Batting icon Virat Kohli walked out to the crease with that stink of aura to lead India’s second innings after two quick setbacks on Day 2 of the ongoing first Test against Bangladesh at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Friday, September 20.
Even the quick right-hander started well with each of his strokes, highlighting his unmistakable presence at the crease as he began to weave his strokes and counter the Bangladesh bowling attack in Chennai.
The opposition bowlers knew that once Kohli got set, it would never be an easy task to unsettle him, but once again the game demonstrated its unpredictability in a surprising manner.
Sanjay Manjrekar reflects on Virat Kohli’s leadership in crucial DRS error
As the match progressed, a pinpoint delivery from Mehidy Hasan Miraz swung sharply towards Virat Kohli, taking him by surprise. The ball looked almost too perfect for the right-handed bowler when a call was heard from the Bangladesh fielders across the stadium in Chennai on the second day.
The umpire raised his finger and the tension only increased. Virat Kohli stood there for a few seconds, mulling over the decision before opting not to review the score, trusting his instincts.
What happened next only added to the frustration of the Indian camp as replays revealed that the ball actually touched the edge of Kohli’s bat before making contact with his pad.
This small but crucial detail left many wondering why the former India captain had not opted for the Decision Review System (DRS). This decision cost him and Team India dearly as he walked out with just 17 runs in 37 balls, leaving the hosts in a precarious situation against Bangladesh.
I felt bad for Virat Kohli today: Sanjay Manjrekar
Commenting on this dramatic turnaround, former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar wondered what could have been going through Kohli’s mind. He suggested that Kohli’s reluctance to take DRS was not simply an error in judgement but could be an act of leadership, choosing to save a review for his team to use in case of more critical moments in the match.
Unfortunately, Virat Kohli’s selfless decision backfired as the Indian cricket team found themselves three wickets down and at a disadvantage. In fact, after the replays, the batting maestro would have surely felt very dejected at having missed the chance to get India back on track.
Sanjay Manjrekar posted on X: “I felt bad for Virat today. He obviously didn’t think he had hit it. He just wanted to know if Gill was hitting the stumps. Despite Gill encouraging him to take the review anyway, he walked off dejectedly, wanting to keep all 3 reviews for his team.”
I felt bad for Virat today. He obviously didn’t think he had hit it. He just wanted to know if the ball was hitting the stumps. Even though Gill encouraged him to take the review anyway, he walked away dejected and wanted to keep all 3 reviews for his team. 🙌#IndVsBan
– Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) September 20, 2024
Sanjay Manjrekar: “He doesn’t like batting in India that much”
Meanwhile, the commentator also hinted that Virat Kohli might not find the same joy in batting on home soil as he does in overseas conditions, much like the legendary Sachin Tendulkar.
Since his century against Bangladesh in the Kolkata Test in 2019, Virat Kohli has managed just one more hundred in the last 12 Tests he played in India.
Manjrekar was quoted by ESPNCricinfo as saying: “He is not enjoying batting in India as much. Like Tendulkar, I think he feels more at home when he is away from home. We saw that in South Africa… when he was playing, he was by far the best batsman for India. That is fine; it is better to get runs away from home than at home.”