Virat Kohli’s Practice Session Electrifies Pune Crowd After Day 1 of India-New Zealand Test
After a thrilling first day of the second Test between India and New Zealand in Pune, a significant portion of the crowd remained at the stadium to witness Virat Kohli’s extended practice session. The atmosphere crackled with excitement as fans eagerly observed Kohli’s meticulous technique and fine-tuning of his skills in the nets.
Kohli’s dedication and focus captivated the spectators, who cheered him on enthusiastically. The routine practice transformed into a memorable experience for those present, especially after Kohli’s recent struggles with the bat. In the two-match Test series against Bangladesh and the first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru, he had failed to make a significant impact. However, in the second innings of the Bengaluru Test, he bounced back with a solid 70, hinting at a return to form.
Earlier in the day, Washington Sundar delivered a career-best performance, claiming seven wickets to dismantle New Zealand’s batting lineup. Spin partner Ravichandran Ashwin chipped in with three wickets, bowling out the visitors for 259. India ended the day at 16 for 1, losing captain Rohit Sharma early to a Tim Southee delivery. Shubman Gill remained unbeaten on 10, while Yashasvi Jaiswal was not out on six at stumps.
Sundar’s inclusion in the side proved to be a masterstroke, as he justified his selection by ripping through New Zealand’s middle and lower order. His impressive figures of 7 for 59 played a crucial role in India’s strong position at the end of Day 1.
