During the 2024 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Virat Kohli's struggles against Australian fast bowlers have been starkly highlighted, bringing his form and shot selection under intense scrutiny. Kohli, once regarded as one of cricket’s best, continued to face challenges, particularly with deliveries moving outside the off-stump, leading to yet another disappointing outing at the Gabba, Brisbane.
On December 16, 2024, Kohli's performance took center stage during the third Test as he was dismissed for just three runs, caught behind by Alex Carey off the bowling of Josh Hazlewood. The moment mirrored previous matches where he fell to wide deliveries, reinforcing the narrative of his persistent struggle against the Australian attack.
Sunil Gavaskar, the legendary former Indian captain, did not hold back his criticism of Kohli's approach. "If it was on the fourth stump I could understand. This was wide, on the seventh, eighth stump, you could say. There's no need to play it," Gavaskar stated on Channel 7, emphasizing the need for Kohli to exercise more patience at the crease. This latest dismissal has sparked conversations among fans and commentators alike, lamenting the age-old issue of Kohli fishing outside the off stump.
Social media erupted with memes and criticism, encapsulating the public’s frustration. One user quipped, "Virat Kohli can never be close to Sachin," reflecting the nostalgia for the former legend's temperament at the crease. Another lamented, "Indian cricket fans should retire from watching Test Cricket until Kohli & Rohit both announce retirement," signaling their dissatisfaction with the performance of these seasoned players.
Mitchell Starc and Hazlewood were instrumental as the Indian batting lineup crumbled under pressure. Starc dismissed Yashasvi Jaiswal with his second ball, and moments later, Shubman Gill fell to another spectacular catch from Mitchell Marsh. This left India stranded at 22 for three before Kohli’s dismissal saw them reeling at 51 for four.
Of concern is Kohli's form throughout the series. Besides his century performance during the second innings of the Perth Test, his other outings have seen him return to the pavilion cheaply, and statistics reveal disheartening trends. It's reported Kohli has been dismissed 12 times by deliveries outside the off-stump just this year, with the common thread being his decision to chase balls well outside his reach.
This consistency has raised alarms about his condition and mental state amid fierce competition from younger players. Gavaskar shared advice for Kohli, referencing Sachin Tendulkar’s patient innings against Australia where Tendulkar refrained from pursuing risky shots: "Just like Sachin Tendulkar did, if he plays like this, just as Sachin scored centuries, Kohli can too."
Fans are left wondering what is happening with the player who dominated the crease just years prior. The image of Kohli, who was once relentless against pace batteries, resonates with those who have seen him rise to unprecedented heights. Now, as he struggles to adapt to the Australian fast-bowlers' challenges, the conversation has shifted from admiration to concern about his longevity and adaptability as cricketers age and face new hurdles.
Kohli’s batting technique appears to be faltering; the familiar swagger seems replaced with uncertainty. Each match shows him falling prey to similar deliveries, often choosing to chase balls truncated with set-ups by bowlers. The thrill for audiences once became frustration as they anticipated his grind at the crease.
The stark comparison with fellow competitors like Steve Smith and Joe Root highlights the intensity surrounding Kohli. Those players have forged their paths, proving effective even under mounting pressure. Kohli, on the other hand, has seen his past successes dwindle, with many questioning whether he can reclaim his former prowess or if retirement discussions should be pondered sooner rather than later.
Until then, Kohli's supporters are left with nostalgia for the dominating batsman he once was, even as current events transpire. The Gabba hence serves as both the platform for his struggles and the stage for discussions on the future of one of cricket’s most celebrated figures. Will he revert to patience as advised by Gavaskar? Or will he continue to chase during phases of persistent pressure? The answer remains to be seen as Kohli faces what is undoubtedly the biggest challenge of his career—overcoming the mental blocks keeping him from his usual caliber of cricket.
