Virat Kohli gives a priceless reaction to Kagiso Rabada's overthrows

Virat Kohli entered the annals of Indian Test history during the ongoing second match against the visiting South Africans at the M.C.A Stadium in Pune. The Indian captain became only the second player from this beautiful nation to lead his side in 50 Test matches. Kohli’s tally of 50 Tests is only surpassed by his predecessor Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who led India a record sixty times in the purest format of the game.

Ironically, Pune is only ground where Team India has dropped a Test match (by 333 runs) under the leadership of Kohli. On that particular occasion, the pitch dished out by the curator for the venues’ maiden Test match came under major scrutiny. The track was heavily underwatered resulting in it offering prodigious wear and turn on the first day itself.

The Indian’s inability to counter a certain Steven O’Keefe coupled with Steven Smith’s masterclass meant the hosts were routed by a record 333 runs. So, coming into the Test, the nature of the track was the major talking point. Will it be an encore of 2017? Going by the proceedings of the first day, we can safely say that the track bore the closest resemblance to what the visitors get back home.

Kohli’ priceless reaction to Rabada’s antics

Expectedly, Kagiso Rabada enjoyed the conditions and was the only South African who looked like taking wickets. Rabada claimed all the three Indian wickets to fall on day 01, but it was his hilarious exchange with Virat Kohli that became the biggest talking point of the day.

After the Tea session, Rabada, who had claimed the all-important wicket of Cheteshwar Pujara was in the middle of a good spell against the likes of Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane. Rahane, in particular, was tied down at one end by the fast bowler. So, when the Indian vice-captain gently nudged the ball towards point and set-off for a quick single, Kohli did not respond.

Sensing an opportunity of a possible run-out, Rabada threw the ball recklessly resulting in four overthrows. And, Kohli’s reaction: A gentle smile followed by a thumbs-up, is coming, you’ll have to see it for yourself to believe.

Watch the video here

Record galore for Kohli-Rahane

Meanwhile, India has assumed total control of the 2nd Test. Riding on another impressive hundred by Mayank Agarwal (108) and half-centuries from Cheteshwav r Pujara (50) and Virat Kohli (63), the visitors finished the day at 3-273.

As for Kohli, another record galore on Friday. If he and Rahane, who are currently sharing an unbeaten 75-run-stand, can add 130 more runs, then they’ll (2565) pip Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly (2695) for the most runs by an Indian pair for the 4th wicket.