Rajkot: While Virat Kohli held his nerve and helped India secure a draw in the first Test against England in Rajkot on Sunday, the Indian skipper managed to retain his wit in the tense situation as the Alastair Cook-led side were pushing for a win.
Kohli, who does not shy away from expressing what he feels on the field, was at his jovial best as he shared a lighter moment with umpire Chris Gaffaney.
The incident took place in the 41st over as India were fighting for a draw. Left arm spinner Zafar Ansari’s delivery took off and went over his shoulder. As surprised as he was, Kohli was quick to enquire whether it was one short ball for the over. He first indicated it to Gaffaney, who was at the square-leg umpire, and then asked the same to Kumar Dharamasena, who was standing at the bowler’s end.
Not only did Gaffaney indicate that it was actually one short ball for the over, he could not hold back his smile.
One for the over ump? Virat asks https://t.co/t9IpfdFc2J #BCCI #INDvENG #ViratKohli #ChrisGaffaney #RajkotTest
— DC Sports (@_DCSports) November 13, 2016
Nasser Hussain, Ravi Shastri and Michael Atherton, who were commentating, just could not control their laughter and went gaga over Kohli.
Hussain said, “Just shows how clear his (Virat Kohli’s) mind is when batting. It goes past his shoulder and immediately he says it must be one for the over, with the laugh. And the umpire gave it.”
“Lovely, lovely. Kohli immediately looks at the square leg,” said former England skipper Atherton.
“He can see the funny side. That’s great. Especially when there’s so much pressure,” Shastri said.
