Indian cricket icon Virat Kohli stole the show on Saturday, not with his bat, but with a spectacular fielding effort during the third One-Day International against Australia. This incredible catch wasn’t just a moment of brilliance; it marked a significant milestone, making him the non-wicketkeeper with the most catches (77) against a single opponent in international cricket. The image of Kohli, focused and agile, securing the ball in Sydney, became an instant highlight, proving his enduring value in all aspects of the game.
Despite this athletic feat, Kohli’s recent return to ODI cricket has been a tough spell. He’s unfortunately registered consecutive ducks, falling for an 8-ball duck in Perth and a 4-ball nought in Adelaide. This challenging batting form has been a talking point among fans and commentators alike, as India faces a daunting 0-2 deficit in the series under Shubman Gill’s captaincy. The pressure is on as he heads into his third chance at the Sydney Cricket Ground, with hopes high for a strong comeback with the bat.
The superb catch occurred when Washington Sundar delivered a ball to Matthew Short. Short struck it hard and flat, but Kohli, stationed at square leg, reacted with lightning speed. He swiftly crouched down, executing a precise reverse-cupped catch right in front of him, leaving the Australian batter no choice but to depart, visibly disappointed.
This memorable fielding performance comes amidst growing concern over Kohli’s batting output. His supporters, eagerly anticipating his comeback, are closely watching his individual performance and hoping for a resurgence, perhaps even more than the team’s overall series fortunes. Social media has been buzzing with discussions, reflecting the intense focus on his personal form.
Here’s a look at some top non-wicketkeepers with the most catches against a single opponent:
| Catches | Player | Team | Opponent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 77 | Virat Kohli | India | Australia |
| 76 | Steve Smith | Australia | England |
| 72 | Mahela Jayawardene | Sri Lanka | England |
| 71 | Allan Border | Australia | England |
| 68 | Mahela Jayawardene | Sri Lanka | Pakistan |