"To be able to get him out was special" - Ajaz Patel recalls Virat Kohli's scalp from his ten-wicket haul in Mumbai ahead of IND vs NZ 2024 3rd Test
New Zealand spinner Ajaz Patel recalled the surreal achievement of taking ten wickets in an innings in a Test at the Wankhede Stadium against India in 2021. The left-arm spinner suggested that Virat Kohli's wicket in that innings was the most special for him.
The Mumbai-born cricketer created history by becoming only the third bowler in history after Jim Laker and Anil Kumble to take all ten wickets in an innings. The 36-year-old did so by dismissing Mohammed Siraj as even the Indian dressing room applauded his feat.
Speaking to ESPN Cricinfo ahead of the 3rd Test between India and New Zealand at the same venue, Ajaz said Kohli's aura made him the most prized wicket on that occasion. The spinner said:
"He's a great of batting around the world and comes out with an aura and confidence and to be able to get him out was special. But more than the wickets, he remembers most fondly a feeling that came over him earlier in the match."
However, the veteran's achievement was in a losing effort as New Zealand were skittled for 62 in response to India's 325. The tourists eventually crashed to a 372-run defeat and lost the series.
"My roots are deeply connected to Mumbai" - Ajaz Patel
Ajaz acknowledged that it would be very nostalgic to return to the Wankhede Stadium and that being there for the first time before the match began felt special. He explained:
"Yeah, it will be pretty cool. It'll be pretty nostalgic for me, obviously, going back there. My roots are deeply connected to Mumbai. For me, it's just special being there and being available and having the opportunity to play at Wankhede.
"Yeah, it's surreal. Even when I went there the first time, it was really special even before everything kicked off. It was just special to be in Mumbai and be able to have the opportunity to play there."
The 36-year-old has struggled a bit in the ongoing series, taking four wickets in the three innings he bowled. However, New Zealand have stunned the hosts by registering their first series triumph on Indian soil.