Virat Kohli’s Animated Gestures Spark ‘Captaincy Return’ Buzz on Day 4 with Rohit Sharma

Virat Kohli’s Animated Gestures Spark ‘Captaincy Return’ Buzz: It’s not been a series to remember for Rohit Sharma so far. Besides his lean run of form in Test cricket which includes 19 runs in three innings in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in Australia, his captaincy too has been under the scanner with most of the experts unhappy with his on-field calls.

Amid all this, Virat Kohli sparked new hope among fans on social media, as his animated field placements on Day 4 of the 4th Test left fans wondering if he had taken over the captaincy again.

On Sunday Kohli was seen very active on the field. Standing at second slip during Australia’s second innings at the Melbourne Cricket Ground next to Rohit, the former captain was seen constantly talking to the 37-year-old. With his hand gestures, it was clear that the conversation was about India’s strategy and field placings.

He was setting the field and also running towards Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep during their overs to discuss different plans.

Also Read: South Africa vs Pakistan 1st Test Day 4: Proteas Edge Thriller to Qualify for WTC Final 2025

The act even left commentator Mark Nicholas wondering if Kohli had taken over the captaincy for the day again. He said: “Virat Kohli is very animated on the field, he is captain again.”

Meanwhile former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar felt Kohli’s on-field act reminded him of Pakistan legend Javed Miandad and the dynamic he shared with his captain Imran Khan during their playing days.

Kohli last led India in the 2021/22 tour of South Africa after which he gave up the captaincy in the wake of his fallout with then BCCI president Sourav Ganguly.

Also Read: Bank Staff Among 4 Arrested for Siphoning ₹12.2 Crore from CRED Operator Firm: Report

Kohli is India’s most successful Test captain with 40 wins in 68 Tests with a win percentage of 58.82. He retired as the 4th most successful Test captain of all time with Graeme Smith of South Africa, Ricky Ponting and Steve Waugh above him.

Australia wrapped up India’s first innings in 62 balls at the MCG on Day 4 as India were bowled out for 369 in response to Australia’s first innings total of 474. Centurion Nitish Kumar Reddy was the last wicket to fall after he tried to clear the rope off Nathan Lyon and found the hands of fielder Mitchell Starc at deep long-on.

Australia added 48 runs to their lead of 105 at Lunch for the loss of two wickets. Jasprit Bumrah got his revenge by dismissing Sam Konstas and Mohammed Siraj got Usman Khawaja.

Also Read: Jasprit Bumrah Becomes Fastest Indian to 200 Test Wickets, Breaks Garner’s Bowling Record