Former England captain Michael Atherton has taken a cheeky dig at India’s Virat Kohli following India’s dismal collapse in the first Test against New Zealand, where the hosts recorded their lowest-ever home Test total of 46 in Bengaluru.
Matt Henry and William O’Rourke dismantled India’s batting line-up with the duo sharing nine wickets between them in the infamous first innings, skittling India out in just 31.2 overs.
New Zealand capitalized, chasing down a modest 107-run target to claim their first Test victory on Indian soil since 1988.
Writing about the collapse in The Times, England’s Atherton was eager to point out a particular stat for Virat Kohli whose name now appears in two lowest scorecards in Indian test cricket
“India’s 46 all out in Bengaluru comes just four years after their infamous 36 all out in Adelaide against Australia. Before the scars of that debacle could heal, Kohli finds himself part of another painful chapter in Indian cricket’s history,” Atherton remarked.
The former Indian captain was dismissed for a duck against New Zealand and contributed only 4 in Australia back in 2020 during their much-talked about collapse.
India’s previous lowest score at home was 75, recorded against the West Indies in New Delhi back in 1987 while their overall lowest score remains the 36 all out against Australia during the pink-ball Test in Adelaide.
Kohli and company will be looking for redemption at Pune during the second test as Atherton takes charge of commentary duties during the final test between Pakistan and England.