Virat Kohli went across his off-stump, going down on a single knee, assisting the ball clear the ropes.© AFP
Team India skipper Virat Kohli and former South Africa cricketer AB de Villiers share a close friendship. The duo have been representing Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for a considerable period of time, playing a crucial part in figuring out the franchise’s fortunes. While Kohli has commonly opted to stick to his strengths when it comes to playing a shot, De Villiers is really inventive in his method. However, the South African’s revolutionary gameplay definitely appears to have influenced the Team India skipper’s shot choice to a particular extent, as evident from a single of his shots in the second T20I among Australia and India in Sydney.
Virat Kohli or AB de Villiers?
Ridiculous shot from the Indian skipper! #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/6g8xY8ihIj
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 6, 2020
Kohli grabbed the limelight with his stroke in the 15th more than of the second innings bowled by Andrew Tye, with the guests chasing a target of 195 runs. The 32-year-old went across his off-stump, going down on a single knee following a complete delivery, assisting the ball clear the ropes.
Team India ultimately chased down the target by a margin of six wickets, with two balls to spare. Hardik Pandya was named as the Man of the Match, following his unbeaten 22-ball 42 which comprised of 3 boundaries and two sixes. Shikhar Dhawan was the highest run-scorer, scoring 52 runs off 36 balls with 4 fours and two maximums. Kohli was dismissed for 40 runs off 24 deliveries.
Earlier, Australia posted a total of 194 runs for the loss of 5 wickets, following a 32-ball 58 by opener Matthew Wade.
AB de Villiers has announced his retirement from international cricket, even though he continues to function in T20 leagues.