Twitter supports Virat Kohli despite a heavy loss in the first Test

India lost the first of the three-match Test series against South Africa by 72 runs on Monday at Newlands in Cape Town on the fourth day itself. The visitors struggled against the moving ball throughout the game and failed to come to terms with the conditions. Vernon Philander was the man for the home side who registered his career-best figures by scalping six Indian batsmen in the second innings. However, Twitterati has come out in support of the skipper Virat Kohli despite losing the game and hoped to make a come back in the series.

Even after losing the toss, the Indian bowlers bowled beautifully to bundle the hosts out for 286 runs on the very first day. India stuttered in response and were reduced to 92/7 at one stage before Hardik Pandya came to the fore. He smashed an aggressive 93 off just 96 deliveries which propelled his team to 209. Though the first innings lead of 77 was a big one considering the way the pitch was behaving. But the third day’s play was washed out due to incessant rains in Cape Town.

The fourth day saw the Test turning upside down as the Indian bowlers wreaked havoc in the opposition camp by taking 8/65 in the first session. They were in with a real chance to win the match by chasing down a mediocre total of 208 runs but failed to do so and were bundled out for just 135 runs.

Fans stay by Kohli’s side

A lot of fans were left disappointed with the team’s performance as they questioned the inclusion of Rohit Sharma in the team. Moreover, they were befuddled by the fact that Ajinkya Rahane was dropped who has played exceptionally for the team overseas. While there were a lot of trolls and bashing of captain Virat Kohli, few Indian fans also supported their favourite player.

Some lauded his captaincy on the fourth day, while the others hailed the Indian bowlers and Pandya for bringing the team back into the game.

Here’s how Twitterati voiced their support:

Keep calm and believe in Virat Kohli, he will bounce back Strong……. ?????? #SAvIND #ViratKohli pic.twitter.com/7TRfbkdqNG

— Virat Kohli Fan Club (@vkfanofficial) January 9, 2018

@imVkohli Virat, Sorry to see India lose, but it was a close match. Do not worry about the criticism, you are a Champion. This team of yours can do wonders. Best wishes bro.

— Salil Varma (@SUV007) January 9, 2018

Dont worry Virat, the next two are ours. Had Rohit settled he would have won us the match. But we fought.@imVkohli

— R.Sampath kumar (@RSampathkumar56) January 9, 2018

Don't get disappointed @imVkohli , a team needs quick learners. Subcontinent want a series win in #INDvSA

— Thilina (@Thilina618) January 9, 2018

Its ok King @imVkohli Dont be sad we know u will bounce back in Second test on 13th jan???Gud morning viratians???#SAvIND #viratkohli pic.twitter.com/rApZIwcs3k

— Virat kohli (@officialKohliFc) January 9, 2018

it hurts to see our @imVkohli this way??????#SAvIND #viratkohli pic.twitter.com/Il6MDAWhi1

— Virat kohli (@officialKohliFc) January 8, 2018

Gotta admire #ViratKohli ‘ s captaincy, might be a touch unconventional, but constantly trying to make things happen and win Test matches #SAvIND

— subramani badrinath (@s_badrinath) January 8, 2018

Give @imVkohli a breather, hope trolls don't spread negativity especially about the best times of his life, he is human, he is newly married, he can fail sometimes but others shd be questioned for no fight #IndvsSA #SAvIND #ViratKohli

— Suketa Shetty (@BeingSuketa) January 8, 2018

It hurts seeing him like this. The haters and the fake fans will never stop this blame game. Come on guys, this is our first loss in 10 months! I know we will bounce back❤️ #SAvIND #ViratKohli #BleedBlue #FreedomSeries pic.twitter.com/YI4RBVE5nt

— Aakriti Joshi (@aakritijoshi5) January 9, 2018