Virat Kohli takes over from Rohit Sharma as CAPTAIN, image of his leadership goes viral

New Delhi: Virat Kohli has been seen animated and full of energy as he took the charge during the second test in Adelaide Oval. Kohli stepped in to guide ODI and test captain Rohit Sharma and bowler Siraj in setting field to break Australia’s partnership between Marnus Labuschagne and Nathan McSweeney. This took place in the 17th over of Australia’s innings, when Kohli was spotted talking strategy with Rohit and then directing Siraj to change the field. Both Rohit and Siraj followed his instructions.

McSweeney and Labuschagne had already put on 62 runs for the first wicket and were looking increasingly dangerous after India was dismissed for 180 in their first innings. They remained unbeaten at the close of play on Day 1, with Australia in control at 86/1.

Opting to bat first, India lost Yashasvi Jaiswal on the first ball of the Test match. However, Shubman Gill and KL Rahul weathered the early storm and guided India to 69 without further damage. But Mitchell Starc had other plans, breaking the partnership. From there, India continued to lose wickets at regular intervals. Nitish Kumar Reddy played a lone hand, scoring 42 off 54, which helped India reach a somewhat respectable total in the first innings.

Starc was the standout bowler for Australia, finishing with impressive figures of 6 for 48, while Scott Boland and Pat Cummins claimed two wickets each. For India, Jasprit Bumrah made an early breakthrough by dismissing Usman Khawaja for 13. However, McSweeney and Labuschagne steadied the ship for Australia, ensuring they were in a strong position at stumps.

Kohli (7) and Rohit (3) couldn’t make an impact with the bat as Starc and Boland dismissed both cheaply. With Australia trailing by 94 runs, India will look to Bumrah for a vital breakthrough to help them regain control on Day 2.

India lead the five-match Test series 1-0 after their dominant 295-run victory in the first Test in Perth of Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.