WATCH: Virat Kohli practises in Pune after stumps on day 1

Virat Kohli. (Photo Source: Jio Cinema)

Star batter Virat Kohli was spotted practising batting on the outfield after Day 1 of the second Test between India and New Zealand concluded at Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune. He had a rough time with the bat in the two-match Test series against Bangladesh as well as in the first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru. The 35-year-old got out for a duck in the first innings before returning to form with 70 in the second.

His form is extremely vital ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and his lack of big scores has invited some questions. India head coach Gautam Gambhir recently defended the batter and stated that the team management is backing Kohli and expects him to come out on top in Australia.

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Meanwhile, after bundling New Zealand for 259 in the first innings, India lost Rohit Sharma in the third over. He looked in trouble for a brief while before Tim Southee sent him back for a nine-ball duck as India finished the day at 16/1, trailing by 243. 

After the day, Kohli came out for a short practice session. He was trying to time the ball and was batting without wearing a helmet. He was also seen stepping out a few times to take on the deliveries.

Virat Kohli Started Practicing Right After The End Of 1st Day.🏏🤍#ViratKohli #INDvsNZ #INDvNZ @imVkohli pic.twitter.com/gCt8Yupq6Y

— virat_kohli_18_club (@KohliSensation) October 24, 2024

Washington Sundar stars on Day 1

The Day 1 of the second Test belonged to Washington Sundar. India started on the backfoot as Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra looked in control but Sundar wreaked havoc in his second spell and picked up a seven-wicket haul eventually.

Also Read – Twitter Reactions: Washington Sundar bags seven-for, registers best figures in First-Class cricket

Courtesy of his brilliance, New Zealand lost seven wickets in 62 runs and that gave India a good chance to take a lead. The batters now have a big responsibility but it won’t be an easy task as the surface is expected to deteriorate on Day 2.