Virat Kohli was the first player to take a wicket on the 0th ball in men’s international cricket. This rare feat occurred during a T20I match between India and England in 2011 at Old Trafford, Manchester.
YouTube Video Proof
Here’s a video detailing Kohli’s unique dismissal of Kevin Pietersen:
This video showcases the moment when Kohli, bowling his first T20I delivery (a wide), led to Pietersen’s stumping by MS Dhoni, resulting in a wicket before a legal ball was bowled.
News Coverage & Images
A brief on Kohli’s achievement, noting it as a first in T20I history.
How Kohli remains the only bowler to have taken a wicket before delivering a legal ball in T20Is.
Detailed Explanation
In the 2011 T20I match, Kohli was introduced into the bowling attack during England’s innings. His first delivery was a wide down the leg side. Kevin Pietersen, attempting an aggressive shot, stepped out of his crease and missed the ball. MS Dhoni, showcasing his exceptional wicketkeeping skills, swiftly collected the ball and executed a stumping. Since the delivery was wide, it didn’t count as a legal ball, yet the dismissal was valid, leading to the term “0th ball” wicket.
This event is unparalleled in men’s international cricket, making Kohli’s feat a unique record. It also marked his first wicket in T20Is. Such instances are exceedingly rare, as wickets are typically taken on legal deliveries.
Conclusion
While several bowlers have taken wickets with their first legal delivery in international cricket, Kohli’s achievement stands out due to the unconventional nature of the dismissal. The combination of a wide ball and a stumping without a legal delivery being bowled is unprecedented.
This moment not only highlights Kohli’s versatility but also underscores the unpredictable and thrilling nature of cricket.
