The Untold Story Of The Pink-Ball Test Match

Skipper Virat Kohli who was unbeaten on 59, started day two of the “Pink-Ball Test” with the same sublime touch. Kohli looked at ease from the first ball on day one, as he was milking runs with the strike rate of over 100, though it is only his first pink-ball day-night match. Kohli had never played with a pink ball in his career before this Test. Despite that, his bat flow in this innings was as beautiful as in the red or white-ball cricket.

His gorgeous cover and straight drives were even appreciated by the opponent’s pacers too. Images of his classic shots were doing rounds on social media, which cemented his form yet again as a top player.

On the way to put India in the driver’s seat in the game, Virat completed his 27th Test century, which was his 20th as captain. He went past Ricky Ponting and is behind only Graeme Smith’s 25-century tally. He exquisite innings of 136 runs from 194 balls comprised of 18 sublime boundaries. Even if the pink ball had some sideways movement and Taijul Islam was getting some turn, Kohli looked dominant over the course of the innings.

With his deputy Ajinkya Rahane at the other end, Kohli stitched a 99 run partnership before Rahane got out to the balling of Taijul Islam on 51, comprising of seven boundaries to his name. Post that, Ravindra Jadeja couldn’t give too much support to Virat and got out on 12. Kohli looked all set for another double century. However, Taijul Islam took a brilliant catch on the boundary to surprise Kohli, on the bowling of Ebadat Hossain. India lost the last five wickets for 42 runs only. India declared on 347 with the loss of nine wickets, to put the Bangladeshi team in to bat, for a maximum possible 44 overs on day two.

Early blows form the star of the first innings, Ishant Sharma, left Bangladesh in deep trouble as the scorecard read at 13-4. As both Mithun and Mushfiqar Rahim got glancing blows on the head from Ishant and Umesh Yadav respectively, there were concerns raised over the safety of the players. Another topic of debate was about whether to play with the pink ball or not and its visibility. Also, too many dropped catches made the matter even worse.

Once again veteran Mushfiqar Rahim arrested the collapse with the help of Mahmudullah Riyadh. Both chose to attack the Indian bowling despite their side’s early struggles. Despite that, Mahmudullah was retired hurt on 39. This exposed the lower-order of the Bangladesh team against the India pacers.

Ishant and Yadav dismissed Mehidy Hasan and Taijul Islam respectively, leaving their opponents on 152 runs, for the loss of six wickets. At that point of time, Ishant was only a single wicket away from getting his second 10-wicket haul. As Bangladesh still trailed a tally of 89 runs, it was only a matter of time that the Indian bowlers would wrap up the Test and series (which eventually happened).

The Current Scenario

Beyond that match, the Indian skipper continued to fire at all cylinders blazing. He helped his team secure the win in the recently concluded T20 series against the West Indies. He has been in top form and has been leading his team from the forefront.

If he can continue to perform in a similar fashion, there is no doubt that India has a chance of winning in the days to come. Hopefully, things work out for them this time.