Kohli Misses Out on Century, But India Thrashes Sri Lanka by 302 Runs

While Dilshan Madushanka leaped with joy, Virat Kohli, stooping to see where the ball pitched, appeared disheartened.

Around him, the Sri Lankans were rejoicing, and Kohli was incredulous that a slower delivery that had stopped after pitching had killed him. As Kohli hobbled to the dressing room, KL Rahul gave him a pat on the back.

Kohli was still making his way out of the ground, but Suryakumar Yadav, the next man, had already galloped towards the wicket to take the attack. Even for one of the world's fittest cricket players, the staircase climb was more gradual and uncharacteristically un-Kohli. Kohli continued to look somber even after Rahul Dravid gave him a pat on the shoulders.

When the ball was delivered at 113.5 mph, Kohli attempted to check his shot after recognizing he had played at a high speed too soon. Still, the damage was done. The fielder with additional cover slid a few meters and then reached to pouch the ball.

He was twelve runs short of his historic 49th ODI century at the Wankhede, having thrown away a prime chance to match Sachin Tendulkar. When the Master Blaster visited the stadium on Wednesday to unveil his statue, he didn't fail to express his excitement for India's style of cricket. For the majority of Thursday afternoon, Kohli kept him thoroughly entertained.

After his undefeated century in Pune, Kohli's story has been one of lost chances. After being dismissed for 95 in the subsequent game in Dharamsala, he made a mistake in Lucknow. The match against South Africa at Eden Gardens on Sunday is up next, and the occasion might just inspire Kohli to achieve the feat.

On Thursday, Kohli persevered under an intense sun and oppressive humidity to mold his 94-ball innings. At the conclusion of nearly every over, he required a steady supply of fluids to prevent any signs of cramping in his body.

However, the beginning had not been encouraging. After Rohit Sharma was removed off the second ball of the innings, Madushanka and Dushmantha Chameera used good pace and lateral movement to trouble Kohli.

Living a fortunate life, Kohli nearly hit his first ball straight to the leg gully fielder. Then, on 10, he made it out when Chameera lost a bowling opportunity of his own.

Even though the Lankans had lost momentum by that point, Kohli didn't let the chance pass. India's race to 60 in the first Powerplay was mostly due to him. Disgusting slurs and mocking tugs ensued as the bowling failed to register any effect.

To put it beyond the Lankans, Kohli and Shubman Gill (92) combined for 189 off 179 balls for the second wicket. The late surge came from Shreyas Iyer, but for Kohli, it was both so close and so far away.

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