"Average 49 a tribute to RCB!" - Fans react as Virat Kohli's Test average falls below 50 for first time since 2017
Virat Kohli was once again unlucky to be dismissed for 13 just when he looked set for a big score during India's second innings against Sri Lanka in Bengaluru. The 33-year-old had expected the short delivery from Praveen Jayawickrama to bounce a bit more. But similar to his dismissal in the first innings, the ball stayed low and struck him right in front.
The former Indian captain looked on in disbelief, a cheeky smirk spread across his face. The crowd in Bengaluru had gathered to see their adopted son do well but were once again disappointed to see him dismissed.
With this dismissal, Kohli's Test average has fallen below 50 for the first time in five years. On that note, here are some of the reactions from fans:
Empires fall.
Virat Kohli's Test batting average is now 49.95.
However less Virat Kohli scores these days, he still gives the fans one or two shots to go gaga over! 👌👌
Chinnaswamy Pitch has been so respectful to Kohli that ball wanted to touch his feet in both innings. #INDvSL
Kohli gets another grubber. Can’t catch a break!
841 days, The wait of Virat Kohli's century is continues.
Got a grubber in the first innings but in the second, Kohli guilty of misjudging length and failing to read arm ball. Squandered another opportunity after getting a start. Has his Test average dipped below 50?
Kohli's test average goes to 49 exactly in Bangalore stadium. A tribute to RCB crowd ❤
49.96 is very, very good but no, Kohli can't be averaging under 50 man. This is such painful.
Virat Kohli's Test average is now 49 , as a tribute to RCB's record breaking score 49/10 in IPL Against KKR .
Such an amazing person, giving perfect starter to The IPL. He genuinely loves RCB man. True Legend 🙌
#ViratKohli #RCB https://t.co/3TgEPGeWvv
. Hope you will come back Stronger 
.
Virat Kohli's Test Average dropped below 50 - for the first time in the last 5 Years. it's Hard to see you like this champ💔. Hope you will come back Stronger 🙌🏻😓. https://t.co/ROygrv7kDb
Despite Virat Kohli's wicket, India in complete command
Jasprit Bumrah's sensational fifer gave the hosts a sizeable lead of 143 runs. Both openers Rohit Sharma and Mayank Agarwal would have been keen to do better than their first-innings performances.
Agarwal once again failed to make his start count as he edged one in the slip cordon. Rohit built a strong partnership with Hanuma Vihari and the duo took India's lead past 200.
Just when the Indian captain was looking solid to score big, he decided to play a big shot and was caught at long on. But his dismissal brought huge cheers from the crowd as Virat Kohli walked out to bat.
Kohli was happy to play second fiddle to Rishabh Pant. The latter made a fantastic slog sweep into the stands on just his second delivery. Pant began to take on the spinners while Kohli was content to rotate the strike.
Kohli's dismissal means that fans will have to wait longer for his elusive 71st international hundred. India will be keen on scoring quick runs as there is a possibility that they will make the visitors bat again under lights.