The sight of AB de Villiers and Virat Kohli on the crease together can send shivers down the spine of even the best bowlers in the world. So one can only sympathize with someone who is a part-timer and is being asked to contain two of the best batsmen in the world. Well, Nitish Rana faced the herculean task in the match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bangalore in Sunday.
With de Villiers looking in a murderous mood, Dinesh Karthik handed the ball to Rana. De Villiers was already batting on 38 off just 22 balls with the help of 4 sixes. Rana’s first ball De Villiers pulled for a huge six over long-on.
However, Rana had the last laugh as de Villiers miscued a shot on the very next delivery. The best was yet to come and it did not take long.
Virat Kohli who had changed over while the catch was taken, was on strike. Rana came up with a full-length yorker, Virat seemed a touch too late to bring his bat down in time. He was bowled. Rana had done the impossible — he had picked up the ‘two’ most prized wickets in the world off two consecutive deliveries. The only two bowlers to have done it in the past are Thisara Perera and Jacques Kallis.
As expected, wild celebrations followed as Rana struggled to keep his emotions under control. Pumped up after the wicket, Rana punched the air in delight and probably swore while giving Kohli a send-off.
