5 times Virat Kohli threw his wicket away in a home Test ft. IND vs NZ 2024
Virat Kohli has established himself as one of the greatest batters in the last decade across formats. At 35, he made history during the first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru by becoming the fourth Indian to cross 9,000 runs in Test cricket.
In 197 innings, the Delhi-born cricketer has scored 9,017 runs at an average of 48.74, with 31 half-centuries and 29 centuries to his name. At home, he has amassed 4,313 runs in 83 innings, boasting an impressive average of 58.28, which includes 13 fifties and 14 centuries.
While Kohli has played numerous match-winning innings, he has also had moments of recklessness, occasionally throwing away his wicket — whether early in his innings or when well-set — by playing careless shots.
On that note, we will look at five times Virat Kohli threw his wicket away in a home Test.
5 times Virat Kohli threw his wicket away in a home Test
#1 Against Australia in Pune, 2017
In 2017, India faced Australia in the opening match of a four-Test series in Pune. The visitors scored 260 runs in their first innings, while India struggled, managing just 105 runs.
Captain Virat Kohli was dismissed for a disappointing two-ball duck after chasing a wide delivery outside off stump from Mitchell Starc. Attempting a square drive without moving his feet, he edged the ball into the hands of Peter Handscomb at first slip.
Steven Smith scored a century in the second innings for Australia, making 109 runs as they totaled 285 and set a target of 441. India struggled throughout the match and were dismissed for just 107, losing by 333 runs.
#2 Against England in Ahmedabad, 2021
After choosing to bat first in the third Test in Ahmedabad, England were bowled out for a mere 112 runs. In response, Rohit Sharma scored 66 for India, while skipper Virat Kohli looked promising at 27 before losing his wicket.
Jack Leach bowled a flighted delivery on off-stump, and Kohli attempted a cut but ended up chopping the ball onto his stumps.
India posted 145 runs in their first innings and then displayed their bowling dominance by dismissing England for just 81 in the second innings. Chasing a target of 49 runs, India secured victory by 10 wickets.
#3 Against Sri Lanka in Mohali, 2022
During a Test against Sri Lanka in Mohali in 2022, India were dominant in their first innings, declaring at 574 for eight. Ravindra Jadeja remained unbeaten on 175. Meanwhile, Virat Kohli started well but was dismissed for 45.
He faced a fuller delivery from Lasith Embuldeniya on the middle stump and attempted to defend it while staying back, but the ball veered past his outside edge and knocked over his stumps. Kohli's innings ended at 45 off 76 balls.
Jadeja also excelled with the ball, claiming nine wickets in the game as India secured victory by an innings and 222 runs.
#4 Against Australia in Delhi, 2023
In the second match of the four-Test series against Australia at Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi in 2023, the visitors posted 263 runs in their first innings, while India scored 262.
Ravindra Jadeja excelled in the second innings, taking seven wickets as Australia were bowled out for just 113, setting a target of 115 runs. Virat Kohli looked to secure the victory for India but was stumped for 20 runs off 31 balls.
Todd Murphy bowled an arm ball, and as Kohli advanced down the pitch, he misread it, allowing the ball to slip past his outside edge. Alex Carey executed the stumping.
This remains Kohli's only dismissal by stumping in Test cricket. Ultimately, India clinched the match by six wickets.
#5 Against New Zealand in Pune, 2024
A recent entry on the list is Virat Kohli’s dismissal in the ongoing second Test against New Zealand in Pune. The visitors scored 259 runs in their first innings. Batting at No. 4, Kohli was dismissed for just one run off nine balls.
Mitchell Santner bowled a low full toss that angled towards middle stump. Kohli attempted to play it across the line, but the ball sneaked under his bat and hit the stumps.
India were bowled out for just 156 runs in their first innings, allowing New Zealand to take a 103-run lead.