In a stunning turn of events that left cricket fans across the nation in disbelief, Virat Kohli's highly anticipated return to One Day International cricket ended in dramatic fashion with a golden duck, marking one of the most disappointing comebacks in recent memory.
The Indian batting lineup suffered a catastrophic collapse, crumbling to a precarious 37 for 3 as South Africa's pace attack wreaked havoc in the early overs. What was supposed to be a triumphant return for the star batsman turned into a nightmare scenario within minutes of his arrival at the crease.
Dream Comeback Turns Into Nightmare
Kohli, who had taken a brief break from the ODI format, walked onto the pitch amidst roaring applause from excited fans. However, the celebration was short-lived as Nandre Burger delivered a devastating blow, trapping Kohli LBW on his very first ball faced.
The decision was immediately reviewed by Kohli, creating a moment of tense anticipation. Unfortunately for the Indian camp and millions of watching fans, the DRS system confirmed the umpire's initial call, sending the star batsman back to the pavilion without adding a single run to the scoreboard.
India's Top Order Implodes
The troubles for Team India began even before Kohli's dismissal. The early departure of key opener Ruturaj Gaikwad set the stage for what would become a dramatic top-order collapse. Sai Sudharsan followed shortly after, failing to make a significant impact on the scoreboard.
With three crucial wickets falling in quick succession, the Indian dressing room was left reeling. The scoreboard painted a grim picture at 37/3, putting immense pressure on the remaining batsmen to stage a recovery in challenging conditions.
What This Means for the Series
This shocking start raises serious questions about India's batting stability as they face a determined South African bowling attack. The early collapse puts the visitors in a vulnerable position, requiring a substantial partnership from the middle order to salvage the innings.
Kohli's golden duck on return will undoubtedly spark discussions about form and preparation, though his track record suggests this is likely a temporary setback rather than a sign of declining abilities.
