Virat Kohli‘s cricketing journey has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows, but his recent performances, particularly in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, have raised eyebrows. The latest chapter unfolded during the fifth Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), where Kohli’s persistent struggle with deliveries outside off-stump came back to haunt him once again. As Scott Boland delivered a trademark ball that exposed Kohli’s weaknesses, fans were left wondering if this was a case of déjà vu or a more profound issue plaguing one of cricket’s greatest modern-day batters.
Scott Boland strikes as Virat Kohli’s familiar tale of woe on Day 1
Kohli’s dismissal for just 17 runs was reminiscent of earlier failures throughout the series. Despite entering the match with hopes of securing a substantial score, he fell victim to Boland’s precision bowling. The Australia pacer targeted the corridor outside off-stump, enticing Kohli to push at a delivery that nipped away slightly. The result was an edge that was brilliantly caught by debutant Beau Webster at slip, marking yet another instance where Kohli’s technique failed him under pressure.
This dismissal was particularly painful for Kohli, not only because it mirrored previous failures but also due to the missed opportunity earlier in his innings. He had survived a near-golden duck when he edged a delivery from Boland that was controversially ruled not out after replays showed it had touched the ground before being caught. However, luck would not favour him for long, as he succumbed to Boland shortly thereafter.
Also WATCH: Shubman Gill exchanges words with Steve Smith before getting out on Day 1 of the Sydney Test
Here’s the video:
Virat Kohli wicket. 😞#INDvsAUS #AUSvIND #ViratKohli pic.twitter.com/mqCMNWMdA3
— Tanveer (@tanveermamdani) January 3, 2025
The weight of expectations on Kohli
The SCG Test was not just another match; it represented a critical juncture for both Kohli and the Indian team. With India struggling at 72/4 after losing key players like KL Rahul and Shubman Gill, Kohli’s role as a senior batter became even more crucial. His inability to convert starts into substantial scores has been a recurring theme, and this latest failure adds to the mounting pressure on him.
Kohli’s struggles against deliveries outside off-stump have been documented extensively, with this being the 22nd time in recent years that he has fallen prey to similar deliveries from fast bowlers. The consistency with which he has been dismissed in this manner raises questions about his adaptability and willingness to address this glaring flaw in his game.
As Kohli continues to grapple with these challenges, the Indian team must rally together to support their star player. With the lower middle order needing to step up in tough batting conditions, players like Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja tried stabilizing the innings but India at the end got bundled for 185.
Also WATCH: Rishabh Pant’s spectacular six forces ground staff to use ladder to retrieve the ball on Day 1 of the Sydney Test
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