India’s star batter, Virat Kohli, looked visibly stunned after his dismissal in the second ODI against England in Cuttack on Sunday. After missing the opening match in Nagpur due to a knee issue, he returned but managed only five runs off eight deliveries. Leg-spinner Adil Rashid removed him with a flighted delivery that turned sharply. Kohli leaned forward in defense but missed the ball, prompting a strong caught-behind appeal from England.
The on-field umpire dismissed the appeal, but Jos Buttler opted for DRS. UltraEdge replays showed a spike, confirming Kohli’s dismissal. However, the former Indian captain seemed unconvinced. His animated reaction on the big screen suggested disbelief, hinting that he didn’t feel any contact with the ball. Whether it was an unnoticeable faint edge or a rare technological error remains uncertain.
Kohli’s Return After Injury
This match marked Virat first appearance since the Sydney Test against Australia. His absence in Nagpur forced a last-minute change in the playing XI, with Shreyas Iyer stepping in. A day before the second ODI, batting coach Sitanshu Kotak confirmed Kohli’s return, stating that he had resumed practice and was ready to play.
Iyer’s Unexpected Call-Up
Iyer, who played a key role in India’s win in Nagpur, shared how he unexpectedly found himself in the playing XI. He had been watching a movie when he received a late-night call informing him of Kohli’s injury. Realizing the opportunity, he quickly adjusted his plans to prepare for the game.
Interestingly, Iyer recalled a similar situation from the previous year’s Asia Cup. Back then, an injury ruled him out, and his replacement made the most of the opportunity by scoring a century. Despite Kohli’s return, Iyer retained his spot in the XI, while Yashasvi Jaiswal made way for the experienced batter.
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