During the second innings of the first Test between India and Bangladesh in Chennai, a surprising moment unfolded that left fans and players alike in disbelief. Captain Rohit Sharma expressed shock at Virat Kohli's decision not to utilize the Decision Review System (DRS) after being given out LBW. This incident took place in the 20th over, when Kohli was struck by a delivery from Mehdy Hasan, and umpire Rod Tucker ruled him out.
After the on-field decision, Kohli briefly contemplated reviewing it but ultimately decided against it, a choice that would soon be heavily scrutinized. When the replays were shown, it became clear that Kohli had made significant contact with the ball, having caught a noticeable inside edge. This revelation stunned Rohit, who was watching intently from the dressing room. His reaction, captured on camera, was one of disbelief as he exclaimed, "Bat tha yaar," highlighting the frustration that many felt regarding the decision.
Umpire Richard Kettleborough, stationed at square leg, shared in the moment of incredulity as he witnessed the replay on the big screen, smiling sheepishly as the implications of the decision sunk in. Before his dismissal, Kohli had shown promise, scoring 17 runs off 37 balls and reaching the significant milestone of 12,000 runs in home conditions for India, a testament to his enduring talent and resilience.
Following Kohli's exit, Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant stepped up to stabilize the innings, navigating through the remaining deliveries with caution. By the end of Day 2, India had managed to reach a total of 81/3, holding a commanding lead of over 300 runs, an essential cushion as they aimed to dictate the match's tempo. Alongside Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal also fell prey to the Bangladesh bowlers, adding to the mounting pressure on the Indian batting lineup.
The cricketing community reacted with a mix of horror and frustration to Kohli's dismissal. Many fans directed their ire towards Shubman Gill, suggesting that he should have insisted that Kohli opt for the review. The duo debated the merits of a review until the very last moment of the DRS timer but ultimately chose to preserve one of their reviews for potential future use, a decision that sparked debate among spectators and analysts alike.
By the close of Day 2, India had established a robust lead of 308 runs, prompting discussions about the pitch conditions and how they might evolve. Ravindra Jadeja, speaking to broadcasters after the day's play, emphasized that while the wicket provided a good surface for batting, fast bowlers could still find some assistance with the odd delivery, making it crucial for batsmen to remain vigilant. As the match progressed, all eyes remained focused on how the teams would adapt to the shifting dynamics on the field, with every decision becoming pivotal in the quest for victory.
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