOWING DOWN MY CHEEKS.. @imVkohli YOU NEVER LET US DOWN.. TRUE CHAMPION :') BEST IDOL FOR A REASON. ?❤❤✌ #INDVSAUS

— Farhin Imran (@farhin_18) March 18, 2017

It started..Same kind of prayers coming when I used to watch @sachin_rt ,Now it's for @imVkohli. Happens only when you watch Dilse?#IndvAus

— Shashidhar Dursety (@Dursety) March 18, 2017

Remember Virat Kohli batted with 10 stitches on hand during IPL. So if needed Kohli will come out to bat for his country….

— Broken Cricket (@BrokenCricket) March 18, 2017

#BREAKING: Virat Kohli Is Padded Up, He Will Bat At His Usual Batting Slot, At No. 4.

RT If This Makes You Happy. #INDvAUS #INDvsAUS #Kohli pic.twitter.com/vUihHWE1y5

— Sir Ravindra Jadeja (@SirJadeja) March 18, 2017

BRING IT ON: After Australia lost their second review, Virat Kohli came out of the dressing room and had clapped mockingly #INDvAUS

— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) March 18, 2017

God. He is effing playing after taking an Injection.
Take care man.@imVkohli #IndvAus

— Ankita (Anky) (@Anky_9686) March 18, 2017

dedication!! Virat kohli is all set to bat today after being injured, because nation comes first!! #INDvsAUS pic.twitter.com/rPDHcn2cVB

— Aditii? (@cricketfreak23) March 18, 2017

He may hurt himself.
Doctors might advice him to take rest.
But the dedication of this man never stops him from playing?@imVkohli he is.♥

— Ankita (Anky) (@Anky_9686) March 18, 2017

There was praise and there was criticism a lot of people on Twitter were not impressed with his early failure once again:

@imVkohli not amused after Australian team had a sent off ready for indian skipper pic.twitter.com/T6slx33K8T

— Ratnakar Pandey (@Ratnakar_Pande) March 18, 2017

https://twitter.com/jiyaasahni/status/843000150427553792

Virat Kohli has now got out to all Five bowlers in this series. Interesting!!! #IndvsAus

— Hari Raj Bajracharya (@Binga_Harry) March 18, 2017

https://twitter.com/dessiemartin9/status/843000443177336833

Whatever else, Aus haven't allowed @imVkohli's bat to boom yet in three Tests. Big achievement considering Kohli's form this season

— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) March 18, 2017

This is very unusual from @imVkohli Failed to get some runs again..But this time shoulder injury might troubled his alot #INDvsAUS

— Subbu Andhukuri?? (@SubbuAndhukuri) March 18, 2017

Feeling sad for Virat. Trying hard to prove himself and hence failing. Mind not in place. All u nd is inner peace?? @imVkohli #INDvsAUS

— Gaurav P (@GauravPrabhak) March 18, 2017

#ViratKohli story so far in this series, chase outside off delivery against pacers & leave a straight delivery against​ spinners. #IndvAus

— Irfan Haji (@aurfe) March 18, 2017

So after a while Virat Kohli is officially out of form #IndvAus

— Rakesh (@Rakeysh84) March 18, 2017