The second Test between India and England, which was played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, saw crowds in the stands in the country for the first time since March last year. In the first Test, also at the same location, supporters were not allowed, but a crowd of 50 percent is allowed from the second Test. India captain Virat Kohli, who is known to thrive on the support of the public, decided to make the most of the fans’ presence during England’s first innings with the bat.
After India posted 329 in the first innings, their bowlers kept darting at the English batsmen on a spinning track, taking wickets at regular intervals. Kohli was seen during a transfer gesturing and whistling to the crowd urging them to turn up the volume.
He is then seen gesturing to turn up the volume even further, before cheering on the crowd.
Watch the video here:
If you are in Chennai, you #WhistlePodu #TeamIndia skipper @imVkohli spur on the Chepauk crowd and they don’t disappoint. @Paytm #INDvENG
Follow the match https://t.co/Hr7Zk2kjNC pic.twitter.com/JR6BfvRqtZ
– BCCI (@BCCI) February 14, 2021
“Whistle Podu” is a catchphrase for the Chennai-based Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Chennai Super Kings, and Kohli seemed to endure the rivalry between the clubs to get the public to cheer harder for the national team.
The Indian bowlers dominated England on Day 2, when the visitors went into Tea on 106/8. Local hero Ravichandran Ashwin played for India, taking four wickets while rookie Axar Patel came in with two scalps.
Promoted
Ishant Sharma had picked the first wicket for India, while Mohammed Siraj hit with his first-ever homegrown test delivery.
India wants to level the streak after losing the opener at the same venue with 227 runs.
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