Virat Kohli's Middle Stump Uprooted! How Did Shakib Al Hasan Bamboozle India's Best Batter?
Virat Kohli was dismissed by Shakib [Source: PTI]
India's talismanic batter Virat Kohli showcased his batting prowess as he struck a gorgeous knock in the decider of the ongoing two-match Test series against Bangladesh at Green Park Stadium in Kanpur. However, the elegant batter couldn't bring up his fifty, with ace all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan castling him with a well-disguised delivery.
Virat Kohli Vs Shakib Al Hasan: How Did The Contest Pan Out?
Virat Kohli and Shakib Al Hasan have enjoyed a fierce rivalry in international cricket. However, on day four of the Kanpur Test, the legendary left-arm spinner got the better of Kohli, who had just completed 27000 runs in international cricket.
The incident occurred during the 30th over of India's first innings when Bangladesh desperately needed someone to break the fifth-wicket stand between Kohli and KL Rahul. Shakib Al Hasan once again emerged as Bangladesh's saviour, outfoxing Kohli with a beautiful delivery.
From around the wicket, Shakib bowled a tossed-up delivery that went with the angle to beat Kohli on his sweep, uprooting his middle stump.
How Did Shakib Al Hasan Trap Virat Kohli?
Renowned for his incredible bowling attributes, Shakib Al Hasan has two variations- the off-break, which turns away from right-handed batters, and the arm ball, which goes into right-handed batters with the angle.
The experienced spinner cleverly used the crease, bowling an arm ball to get Kohli's wicket in the Kanpur Test. Shakib deceived the legendary batter with his pace and trajectory, making him play a risky sweep shot without much room.
Thus, as Kohli went for a wild sweep, the ball sneaked through the gap between his bat and body, shattering his middle stump in this process. Regarding the game, India were 272 for seven at the time of writing, with KL Rahul and Akash Deep batting on 68* and 0*, respectively.