Virat Kohli's return to the field came to a controversial end at Wankhede Stadium. Once again, DRS was the villain of the story as lack of conclusive decision prevented the third umpire Virender Sharma from overturning the on-field decision of umpire Anil Chaudhary. Kohli believed that it was a clear inside edge off his bat and opted for DRS. However, as the ball was close to bat and pad at the same time ultraedge showed a spike, the third umpire was unable to make the change.
On the last ball of 30th over, Ajaz Patel bowled it fuller drawing Kohli on the front foot. The Indian skipper tried to defend it on the front foot but the ball did not turn enough. As a result, the ball appeared to be in contact with bat and pad at almost same time.
As the third umpire asked Chaudhary to stay with his decision, Kohli was visibly frustrated. Before leaving the field, the 33-year-old had a chat with the umpire. Kohli's wait for his 71st Test century continues. It has been more than two years since India's run-machine has not breached the three figures.
Even though the third umpire followed protocols/process before deciding not to overturn the decision, the dodgy call raises questions at the DRS system which is not fullproof and often comes to chance. To make sense of it, Kohli would not have been given out if the umpire had said no and New Zealand opted for the review.
It was a big wicket in context of the game as the Mumbai-born Kiwi left-arm spinner took his third wicket in the session on a pitch that is clearly tilted in spinners' favour. Kohli's wicket is crucial for India as they are without the services of their in-form all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja.
