In the high-voltage ODI World Cup 2023 clash between India and Australia at the Chidambaram stadium in Chennai on October 8, Virat Kohli made headlines by showing his fielding prowess in the third over, when Jasprit Bumrah's unexpected short-length delivery, stunned Mitchell Marsh and the Australian opener found himself caught off guard. As the ball headed to the slips, Virat Kohli, with impeccable reflexes, dove to his left, securing the catch with both hands like Spiderman.
It was no coincidence that just a day prior, Kohli was seen sharpening his catching skill during the team's net session, preparing for the big game against Australia. This moment was celebrated by the India team management after the former India skipper was given a special 'best fielder' medallion by T Dilip, who is India's fielding coach.
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Before handing the award to Kohli, the coach took time out to personally appreciate the efforts of players like Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer, both of whom made some vital saves as fielders. But the eventual prize fell in the hands of Kohli, especially for the way he bagged the wicket of Marsh.
Dilip was first introduced but head coach Rahul Dravid, who informed the staff that the fielding coach would be handing out the medal. This was met by massive cheers from the players, with Dilip praising Kishan and Shreyas both. Getting serious, he then said, "I have spoken in our team meets about consistency, it's just not about one catch, it's about backing up. It's not only doing your job but also making sure that you encourage to be at the right place. I think this one goes to Virat."
See the video here:
Virat can be seen doing a dance and emulating India's Asian Games medallists with his celebration, as he took in all the glory of leading India to the win against Australia.
During the match, following a turbulent start against pacers Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, India found themselves in a tight spot at 2/3. It was then that Kohli and Rahul stepped up to the crease. This challenging start saw India at a precarious 2 for 3, with Captain Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan, and Shreyas Iyer dismissed for zero, all falling victim to the formidable duo of Starc and Hazlewood.
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