Related Articles
Virat Kohli’s struggles in Test cricket continued in the ongoing series against Australia as he failed to make an impact in the first innings of the Perth Test. Kohli, who has historically thrived on Australian pitches, was dismissed for just 5 runs off 12 balls, caught by Usman Khawaja off a sharp bouncer from Josh Hazlewood.
Pujara Highlights Technical Error
Reflecting on Kohli’s dismissal, Cheteshwar Pujara, India’s reliable No. 3 batter, offered a technical critique of Kohli’s approach. Speaking on Star Sports, Pujara emphasized that Kohli’s decision to stand outside the crease against Hazlewood on a bouncy Perth wicket was his undoing.
“Virat should have stayed back in the crease instead of standing out. By standing outside, he didn’t allow himself the time or space to adjust to a rising delivery. Hazlewood, being an experienced bowler, read his stance and exploited the bounce in the track perfectly.”
Pujara further elaborated on how Kohli’s positioning left him cramped for space.
“Had Virat stood back, he could have managed the delivery better. But by the time the ball reached him, he was in no position to control it, resulting in his dismissal.”
Kohli’s Lean Patch in Tests
Kohli’s current form in Tests has raised concerns. In the previous series against New Zealand, he managed just 93 runs in six innings, and over the last five years, he has scored only three Test centuries.
Despite his prowess and past achievements, the Indian team management is under pressure to address Kohli’s ongoing struggles, especially on overseas tours where his contributions have often been pivotal.
India in Trouble After Kohli’s Early Exit
Kohli’s early dismissal left India in a precarious position on a bouncy Perth track. With injuries plaguing the Indian squad and the absence of key players like Rohit Sharma, the onus is now on batters like Cheteshwar Pujara and KL Rahul to anchor the innings and give India a fighting chance in the match.
As the series progresses, fans and experts will keep a close eye on Kohli’s technique and his ability to adapt to challenging conditions, hoping he can rediscover the form that made him one of the game’s greats.
