IND vs ENG, 2nd ODI: Virat Kohli makes ball boy's day with kind gesture; WATCH heartwarming moment here
Virat Kohli was included in the playing XI for the second ODI, the official announcement of which made by Rohit Sharma at the toss had set the crowd at the Barabati stadium buzzing.
FollowTeam India star batter Virat Kohli displayed his kind and heartwarming gesture during the second ODI of the three-match series against England at the Barabati Stadium in Odisha’s Cuttack on Sunday, February 9.
Virat Kohli was included in the playing XI for the second ODI, the official announcement of which made by Rohit Sharma at the toss had set the crowd at the Cuttack stadium buzzing. Kohli was ruled out of the ODI series against Jos Butter’s England due to right knee soreness, raising concerns about his fitness amid the gruelling schedule, including his participation in the Ranji Trophy last month. Before Rohit Sharma announced Kohli’s inclusion in the playing XI, Indian batting coach Sitanshu Kotak confirmed the star batter’s availability for the second ODI.
Though Virat Kohli’s return to the playing XI grabbed headlines, the former Indian captain's heartwarming moment with the ball boy caught the attention of the netizens. Kohli was fielding near the boundary line during India's bowling and he generally crossed the rope to shake hands with the ball boy. The ball boy’s reaction was very much visible on his face as he beamed with joy. The video of the same went viral on social media.
Virat Kohli shaking hands with ball boy video here
— Chandan Singh Yadav (@Chandanmgs123) February 9, 2025
Virat Kohli returned to international duties after playing the Ranji Trophy group stage fixture for Delhi against Railways at his home ground, Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi last month. He was asked to return to domestic cricket by BCCI selectors and Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir following his moderate series in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where he aggregated just 190 runs, including a century, at an average of 23.75 in nine innings.
However, Kohli didn’t have an ideal return to Ranji Trophy after a long gap of 12 years as he was dismissed for just six runs by a lesser-known Himanshu Sangwan of Railways. This further raised questions about his form in red-ball cricket. With the Champions Trophy looming, Kohli’s form will be closely monitored throughout the ODI series against England.
Virat Kohli dismissed cheaply in the second ODI
Virat Kohli’s form has continued to remain under heavy scrutiny as he was dismissed for just six in the second ODI at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack. The star batter strolled out to bat after Shubman Gill’s 60-run dismissal at 136/1 and joined Rohit Sharma at the crease.
Many were expecting not only to unleash his firepower but also form a partnership with Rohit Sharma. But that was not the case as his stay at the crease ended early after he was dismissed by Adil Rashid at 150/2. The dismissal took place in the 20th over when Virat Kohli attempted to block the ball off Rashid’s spin bowling, but it turned away nicely that the sound of getting edged was caught by the stump mic as well as wicketkeeper Phil Salt.
Since the umpire didn’t raise the finger to single it as out, England skipper Jos Buttler, after the discussion with the players, decided to go for DRS to review caught behind. In the Ultraedge, it showed that ball had faintly nicked Virat Kohli’s outside edge and thus, the TV umpire overturned the on-field umpire’s decision in the favour of England. After being given out, Virat Kohli walked back to the disappointment and the spectators at the Barabati Stadium turned completely silent.
Meanwhile, India sealed the three-match ODI series with a four-wicket win over England in Cuttack. With a target of 305, India chased it down in 44.3 overs. Skipper Rohit Sharma led the team from the front with a brilliant knock of 119 off 90 balls. Apart from Rohit, Shubman Gill (60), Shreyas Iyer (44), and Axar Patel too contributed to the Men in Blue’s run-chase significantly.
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