On Monday, Virat Kohli survived a close run-out scare during India's thrilling innings at Green Park Stadium in Kanpur after a miscommunication with Rishabh Pant. The incident left captain Rohit Sharma and the rest of the Indian dressing room on edge as India looked to secure a result in the rain-affected Test. While Kohli initially appeared frustrated with Pant, he later saw the humour in the situation and lightened the mood when India took the field during Bangladesh's second innings.
The moment occurred in the 19th over of India's innings when Kohli, batting at No. 5 and on just two runs, under-edged a delivery from Khaled Ahmed that rolled off to the right. Following clear instructions from the dressing room to accelerate the run rate after two rain-impacted days, Kohli quickly set off for a single. However, Pant, at the non-striker’s end, hesitated and called off the run, leaving Kohli stranded far from his crease.
As the bowler, Khaled Ahmed, charged towards the ball and under-armed it toward the stumps, it seemed like Kohli’s fate was sealed. However, a poor throw saved him, as the ball missed the stumps by a margin, much to the frustration of the Bangladesh team. Kohli, visibly annoyed by the mix-up, accepted Pant's quick apology and hug.
Later, when India was fielding, Kohli humorously mimicked Bangladesh’s failed run-out attempt, much to the amusement of his teammates. Rishabh Pant joined in, and fellow slip fielders KL Rahul and Shubman Gill were seen laughing at Kohli's playful reenactment.
India’s dominant batting display created the possibility of a result despite losing seven sessions due to rain. Jasprit Bumrah and R Ashwin's excellent bowling after lunch on Day 4 triggered a Bangladesh collapse, with the last seven wickets falling for just 126 runs. India then raced to post 285 for nine in T20 style, setting new Test records for the fastest 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250. With 45 minutes left on the clock, Ashwin struck twice to leave Bangladesh at 26 for two by stumps.
On Day 5, Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja will be key as India looks to claim the remaining eight wickets and secure a win, bolstering their chances of making the World Test Championship final for a third consecutive time.