Virat Kohli and KL Rahul’s refusal to take singles towards the end of India’s chase against Bangladesh, in a bid for Kohli to get to his century, led to plenty of reactions on social media.

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When Kohli crossed 26,000 runs in international cricket, and entered his eighties, India still had more than ten overs to go in their chase of 257. With seven wickets in hand, it gave Kohli an opportunity to nudge around for his 48th ODI century. In fact, the only thing of interest left in the match was whether Kohli would have enough runs left to reach three figures.

What followed was a sequence of declined singles and some quick running between wickets, all ensuring Kohli crept towards the milestone. He hit a four to move to 85, and two deliveries later, refused a single, then hitting the next ball for a six.

A short-pitched bouncer in the next over made the equation interesting, as Kohli tapped the ball around for a quick two the next ball. India needed five and Kohli needed six. He took a single off the last delivery to keep strike, and a debatable non-wide later, hit a six to seal the chase – and get his ton.

In fact, non-striker KL Rahul later clarified that it was he who denied the single to Kohli, to which Kohli said it would look back that he was playing for personal milestones. Rahul revealed that he told Kohli “we are winning easily, if you’re getting your milestone, why not?”

While several Indian fans celebrated Kohli’s milestone moment, not everyone was impressed.

Others, though, defended what transpired in the last two overs.

India play their next game on October 22, against New Zealand in Dharamsala. You can follow India’s schedule here.

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