In the world of cricket, moments of brilliance can turn the tide of a match, and one such moment unfolded during the second Test between India and Bangladesh at Kanpur. On a day marked by fluctuating fortunes, it was Virat Kohli‘s exquisite six off Taijul Islam that not only electrified the crowd but also underscored his status as one of the game’s greats.

A tense encounter between India and Bangladesh

As the match progressed into its fourth day, the atmosphere was charged with anticipation. Bangladesh had posted a modest total of 233 in their first innings, thanks largely to Mominul Haque’s resilient century. The Indian bowlers, particularly Jasprit Bumrah and Ravichandran Ashwin, had dismantled the Bangladeshi batting lineup with precision and skill. Despite early breakthroughs by Akash Deep, who claimed two wickets, Mominul anchored the innings with a patient 107 off 194 balls.

India’s response began brightly, with openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma racing to 55 runs before Rohit fell to Hasan Mahmud. However, it was Kohli’s innings that drew particular attention. Coming in at a crucial juncture with India at 159 for 4, he needed to stabilize the innings while also keeping the scoreboard ticking. His approach was aggressive yet calculated, as he aimed to build a substantial lead over Bangladesh.

Virat Kohli’s masterclass launches Taijul Islam for a six

The moment came in the 24th over when Taijul Islam bowled a delivery that was tossed up just outside off stump. Kohli, ever the master of his craft, took a couple of short steps down the pitch, positioning himself perfectly under the ball. With a fluid motion that showcased his impeccable timing and technique, he thumped it over long-off for a stunning six.

This shot was not just about power; it was about placement and finesse. Kohli’s backlift was smooth, and as he made contact with the ball, it soared majestically over the boundary- clean as a whistle. The crowd erupted in applause as they witnessed yet another display of Kohli’s extraordinary talent. This six not only added vital runs to India’s total but also served as a statement of intent against Bangladesh’s bowling attack.

Also WATCH: Comedy of errors as Rishabh Pant nearly runs Virat Kohli out on Day 4 of the Kanpur Test | IND vs BAN

Here’s the video:

Kohli goes down the ground 🔥#IDFCFirstBankTestSeries #INDvBAN #JioCinemaSports #ViratKohli pic.twitter.com/2nrlZbg3aT

— JioCinema (@JioCinema) September 30, 2024

India building momentum over Bangladesh

Kohli’s six came at a crucial time when Bangladesh was beginning to find their rhythm with the ball. Taijul had been effective in keeping runs down and applying pressure on the Indian batters. However, Kohli’s audacity shifted momentum back in India’s favour. He followed up this explosive shot with several boundaries that further demoralized the Bangladeshi bowlers.

As Kohli continued to accumulate runs alongside KL Rahul, who also played aggressively, India began to look set for a commanding lead. The partnership flourished as they combined aggression with sensible shot selection, pushing India’s score past 250 runs before Kohli eventually fell for 47 off just 35 balls. With India declaring at 285/9 in their first innings, the Day 4 ended with a glimmer of hope for India to bag the series with a whitewash. Bangladesh will be starting the final day of the Test on 26/2 trailing by 26 runs.

Also WATCH: Virat Kohli in splits after Akash Deep smacks two sixes with his bat on Day 4 of Kanpur Test | IND vs BAN

For latest cricket news & updates, visit CricketTimes.com.