Virat Kohli became the first player in men’s international cricket history to take a wicket on the 0th ball of his bowling career. This unique incident occurred during a T20 International between India and England in 2011, where Kevin Pietersen was stumped by MS Dhoni — even before Kohli bowled his first legal delivery.
What Happened in That Match?
- Match: India vs England, T20I, 31st August 2011
- Venue: Manchester
- Kohli’s Role: Bowling in just his 5th international match
- Batter Dismissed: Kevin Pietersen
- Dismissal Type: Stumping by MS Dhoni
- Ball Status: Wide — hence not a legal delivery
- Ball Count: 0 — as no legal delivery had been bowled yet
Virat Kohli bowled a wide ball as his first delivery in international cricket. Kevin Pietersen, attempting an aggressive advance, missed the delivery, and MS Dhoni stumped him sharply. Since the ball was wide, it didn’t count as a legal delivery — thus, the dismissal officially occurred on the 0th ball.
Why Is This Dismissal So Special?
This is one of the rarest events in international cricket history. Here’s why this moment is iconic:
First-Ever 0th Ball Wicket in Men’s International Cricket
Before this incident, no bowler had ever claimed a wicket before bowling a legal delivery in a men’s international match. Kohli’s case was unprecedented.
Wicket from a Wide Ball
Most dismissals come off legal deliveries. But here, the wide didn’t just result in an extra run — it brought a game-changing wicket.
Part-Time Bowler, Major Impact
Virat Kohli is celebrated globally for his batting. To make such a mark with the ball, especially so early in his career (his 5th match), added an unexpected dimension to his profile.
MS Dhoni’s Lightning Stumping
The dismissal wouldn’t have been possible without Dhoni’s signature quick reflexes. It was a textbook example of anticipation and precision behind the stumps.
Clarifying the Law: How Can You Take a Wicket on the 0th Ball?
According to the Laws of Cricket, dismissals like run-outs and stumpings can occur off no-balls or wides — even though those deliveries do not count in the bowler’s official over.
In Kohli’s case:
- The wide meant the ball didn’t count as his first legal delivery.
- However, Pietersen was legitimately stumped off that wide.
- As a result, Kohli got credit for a wicket — even though his bowling figures started at 0.0 overs.
Did It Happen Again?
While unusual dismissals from extras have happened, this remains the only known instance in men’s international cricket where a bowler took a wicket on the 0th ball of their spell.
More Virat Kohli Records –
Final Word
Virat Kohli’s 0th ball wicket is not just a quirky statistic — it’s a moment that reflects the beauty and complexity of cricket. From a wide delivery to a match-defining dismissal, it remains one of the most fascinating entries in the game’s record books.
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