DRS drama: Rohit, Kohli steer Kuldeep away from reviews

During India's series-clinching third ODI against South Africa in Visakhapatnam, Rohit Sharma, even though not captaining, acted as the unspoken DRS gatekeeper. With stand-in skipper KL Rahul at the helm, Rohit, supported by Virat Kohli, repeatedly waved away Kuldeep Yadav's DRS appeals, delivering a mix of humor and tactical intuition. The drama unfolded between the 43rd and 45th overs as Kuldeep appealed against Lungi Ngidi after an LBW shout, only for Rohit in the slips to gesture no reviews, joking that pad contact does not automatically mean out.

Even when Kuldeep persisted, Rohit and Kohli couldn't hide their amusement as Rahul moved to the other end, leaving the bowler momentarily baffled. The sequence continued into the next over before replays later confirmed Rohit's instinct was sound. On the very next ball, Ngidi was adjudged LBW with a DRS review, giving Kuldeep his fourth wicket of the match.

India eventually dismissed South Africa for 270, led by Kuldeep's 4/41 and Prasidh Krishna's 4/66. Quinton de Kock provided a counterpunch with 106 off 89, while Temba Bavuma added 48. The moment highlighted Kuldeep's skill with the ball and his admission later that day that he relies on calm heads like Rohit and Rahul to guide his DRS decisions.

Cover image source: IND vs SA 3rd ODI: India opts to bowl against South Africa in deciding third ODI 🔗

#DRSdrama #INDvSA #Kuldeep