Virat Kohli's 'sad' moment emerges after breaking Sachin Tendulkar's record
The Indian legend couldn't contain his disappointment at the World Cup.
Virat Kohli and KL Rahul were the saviours for India having fended off an early Aussie fightback in their opening Cricket World Cup game, but a missed moment for the former Indian captain has caught fans by surprise. Kohli was at the crease when Australia had India reeling at 3-2 to start their run-chase of 200 runs.
Although Australia's fightback was short-lived as Kohli scored 85 runs and Rahul saw out the innings on 97 not out as India recorded their opening win of the tournament.
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However, fans noticed the disappointment of Kohli back in the locker room having been dismissed before he could score his 78th international century across all formats. Other than the one dropped Mitch Marsh chance, Kohli was in control in Chennai before falling to Aussie star Josh Hazlewood.
Kohli walked back to the dressing room to a thunderous applause as he once again saved India's innings when it appeared to be carnage. And moments after joining his teammates, cameras panned to Kohli looking dejected.
Kohli was clearly frustrated having fallen 15 runs short of his 48th One Day International century for his nation. The batter was seen hitting his head in frustration at the lapse of judgement.
Fans felt for the cricket icon as struggled to hide the devastation from viewers.
Still can't digest that Virat Kohli didn't get his 78th century today 💔 #INDVsAUSpic.twitter.com/X5WUxnDSgA
— ` (@chixxsays) October 8, 2023
Virat regrets not being able to make the Match for India. HE is GOAT he is KING he is the best Chase master. But the hunger to Finish the game makes him the Best.
#ViratKohli #KLRahul #HardikPandya #RohitSharma𓃵 #INDvAUS #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/rfez1QPUyV— Rajveer Jatav😉 (@RajveerJatab) October 8, 2023
It was Virat Kohli's 78th century man, hurts more than anything 💔 pic.twitter.com/X94iSeT0mD
— leisha (@katyxkohli17) October 8, 2023
Virat kohli missed a well deserved century here. He was looking very angry, sad and frustrated at same time💔🥺#INDvsAUS #ViratKohlihttps://t.co/tpyY1uejBF
— Lokesh Saini🚩 (@LokeshVirat18K) October 8, 2023
A star among lights ✨ #ViratKohli #CWC23 #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/THLEDVvAAi
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) October 8, 2023
Virat Kohli breaks Sachin Tendulkar record
While he may have missed out on a century against Australia in the World Cup, Kohli surpassed Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar's stunning record. Kohli's 85 batting in the second innings saw him take his countryman as the batter with the most runs scored in successful run chases.
Incredibly, Tendulkar held the record having scored 5,490 runs when successfully chasing down a target. He averaged 55.50 when doing so. Many thought this record would be hard to break.
However, Kohli's remarkable white-ball form has seen him break the record with a jaw-dropping average of 89.00. He will now only further extend this record with a number of years left in the white-ball format.
Kohli leads a remarkable list of cricketers on the all-time list with Ricky Ponting sitting at No.3, Rohit Sharma at No.4 and Jacques Kallis at No.5.
Virat Kohli now has the most runs in successful run chase in ODI history.
KING KOHLI - THE GOAT...!!! pic.twitter.com/V8PbCuVPWD— CricketMAN2 (@ImTanujSingh) October 8, 2023
While Kohli hit a sensational 85, he was close to being dismissed earlier. Marsh and Australia had a golden opportunity to claim the prized scalp of Kohli when India were 3-20, but he put down a simple chance when running in from square leg.
Kohli top-edged a ball from Hazlewood straight into the air, but Marsh couldn't hold onto the chance as he appeared to be worried about a potential collision with Alex Carey. The miss proved extremely costly for Australia, with Kohli going on to make 85 before he was eventually caught at mid-wicket off Hazlewood.
But it was too little too late, with India reaching their victory target with 8.4 overs to spare and six wickets in hand. The loss comes as a brutal reality check for Australia, who must now regroup and bounce back. "It's not ideal, especially someone of his calibre," Australia captain Pat Cummins said of Marsh's drop. "It happens, 4-20 would have been a dream start, but not to be."
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