On a tricky pitch that has been turning since Day 1 of the second Test between against England, India captain Virat Kohli put on a brilliant display with the bat in the second inning. After being dismissed for a duck in India’s first inning, Kohli came out to bat in his team’s second essay with wickets falling around him, but he remained watchful and along with an aggressive Ravichandran Ashwin, piled on the misery for the visitors, extending India’s lead to close to 400 runs before being trapped leg-before by Moeen Ali.
Several current and former players hailed Kohli for his “masterclass” as he lay down the anchor and displayed great technique and temperament to rebuild India’s inning.
“Sometimes in Test Cricket a 50 you make in challenging conditions and situation will be more satisfying than a 200 you make on a flat pitch. I am sure this is one such innings for @imVkohli. A master class on how to play on a turning track,” tweeted former India batsman VVS Laxman.
“He’s the greatest batter in the game of cricket playing right now,” wrote former England captain Kevin Pietersen, tagging Kohli.
“He may not get a 100 but this @imVkohli innings has been an masterclass on this pitch … its already 100 balls of batting that all coaches should show players on how to play on a Beach …” tweeted another former England captain Michael Vaughan.
Promoted
“@imVkohli showing his absolute class. You can score runs on this wicket for sure…you just need to be very very good,” wrote former England cricketer Matt Prior.
“Heroic innings on this pitch !! Master at work,” wrote former Bengal captain Manoj Tiwary.
Sometimes in Test Cricket a 50 you make in challenging conditions and situation will be more satisfying than a 200 you make on a flat pitch. I am sure this is one such innings for @imVkohli A master class on how to play on a turning track. #INDvsENG pic.twitter.com/8NYs7fTMAk
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) February 15, 2021
He’s the greatest batter in the game of cricket playing right now – @imVkohli!
England didn’t pick their best team so can’t complain.
Missing Jimmy, BIG TIME!
— Kevin Pietersen (@KP24) February 15, 2021
He may not get a 100 but this @imVkohli innings has been an masterclass on this pitch … its already 100 balls of batting that all coaches should show players on how to play on a Beach … #INDvsENG
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) February 15, 2021
.@imVkohli showing his absolute class. You can score runs on this wicket for sure…you just need to be very very good #INDvENG
— Matt Prior (@MattPrior13) February 15, 2021
The advertisement board behind says it all. Heroic innings on this pitch !! Master at work #INDvENG #ViratKohli pic.twitter.com/oHr0xtQByN
— MANOJ TIWARY (@tiwarymanoj) February 15, 2021
Kohli was eventually dismissed for 62, with India at 202/7, after they took a 195-run first innings lead.