In an unforgettable moment during the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) at the Gabba in Brisbane, former Indian captain Virat Kohli showcased his leadership brilliance once again. While Rohit Sharma now leads the Indian Test team, Kohli’s on-field contribution in a crucial moment of the match reinforced his reputation as one of India’s greatest leaders.
The incident unfolded on the 10th over of Australia’s second innings, with Australia in a precarious position at 28/4. Mohammed Siraj, who had replaced Akash Deep, was about to bowl when he made a key decision that would play a pivotal role in the match. Siraj preferred bowling over the wicket, but Rohit Sharma wasn’t entirely convinced of the strategy. This is when Kohli, ever the astute captain, intervened, backing Siraj’s decision with a tactical approach that would later lead to the dismissal of Steve Smith.
Virat Kohli’s Tactical Genius Shines Through
In a rare moment of collaboration, Kohli explained to Rohit that bowling over the wicket with a scrambled seam targeting the middle stump would significantly increase the chances of a wicket. Kohli’s experience and sharp cricketing mind were on full display as he recommended positioning a square leg fielder and focusing on stump-to-stump deliveries. His plan paid immediate dividends.
On the very next ball, Siraj’s delivery caught Steve Smith off guard. Smith, attempting to guide the ball to fine leg, got a faint edge, which Rishabh Pant, the ever-reliable wicketkeeper, gleefully accepted. This wicket was a crucial moment in the game and showcased Kohli’s deep understanding of the game and his ability to influence the outcome even from the sidelines.
The Draw That Kept India’s WTC Hopes Alive
Despite rain interruptions throughout the five-day Test match, the game ended in a draw, with the series now tied at 1-1. India’s chase of 275 runs was halted by rain and bad light, with India sitting at 8/0, with Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul at the crease. As conditions worsened, both captains and the umpires mutually agreed to call off the match, resulting in a draw. This outcome meant that India’s hopes of qualifying for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final remained intact.
Australia had made a bold declaration earlier in the day, setting India a challenging target. However, with India’s bowlers, led by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, keeping the pressure on, the match hung in balance until the final moments. Bumrah’s outstanding figures of 3/18 and Siraj’s 2/35 were key contributions that kept the Aussies under control.
Mohammed Siraj’s Impressive Performance
Siraj, who had an excellent outing with the ball throughout the Test, delivered a match-changing performance in the crucial moments of the game. His ability to pick up key wickets under pressure, including Steve Smith’s scalp, demonstrated his growth as a bowler in challenging conditions. Siraj’s effectiveness was evident in the way he handled the pressure of a rain-affected game and delivered when the team needed him most.
A Rain-Interrupted Test with Drama Unfolding at the Gabba
The third Test at the Gabba will be remembered not only for the individual brilliance of players like Siraj, Bumrah, and Kohli but also for the rain delays that repeatedly interrupted the play. Despite the weather conditions, both teams fought hard, and the thrilling nature of the contest kept fans on the edge of their seats. The final session, which was supposed to determine the winner, was washed out by rain, forcing the game to conclude as a draw.
Looking Ahead: India’s Path to the WTC Final
With the series tied at 1-1, both teams are still in the hunt for a spot in the World Test Championship final. India’s next challenge will be in Melbourne, where they will aim to capitalize on their momentum from this Test. While the rain may have thwarted a definitive outcome in Brisbane, the Indian team’s performance, both with the bat and the ball, has been promising. The BGT series is far from over, and India will be eager to regain the lead in the final two Tests of the series.
Conclusion
Virat Kohli’s tactical input at the Gabba, despite no longer being captain, reinforced his status as one of the finest leaders in cricket. Rohit Sharma’s willingness to take advice from Kohli, combined with the stellar performances of Siraj and Bumrah, kept India’s hopes alive for the World Test Championship final. The third Test, though interrupted by weather, provided a thrilling spectacle of strategy, skill, and leadership on display. With the series poised at 1-1, the final two Tests promise to deliver more intense cricketing drama as India and Australia fight for supremacy in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
