In a surprising turn of events during the ongoing clash between India and Bangladesh in Pune, former Indian captain Virat Kohli took the ball in hand to bowl the 9th over. While the fans in Pune were thrilled by this unexpected spectacle, it was far from a planned maneuver. Kohli found himself in the bowling spotlight due to an unfortunate injury sidelining the designated bowler, Hardik Pandya.
The sight of Kohli, renowned for his exceptional batting skills, donning the bowler’s hat was a rare spectacle. Despite the unplanned nature of this event, Kohli showcased his adaptability and versatility on the cricket field. The cheers from the crowd resonated as he embarked on an impromptu bowling stint, capturing the attention of cricket enthusiasts worldwide.
This impromptu bowling performance marked a unique chapter in Kohli’s World Cup journey. Before this surprising over in Pune, Kohli had sparingly showcased his bowling talents in ODI cricket. His previous bowling endeavors in World Cup matches include notable instances:
1. 0/6 (1) vs Australia, Ahmedabad, 2011 Quarter-final: A brief yet memorable stint on the bowling crease during a high-stakes encounter.
2. 0/6 (1) vs Sri Lanka, Mumbai, 2011 Final: A crucial moment in the World Cup final, where Kohli contributed with his bowling skills.
3. 0/7 (1) vs Australia, Sydney, 2015 Semi-final: A pivotal match in the World Cup, where Kohli took the ball and displayed his mettle.
Remarkably, the last time Kohli bowled in an ODI before this unexpected Pune performance was against Sri Lanka at the RPS, Colombo, back in August 2017.
This recent outing not only surprised the fans but also provided a glimpse of Kohli’s all-round abilities, reminding everyone of his multifaceted cricketing prowess.
