Akash Deep Hits Back-to-Back Sixes With Bat 'Gifted' by Virat Kohli; Former India Captain's Priceless Reaction

During India's pursuit of quick runs, Kohli managed to get some much-needed runs by scoring 47 off 35 balls, including 4 fours and a six. However, it wasn't the only instance of runs being scored with a bat displaying the prominent 'MRF Genius' logo. When KL Rahul was dismissed while attempting to accelerate the run rate, Akash came in to bat with a familiar-looking piece of wood in his hands - clearly belonging to Kohli. Akash also made a brief appearance in the first innings, but that time he used a different bat without Kohli's distinctive bat sticker.

However, this time around, As Akash took strike, he missed the first ball which went perilously close to the stumps. Yet, showing no half-measures, Akash swung the bat with all his might, sending the ball over long-on. The next one was treated no different as Akash threw the proverbial kitchen sink to collect consecutive sixes.

Bangladesh were stunned, Shakib scratching his head. But perhaps the best reaction came from the Indian dressing room, where Kohli, ready to take the field soon, showed uncontrollable emotions. He broke into a sheepish smile that soon converted into laughter as Akash, Team India and the Kanpur crowd reveled in the brutal assault that was being laid on Bangladesh. IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals aptly summed it up, calling it a 'series of Goated events'.

The thing with Kohli and his knack of gifting bats to youngsters began many years ago but was only brought to light earlier this year during the IPL 2024 when India and Kolkata Knight Riders batter Rinku Singh first asked for it. Kohli, being the perfect senior and a true model, did not hesitate in entertaining Rinku's request, but did question him when Singh broke Virat's bat. However, the conversation was all in jest as Rinku succeeded in his pursuit of getting a second bat gifted by Kohli.

India on the brink of something special

With two days entirely washed out, India produced a batting performance out of the blue on Day 4 of the Kanpur Test. Aware of what's at stake - a place in the World Test Championship final - India blasted 285/9 in just 34.4 overs, a scoring rate of over eight an over - to put give themselves a realistic chance of pushing for a win. They have inserted Bangladesh in to bat in the second innings after attaining a first-innings lead of 52. The visitors finished Monday on 26/2, trailing by 26 runs, giving India an opening for a last-day thriller on Tuesday.