'Virat Kohli has had that issue'- Ajit Agarkar analyzes batter's dismissal on day one of 1st SA Test

Despite looking in good touch, India’s Test captain Virat Kohli was dismissed by Lungi Ngidi for 35. During the third session of day one, the 33-year-old edged one to Mulder, who was fielding at first slip. Before his dismissal, he and KL Rahul had put on a superb 82-run partnership.

However, a slight lapse in concentration ensured that the batting maestro threw away a good start. Thus, his batting form in the longest format of the game has been mediocre of late. The batter has only scored four fifties in 11 Tests this year. Besides, his last hundred came way back in 2019.

However, former Indian cricketer Ajit Agarkar lauded the bowler for persisting with his line against the Indian skipper. While speaking during the post-match show on Star Sports, the former pacer spoke about how the Delhi batter has had an issue with the ball coming back in. He then went on to speak about the field placements as well.

‘He looked a lot more dangerous’- Ajit Agarkar on Virat Kohli’s innings

“I think he [Virat] has had that issue with the ball coming back in. Generally, he had gotten over it. Again, Ngidi bowled everything into the batter, unlike his first spell where he tried to take the ball away. He looked a lot more dangerous and you’ve got to give a lot of credit to the bowler or the captain who got that field in place,” said Ajit Agarkar.

Adding to what the 44-year-old said, former South African pacer Morne Morkel spoke about Kohli’s dismissal too. He felt that the 25-year-old pacer dragged the opposition skipper wider as he was looking to score. The 37-year-old also mentioned the fact that the dismissal was an important breakthrough for the Elgar-led side.

“There’s going to be bounce outside the off-stump; it’s a patient game. Lungi Ngidi dragged him wider, dragged him wider, and Virat with that sort of intent and looking to score went after the ball and South Africa picked up that main wicket. He was looking dangerous. The way he had body language at the crease for me was very impressive… It was an important breakthrough for South Africa,” said Morne Morkel.