Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri has voiced strong criticism of Virat Kohli following his reckless dismissal during the Test match against New Zealand in Mumbai. Kohli, who had only faced five balls at the crease, attempted a risky single off Rachin Ravindra but was run out by a direct hit from Matt Henry as he stretched for the crease.
Shastri expressed his frustration, labeling Kohli’s dismissal as a significant waste. He remarked that it was baffling to see Kohli take such a chance so early in his innings, leading to India’s collapse from a promising position of 78 for 1 to 86 for 4 by the end of the day.
“What a waste of a wicket. I can’t understand what he was thinking,” Shastri said during his commentary.
Kohli was visibly upset with himself after the mistake, which left him stranded at the non-striker’s end with just four runs to his name. His run-out occurred just as the day was closing, and it marked the beginning of a rapid decline for the Indian batting lineup. After being in a strong position, India lost three wickets within eight balls and ended Day 1 at 86 for 4, still trailing New Zealand by 149 runs.
This series has been challenging for Kohli, who has accumulated only 92 runs in five innings, averaging a mere 16.40. Apart from a 70-run performance in the second innings of the first Test in Bengaluru, he has struggled to find form.
Earlier in the match, India bowled New Zealand out for 235 runs in 65.4 overs, with Ravindra Jadeja delivering a standout performance, taking five wickets by dismissing Will Young, Tom Blundell, Glenn Phillips, Ish Sodhi, and Matt Henry. Washington Sundar also made an impact with four wickets, becoming the top wicket-taker in the ongoing three-match Test series.
