[Watch] IND vs SA 2025: Kohli threatens to slap Kuldeep, leaves Rohit in splits

Kuldeep Yadav’s bizarre appeal drew hilarious reactions from former India captains Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma during the third and final ODI against South Africa at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam on Saturday, December 6.

South Africa were going great guns in the first innings when Quinton de Kock was firing on all cylinders. However, Kuldeep Yadav and Prasidh Krishna led a fightback for India in the middle overs. From 168/2 in the 29th over, the Proteas were bowled out for 270 with 13 balls left in their innings.

On the third ball of the 41st over, Keshav Maharaj played an inside edge that struck his foot. Wicketkeeper KL Rahul appeared confident, suggesting he had taken a miraculous catch off Maharaj’s boot, prompting the umpires to go upstairs.

From the replays, however, it was evident that the ball had rolled onto the ground, causing the entire stadium to erupt in laughter over how sure KL Rahul and Kuldeep were while appealing. The camera then panned to Virat and Rohit, who were equally captivated.

Virat, seated calmly on the ground, hilariously gestured a threat to slap Kuldeep for the ‘kiddish’ appeal, while Rohit, in his indomitable manner, showed his disbelief and failed to control his laughter. Kuldeep could only smile at their reactions.

Take a look at the videos below:

Rohit, Yashasvi take India towards series win

Chasing a 271-run target, India needed to get off to a solid start in the series decider to ease the tension. Rohit and Yashasvi Jaiswal took the bull by the horns and added 155 runs for the first wicket. Their partnership came off just 155 deliveries.

Maharaj broke the marathon partnership in the 26th over. The left-arm spinner dismissed Rohit for a 73-ball 75. The Indian opener tried to play a slogsweep but only got a top-edge, and Matthew Breetzke ran in from deep mid-wicket to complete the catch.