India had a positive start to the new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, securing a 1-0 victory against West Indies in a two-match Test series. The first Test concluded in less than three days, while the second encounter ended in a draw due to rain interrupting play. Amid limited action on the field, some unheard stories of the Indian cricket team came to light.
During commentary on Jio Cinema, Ishant Sharma shared an interesting anecdote involving his former Delhi teammate, Virat Kohli, and ex-India pacer Zaheer Khan.The incident dates back to early 2014 during India’s tour to New Zealand. In the second Test, which was also the final match of the tour, Kohli, known for his exceptional fielding skills, offered a fortunate reprieve to the then-New Zealand captain, Brendon McCullum, in the second innings. Unfortunately, India paid a price for that missed opportunity.
Ishant Sharma said
“We were playing in New Zealand. Brendon McCullum had scored 300 runs and when Virat Kohli dropped a catch, I remembered that this happened around lunch. Virat said sorry to Zak and Zak said, ‘No worries, we’ll get him out.’ During tea, Kohli said sorry again and Zak told him not to worry. On the third day when Kohli apologized during tea, Zak told him, ‘You’ve ended my career!’,” said Ishant.
Zaheer Khan joined the conversation and further added his input.
“I didn’t say that. I said that there were only two players, the first was Kiran More who dropped Graham Gooch and he scored 300. After that, it’s Virat Kohli who dropped a catch and someone scored 300. Then, he told me not to talk like that, naturally as he wouldn’t have felt good about that. The catch was dropped and the runs were scored,” the former pacer said.
After receiving another opportunity early in the innings, McCullum seized it and went on to achieve a remarkable triple century. The former New Zealand wicketkeeper-batsman scored an impressive 302 runs before getting caught out by Zaheer, who also took five wickets in the same innings. McCullum’s exceptional performance saved his team from a challenging situation, resulting in a drawn match.
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