The fifth Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) Test 2024-25 between India and Australia at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) combines intense cricket with comic relief, all thanks to Virat Virat Kohli. While the cricket match remained intense, Kohli’s moments of levity brought a much-needed levity to the game.
It can be said with certainty that #viratkohli I have been very “vigilant” this morning! _#AUSvINDOnStar _ Test 5, Day 1, now live! | #thetoughestcompetition #BorderGavaskarTrophy pic.twitter.com/O3gJeWSSCe
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) January 3, 2025
Early drama and Kohli’s reprieve
India’s batting ace Virat Kohli faced an early test in India’s eighth innings. A potential golden duck emerged when Steve Smith caught the ball at slip, but replays showed the ball had grazed the ground before Smith completed the catch. The decision was overturned and Kohli was given a suspended sentence. The crowd erupted in applause and Kohli returned to the crease with his usual confidence.
But as the first session progressed, Kohli’s keen cricketing acumen and intelligence were on full display in the lighter moments and he went viral. While standing at the bowlers’ end, on-field umpire Sharfuddoula Saikat appeared to misplace the ball as he prepared to hand it over to Australian bowler Scott Boland.
The observant Kohli noticed the situation and couldn’t help but give a shameless reminder. “Where’s the ball, have you got the ball in your pocket?” he quipped, his voice picked up by the stump microphone. The quip made the players and referees laugh, and the tension on the court was relieved. The incident immediately became a sensation, with fans and commentators on social media sharing the light-hearted moment.
Australia’s early rule
While Kohli’s humor added some fun to the day’s proceedings, the cricket was as intense as ever. Australia’s bowling attack, especially the new-ball combination, wreaked havoc in the first session. India’s openers Yashasvi Jaiswal (10 off 26) and KL Rahul (4 off 14) struggled to cope with bounce and movement and suffered an early defeat, leaving Australia Get the upper hand early.
The pressure is mounting on India’s middle order, but Kohli remains calm under pressure and is determined to see it through. Shubman Gill joined him at the crease and the two formed a 40-run partnership. However, just before lunch, disaster struck India. Gill faltered and fell behind Nathan Lyon for just 20 runs as India were 57/3.
As the players walked off to lunch, the scoreline reflected India’s struggles – just 57 runs behind by three wickets. Virat Kohli, however, remained unbeaten in the match and displayed class and composure despite early setbacks.
A day of highs and lows
Despite early setbacks, Kohli’s presence at the crease has given the Indian team peace of mind. His partnership with Gill, although short-lived, looked promising and Kohli’s resilience under pressure is something India will hope to exploit in the upcoming sessions.
India’s batting is under scrutiny, especially in the absence of regular skipper Rohit Sharma, who has opted out of this Test. Jasprit Bumrah leads the team in his absence while Prasidh Krishna replaces Akash Deep who is out due to injury . The changes have brought uncertainty and optimism, but Kohli’s experience and keen cricketing instincts are an asset in times like these.