On Day 2 of the second Test in Delhi, India resumed their first innings at a score of 21 with Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul on the crease. But, the hosts lost both their openers in the morning session as Nathan Lyon bowled exceptionally well to help his team come back in the game.
After dismissing Rahul and Rohit, Lyon returned to send back Cheteshwar Pujara for a duck. Shreyas Iyer, who came to support Virat Kohli also fell victim to the 36-year-old Australia spinner and was caught by Peter Handscomb at short leg.
Meanwhile, Kohli put up a great fight to sail India through the trouble and kept the scoreboard moving by playing some very beautiful and controlled strokes. When it almost felt like that the former India captain might convert his start into a big inning, he ultimately was given out leg before wicket by the on-field umpire Nitin Menon off debutant Matthew Kuhnemann’s delivery.
Kohli straight-away challenged the decision and went upstairs for review. But due to a lack of conclusive evidence, the TV umpire went with the umpire’s call.
India dressing room and Kohli seemed surprised and furious as the ultraedge clearly showed a spike in the replay. A few on-air commentators also felt the same, but unfortunately, Kohli had to walk back to the pavilion on 44.
The controversial decision is making headlines with many suggesting that the ball hit the bat and pad simultaneously, and the batter was ‘not out’.
Reacting to Kohli’s dismissal, India’s former opener Wasim Jaffer took to Twitter and wrote: “That wasn’t out to me. Too much doubt in there.”
That wasn't out to me. Too much doubt in there. #INDvAUS #ViratKohli pic.twitter.com/wrYGg1e1nT
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) February 18, 2023
“Didn’t Virat get out like this against NZ at home last year? Both times I felt it was not out. Firstly it hit the bat,let’s not even get into how unlucky he is with umpires call. Was shaping up nicely. India in a bit of trouble,” tweeted former India opener Abhinav Mukund.
Didn't Virat get out like this against SL at home last year? Both times I felt it was not out. Firstly it hit the bat,let's not even get into how unlucky he is with umpires call. Was shaping up nicely. India in a bit of trouble. #INDvsAUS
— Abhinav Mukund (@mukundabhinav) February 18, 2023
On the other hand, Aussie legend Mark Waugh, who is a part of the commentary panel in the ongoing Test, was heard saying: “9 out of 10 times, umpires will give that Not Out.”
