A fiery exchange between Virat Kohli and Dean Elgar on Day 1 of the second Test in Cape Town ignited a DRS controversy, rekindling memories of a contentious on-field incident from their 2021 encounter. The drama unfolded in the final over before the tea break, with Kohli facing Marco Jansen around the wicket.
Although the ball struck his front pad, the umpire remained unmoved by South Africa’s vociferous appeals. Dean Elgar, wasting no time, opted for the DRS, revealing a hairline clipping of the leg-stump by the delivery. However, as per DRS regulations, only over 50% contact with the bails can overturn the umpire’s call, ensuring Kohli survived.
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However, Elgar couldn’t resist a cheeky chirp at Kohli on his way back, whispering about a “close call” dodged. This, understandably, didn’t sit well with Kohli, who promptly hit back with a sharp rejoinder. “Oh please,” Kohli retorted, a wide grin spreading across his face, “this was much higher than what you got from Ash in 2021.”
Virat Kohli survives an umpire’s call.
Dean Elgar: “Oh you’ve survived a close one”
Virat Kohli: “Oh please this was much higher than what you got from Ash in 2021″😭😭😭pic.twitter.com/fxbHXxm5lQ
— MAGNUM (@magnum_vk18) January 3, 2024
The comment instantly transported everyone back to the 2021 Test, where Ashwin trapped Elgar LBW in a seemingly plumb decision, only for the umpire to raise his finger. Kohli, then India’s captain, immediately challenged the call, fueled by the evident impact on the pads. But fate, and DRS technology, weren’t on their side. Replays showed the ball sailing over the bails, leaving Kohli furious. He publicly voiced his disapproval of the host broadcaster’s ball-tracking, while KL Rahul hinted at potential biased umpiring.
Virat Kohli survives an umpire’s call.
Dean Elgar: “Oh you’ve survived a close one”
Virat Kohli: “Oh please this was much higher than what you got from Ash in 2021”
Both laughed it off 😁pic.twitter.com/ikxN4FkN4x
— Virat Kohli Worldwide (@ViratianPost) January 3, 2024
Kohli’s veiled reference reignited the DRS debate, highlighting the fine line between technology’s assistance and human judgment. While some argue DRS enhances fairness, others, like Kohli, question its accuracy and consistency, particularly in marginal calls.
This on-field spat, with its underlying bitterness from past injustices, is likely to fuel the ongoing discussion surrounding DRS and its role in upholding the spirit of the game.
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With over three days of cricket remaining, the tension between Kohli and Elgar promises to add another layer of intrigue to this already captivating Test match. Whether this exchange ignites further fireworks or remains an isolated incident remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the passion and competitive spirit in Cape Town is burning bright.
