The rain-affected first ODI between India and New Zealand at Eden Park may not have offered uninterrupted action, but it certainly produced two memorable moments of brilliance in the field. Former India captains Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma caught everyone’s attention with their exceptional fielding efforts, prompting praise from India’s fielding coach, Subhadeep Ghosh, ahead of the second ODI of the ongoing series.
Speaking on the eve of the second match of the five-game series, Subhadeep Ghosh explained how both experienced cricketers made their respective dismissals possible. Although Kohli’s one-handed catch and Rohit’s acrobatic run-out were different in execution, the coach highlighted one common factor behind both efforts: anticipation. Before playing a match-winning knock of more than fifty runs, Kohli had already made an impact with his outstanding fielding.
New Zealand batter Nathan Smith attempted a powerful drive against Anshul Kamboj, but Kohli, positioned in the cover region, reacted quickly and stretched out to grab the ball just inches above the ground with one hand. According to Subhadeep Ghosh, Kohli’s extensive experience at cover and point helped him understand the ball’s likely trajectory and react faster than other fielders. His ability to read the situation early allowed him to execute the difficult catch.
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“See, in fielding, I think one thing that is very, very important is anticipation. The more you stay in that place, Virat has fielded in covers, point, I think, lakhs of times. So he knows exactly the trajectory of the ball, the path of the ball, the impact of the ball. So he reads the situation slightly earlier than the rest of the guys, and the execution, you can see,” Subhadeep Ghosh stated.
Rohit Sharma produced another outstanding fielding moment during New Zealand’s innings at Eden Park. The former Indian captain dismissed a well-set Daryl Mitchell with a remarkable throw towards the wicketkeeper from the mid-wicket region, releasing the ball while his body was airborne.
Virat Kohli’s excellent catch 👌
Rohit Sharma’s acrobatic run-out 👏🎥 #TeamIndia fielding coach Subhadeep Ghosh on how anticipation and awareness form the core of these fielding acts 🤝
#NZvIND | @imVkohli | @ImRo45 https://t.co/IDJccGhRSU
— BCCI (@BCCI) November 6, 2026
Ghosh explained that Rohit’s early anticipation played a crucial role in making the run-out possible. Instead of moving directly towards the ball, Rohit adjusted his movement towards square leg, allowing him to reach the right position at the right moment.
“And as far as Rohit is concerned, that run-out, I think he was anticipating the ball early. The scores go to square leg. He was not moving straight; he was moving slightly towards square leg. So he anticipated slightly earlier and executed the skill,” the fielding coach said.
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Ghosh also explained that India’s training sessions focus on replicating match situations as closely as possible. The coaching staff designs realistic fielding drills to help players develop anticipation, improve their reactions and execute skills under pressure. “That’s why, in practice sessions, I try to replicate as closely as possible how the ball will come in a match, so that they can anticipate and execute,” he added.
With the second ODI approaching, Kohli and Rohit’s performances offered another reminder of how experience, awareness, and sharp anticipation can make a decisive difference on the field.
