Virat Kohli seemed to be enjoying his new role and shared a laugh with the Indian players.
Indian captain Virat Kohli surprised everyone on Saturday by carrying the drinks for for his team-mates in Dharamsala. After Sanjay Bangar officially announced that captain Virat Kohli would not play for India in the fourth Test match against Australia at Dharamsala there was a palpable disappointment among the Indian fans. It included those present at Dharamsala and the millions watching on television.
However, during the drinks break in the first hour of play on Day one, it was a moment of happiness for one and all as it was none other than Virat Kohli who walked out with the drinks and also gave a pep talk to his boys on the field. Kohli himself seemed to be enjoying the role and shared a laugh with the Indian players.
Kohli missed 400 minutes of Australia’s first innings but was able to bat in his usual No.4 spot in India’s first innings. He then fielded at slip during Australia’s second innings in a bid to not aggravate his bruised shoulder.
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It may be recalled here that at the pre-match press conference in Dharamsala, Kohli said that he will play in the fourth and final Test only if he is 100 per cent fit.
Former captain Sunil Gavaskar said that Virat Kohli should consider playing in the final Test against Australia starting Saturday even if he is not fully fit if the team management feels his presence will boost the side in the series decider.
In his absence, Ajinkya Rahane is leading the team. Earlier, Aussie captain Steve Smith won the toss once again, and opted to bat first, once again.
Umesh Yadav removed Matt Renshaw early, but Smith and opener David Warner took control with some brilliant display.
However, the hosts’ happiness was short-lived as Australia captain Steve Smith continued his prolific run with the bat and David Warner capitalised on an early reprieve to give the visitors a strong start.
Smith slammed his 21st Test fifty and third 50-plus score in the series, while Warner also hammered his 24th fifty to power Australia towards a solid first innings total at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, which is hosting its first Test.
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