Leading the No.1 Test side, Virat Kohli landed South Africa with extreme confidence, memories of a successful home season and of course, his newly-wed wife Anushka Sharma. The 29-year-old batsman failed miserably in the first Test, losing his wickets cheaply for 5 and 28 runs in successive innings at Newlands, Cape Town.
The Delhi batsman, known for his aggression on field, must be feeling frustrated to see India struggling in front of South Africa, who despite losing Dale Steyn to injury midway, gave them a strong dent.
Chasing a small target of 208 runs, India were bundled out for 135 with Vernon Philander (6/42) bowling the hosts to a 1-0 series lead.
It was lanky speedster Morne Morkel who took the scalp of Kohli in the first innings, with the help of wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock. In the second innings, Vernon Philander trapped the big fish. Kohli was given LBW after he reviewed the umpire's decision.
Back to the flashback, Kohli wasn't much frustrated before the start of the first Test. Continuing his honeymoon period with wife Anushka, he was spotted spending quality time with his better-half. The newly-wed pair was seen shopping and dancing together on the streets of Cape Town.
The cricketer was seen soaked up in love to an extent, where he set some husbands goals for his fans and followers. Kohli wore his wedding ring in a chain around his neck during the practice sessions as it doesn't allow the cricketer to wear a ring.
Anushka was also spotted cheering up husband Kohli from the stands on Day 1 at Newlands. Motivated by her presence, India started the day well and wrapped the hosts for a total of 286 runs in 73.1 overs. However, by the end of the day, India lost Kohli for 5 runs and their scoreline read 28/3 at stumps.
The Indian skipper tied the knot with longtime girlfriend and actress Anushka in a secret wedding in Italy on December 11.
The pair later hosted a couple of parties in Delhi and Mumbai for the bigwigs of sports, Bollywood and politics. The entire nation seemed in a party mode and every fan joined in the festivity of Kohli. However, captain Kohli led down his fans on Team India's first overseas tour of the year.
The time he spent with his wife on tour would have been utilised well with the set of boys in squad and in the nets. Despite missing their dangerous bowler Steyn, the 10-man South Africa showed Kohli & Co a mirror and made us realise the shortcomings that would have avoided if taken care of before the first Test.
As of now, it matters less as Team India has already paid heavily for the honeymoon of captain Kohli.
