Flick of the wrist or slight movement of the bat can alter the course of a game, moments of brilliance are often overshadowed by the minutiae of the sport. Today, we delve into one such moment from the recent cricketing encounter between India and New Zealand, where Virat Kohli, a name synonymous with cricketing excellence, faced a peculiar dismissal. Kohli, known for his sharp reflexes and keen sense of the game, didn’t seem to feel the edge when the ball from the New Zealand bowler appeared to kiss his bat before nestling into the keeper’s gloves. This incident, while seemingly minor, opens up a discussion on the nuances of cricket that even players of Kohli’s caliber might encounter.
The Psychology of the Batsman
One of the primary reasons Virat Kohli might not have felt the edge could be rooted in the psychology of batting. Cricket, at its core, is as much a mental game as it is physical. When a batsman is in the zone, their focus narrows intensely on the ball, the pitch, and the intended shot. This tunnel vision, while beneficial for concentration, can sometimes lead to a disconnect from the physical sensation of the bat. If Virat Kohli was deeply focused on playing a particular shot or was in a rhythm where he was anticipating the ball’s behavior based on previous deliveries, the slight touch of the ball might not register as an edge in his mind. This phenomenon isn’t uncommon; many batsmen have recounted moments where they were so committed to their stroke that they didn’t feel the ball touching the bat.
The Physics of the Edge
The second reason delves into the physics of cricket. The edge of a cricket bat, especially when it’s not the thickest part, can sometimes result in minimal tactile feedback. If the ball grazes the edge at an angle where it doesn’t impart much force or vibration, the batsman might not feel it. This scenario is plausible if the ball was delivered with a certain amount of spin or seam movement, which could have made it deviate just enough to brush past the bat with minimal contact. Kohli, expecting perhaps a straighter line or a different line of flight, might have been set up for this by the bowler’s skill in disguise. The ball’s trajectory, combined with its speed and the angle of contact, could have minimized the sensation of the edge, making Kohli believe he had missed the ball entirely.
The incident with Kohli not feeling the edge serves as a reminder of cricket’s complexity. It’s not just about hitting the ball; it’s about the interplay of mind, matter, and motion. For fans and analysts, such moments are treasure troves of insight into the game’s deeper layers. Kohli’s experience, whether due to psychological immersion or the physics of minimal contact, highlights how even the best can be subject to the game’s whims. As cricket continues to evolve, these moments will keep enthusiasts engaged, debating, and analyzing, proving that in cricket, as in life, not everything is as it seems at first glance. This match, therefore, adds another layer to Kohli’s storied career, where even not feeling an edge becomes a topic of fascination and learning.
