The fourth and final Test match between India and Australia started with a grand theatre as Prime Ministers of both countries - Narendra Modi and Anthony Albanese - added a tinge of flavour to an already gripping rivalry. The momentous occasion was celebrated with great fervour at the Narendra Modi Stadium and, truth be told, it was nothing less than a spectacle, videos of which went viral on social media. Once the toss was concluded and the match began, the focus quickly shifted towards the 22 yards on the ground.
While the sights before the game began were nothing less than pure theatre, there was a moment during the first hour of the opening session that caught the attention of the netizens.
Former India captain and maverick batter, Virat Kohli, who often occupies one of the positions in the slip cordon, was spotted re-energising himself with what looked like a protein bar. Kohli was caught on camera munching on a snack while the Aussie batter took guard at the striker's end.
After the Baggy Greens batter defended Mohammed Shami's delivery, Kohli, who had kept the energy bar inside his pocket, grabbed it out again before sharing it with fellow teammate Shreyas Iyer in the slip cordon.
Watch the video here:
Coming back to the game, Australian captain Steve Smith won the all-important toss and elected to bat first. The Baggy Greens went in with the same XI that featured in the third Test in Indore while India made once change to their side. Mohammed Shami replaced Mohammed Siraj, who was rested for the final match of the Border-Gasvaskar series.
Australia were 198/4 after 76 overs with opener Usman Khawaja unbeaten on 86 runs and Cameron Green batting on 11 runs. For the hosts, spinner Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja bagged a wicket each while Shami chipped in with two huge wickets.
ALSO READ:
Sent home without playing a single Test, Australian spinner says 'It's a tough game, its a ruthless environment'
'It wasn't a smart move...': Sunil Gavaskar slams Team India after Shami's off-rhythm start in Ahmedabad Test
