Virat Kohli went across his off-stump, going down on one knee, helping the ball clear the ropes.© AFP


Team India skipper Virat Kohli and former South Africa cricketer AB de Villiers share a close friendship. The duo have been representing Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for a significant period of time, playing a key role in determining the franchise’s fortunes. While Kohli has usually opted to stick to his strengths when it comes to playing a shot, De Villiers is extremely creative in his approach. However, the South African’s innovative gameplay certainly seems to have influenced the Team India skipper’s shot selection to a certain extent, as evident from one of his shots in the second T20I between Australia and India in Sydney.

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Kohli grabbed the limelight with his stroke in the 15th over of the second innings bowled by Andrew Tye, with the visitors chasing a target of 195 runs. The 32-year-old went across his off-stump, going down on one knee following a full delivery, helping the ball clear the ropes.

Team India eventually chased down the target by a margin of six wickets, with two balls to spare. Hardik Pandya was named as the Man of the Match, following his unbeaten 22-ball 42 which comprised of three boundaries and two sixes. Shikhar Dhawan was the highest run-scorer, scoring 52 runs off 36 balls with four fours and two maximums. Kohli was dismissed for 40 runs off 24 deliveries.

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Earlier, Australia posted a total of 194 runs for the loss of five wickets, following a 32-ball 58 by opener Matthew Wade.

AB de Villiers has announced his retirement from international cricket, though he continues to feature in T20 leagues.

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