5 Talking Points from India's victory over West Indies in the 1st Test

# 5 – Kohli’s energy, disagreements with umpire

Virat Kohli’s double century was the driving force of India’s innings

Captain Virat Kohli had said in the pre-match press conference that the batsmen would have to take up extra responsibility to accommodate a fifth bowler in the team. By the time the first day’s play had come to an end, it was clear that he would be the person to take that extra responsibility on in the first match. He raced to his maiden double century in any format, perhaps the first of many.

The ease with which Kohli got his runs suggests that an even bigger score is to come from his bat before the current tour is through. As captain too, Kohli was always in the picture, keeping the players on their toes with his quips and encouragements.

He had two expressive shows of disagreement with umpire Ian Gould however. On the second day Kohli wanted an extra over to be sneaked in before stumps were drawn, but the umpire brought his walkie-talkie out as the Indian fielders lost some time in bringing out a helmet for an extra close-in fielder for nightwatchman Devendra Bishoo, and decided that it was out of the question. Kohli gestured animatedly while leading his team off.

On the third day, the contentious issue came about because a caught behind decision went in favour of batsman Marlon Samuels because there were no conclusive video evidence. Kohli was seen gesturing to the umpires, cupping his hands to show Saha’s catching technique. He was seen having an animated talk with Kumble on the boundary ropes about it too, gesturing similarly. Even in the lunch break, the players were seen poring over the replay of the catch on a computer screen, indicating that the decision has caused much uproar.