In a gripping moment during the ODI World Cup match between India and New Zealand, Suryakumar Yadav's selflessness came to the fore as he sacrificed his own wicket for the batting juggernaut Virat Kohli.
After placing the ball towards the off side, Suryakumar instinctively went for a run. Simultaneously, Kohli, who had already initiated a run, halted midway. A lack of eye contact and both players focusing on the ball's movement led to horrible mix-up. By the time Suryakumar realised the situation, it was already too late. Choosing the team's interest over his own, the World Cup debutant Suryakumar immediately turned back, allowing Kohli, who was already at a score of 55, to continue his innings.
While heading back to the pavilion, Suryakumar didn't glance back at Kohli, reflecting his disappointment and the weight of the moment. Kohli, on the other hand, appeared lost for words and shocked witnessing his teammate's selfless act.
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Suryakumar Yadav's dismissal left the Indian scoreboard 191/5. However, Virat Kohli went on to score a match-winning 95 off 104 to lead India to a four-wicket victory.
New Zealand rode on Daryl Mitchell's 130-run knock to post a competitive total of 273. In reply, Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill gave India a solid start and notched up a 71 run partnership before the Lockie Feguson shattered Hitman's stumps. Rohit returned to the pavilion after scoring 40-ball 46. Ferguson came with his next over to dismiss Shubman Gill on 26 to leave India reeling at 76/2.
But Kohli yet again rose to the occasion and won the match for India to make them the table toppers in the ODI World Cup 2023. He made up for the Suryakumar's wicket and played a match-winning knock which was studded with eight fours and two sixes. He returned to the pavilion after scoring 95 but it was too late for the Blackcaps as Ravindra Jadeja (39 not out) did the rest to ensure India's fifth victory on the trot in the ongoing ODI World Cup.
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