With his knock of just 18 runs in the second innings of the ongoing first Test match between India and South Africa at SuperSport Park in Centurion, Virat Kohli will now complete two full calendar years without a century in international cricket. 

In both innings of the Centurion Test, Kohli has looked in fine touch but lost his wicket chasing a delivery outside the off-stump. In the second innings on Wednesday, Kohli was dismissed by debutant Marco Jansen on the first ball after the lunch break. 

Legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar analysed Kohli’s latest dismissal and called it a ‘loose shot’ while suggesting that declaration was on the back of his mind. 

During commentary on Star Sports, Gavaskar said, “You’ve got to say that was a loose shot, first ball after lunch. Every batsman, when he resumes, gives himself a little time, particularly in Test cricket – gives himself a little time to get his feet moving.”

“Any interval, even if it’s a short four-minute drinks interval, after that you’ve still got to reset your batting. Kohli is such an experienced batsman but maybe at the back of his mind, he is looking to get quick runs, so that the declaration can be done,” added the legendary Indian cricketer. 

“Have a look, how far away that ball is. He could have left it well alone, first ball after lunch,” Gavaskar slammed Kohli’s shot on watching the replay. 

Kohli had scored 35 runs in the first innings before making 18 in the second. His dismissals on both occasions were in a largely similar fashion. 

Talking about the match, India have set South Africa a target of 305 in the second innings. Kohli’s men were bowled out for 174 in the second innings with Rishabh Pant top-scoring with a knock of 304. 

South African opener Aiden Markram was dismissed for one run in the second over of the innings by Mohammed Shami.