India dominated the first innings of the ODI series opener against New Zealand at Eden Park, with Virat Kohli also returning to the side for the five-match series. All eyes were on the former India captain, known for his animated presence on the field and ability to lift the team’s energy. And he did not disappoint on Wednesday, bringing his usual intensity to the contest.
With New Zealand struggling in Auckland, Glenn Phillips, who had enjoyed a prolific T20I series, walked out to bat. Kohli, never one to shy away from a bit of on-field banter, wasted little time in trying to get under the New Zealand batter’s skin.
The incident took place at the end of the 17th over, shortly after New Zealand lost captain Tom Latham to Gurnoor Brar. The Indian pacer held on to a sharp one-handed return catch to dismiss the left-hander.
Phillips then walked out at No. 6 to join Daryl Mitchell, who was batting on 20 off 26 deliveries. Aware of Phillips’ form coming into the match, Kohli appeared keen to unsettle the batter even before he faced his first delivery.
As Phillips exchanged a few words with Mitchell, Kohli walked past the pair and appeared to say something before recreating John Cena’s famous wrestling gesture, ‘You Can’t See Me’. The moment added a touch of entertainment to an already intense contest.
