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:

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

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

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