West Indian Kemar Roach denied Virat Kohli a fourth consecutive One-day International (ODI) hundred by dismissing him for a mere score of 16 on Monday.
Kohli, who had scores of 140, 157* and 107 in the previous three ODIs in the ongoing five-match ODI series against the West Indies, was aiming to become only the second batsman to register four consecutive centuries in the 50-over international format.
Sri Lankan legend Kumar Sangakkara, who smashed four centuries on the trot during the 2015 World Cup, remains the only batsman to have done that so far.
During the fourth ODI in Mumbai on Monday, Roach made the big breakthrough in the 17th over. In an attempt to run it down to the third man, Kohli ended up getting a faint edge that was caught easily by Shai Hope behind the wickets.
Kohli was dismissed for a mere score of 16, which also turned out to be his lowest score this year in the ODIs. In 2018, so far, the Indian skipper has played 13 ODIs, scoring 1,143 at an unbelievable average of 129.88 including six tons and three half-centuries.
Prior to the fourth ODI, Kohli’s lowest score was 36, which he had scored against South Africa in Port Elizabeth.
Earlier in the day, Kohli won the toss and opted to bat.
Indian team have made two changes; they have dropped Chahal and Rishabh Pant and have brought in the duo of Kedar Jadhav and Ravindra Jadeja.
Meanwhile, West Indian Keemo Paul comes in for Obed McCoy, who has picked up four wickets in two games.
Speaking at the toss, Kohli said since the surface looks like a nice and hard surface and which is why he chose to bat first.
“There is not much of a dew in the second innings which is what we have heard and in the evenings, the ball tends to move around. This is generally a high-scoring ground, we have seen the wicket is nice to bat on. We have got more depth in our batting today and we can go really hard today. Considering all the factors, giving our bowlers the best time to bowl was also the decision to bat first.
We have known from game one. They (Windies) play fearless cricket, we are not taking anything lightly. We just want to be professional in what we want to do. This game surely will boost our intentsity. We didn't get the result we wanted in the last game. We are really looking forward to the game,” the Indian captain added.
West Indian skipper Jason Holder is charged up for the fourth game after his side has denied India a win in the previous two matches. “We are happy to bowl first. It's a fresh wicket and much international cricket is not played here. Credit to the boys, it's a new day and we are just looking forward to the game today. This is an important game. Series tied 1-1 and we are geared up,” he said.
