Trisha Ghosal in Sydney
Virat Kohli – the name that has dominated the cricket world for over a decade. A beacon of consistency, hunger, and audacity. Yet, in recent times, his bat has echoed more silence than a symphony, particularly in red-ball cricket. The ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy has painfully exposed a glaring flaw in his technique, a recurring lapse in focus, and a pattern that is simply too predictable to ignore.
As Kohli continues to chase deliveries wide outside off stump, edging to slips or the keeper, one is left wondering: how long will India’s most prolific modern-day batter succumb to the same weakness?
Where It All Began: Kohli’s Troubling Trend
The off-stump poking problem has not emerged overnight. This series has laid it bare, with Kohli consistently faltering when his innings is interrupted – be it a drinks break, a lunch interval, or a brief pause following a wicket. Each instance has seen him revert to his old habits: chasing deliveries in the channel outside off stump and nicking them to waiting fielders.
The seeds of this flaw were evident even during his practice sessions ahead of the SCG Test. Dividing his net session into two phases, Kohli showcased two contrasting versions of himself:
- Kohli 1.0—tentative, edgy, and vulnerable. Bowled while attempting a flashy drive, edging the sixth stump ball repeatedly.
- Kohli 2.0—decisive, fluid, and commanding. Cuts, pulls, and drives that reminded one of the vintage Kohli with 81 international centuries to his name.
But as admirable as his effort to rectify his mistakes is, the results on the field have been far from encouraging.
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The Pattern in the Series: Kohli’s Numbers Don’t Lie
The following innings paint a clear picture of his struggle:
1st Test, Perth (1st Innings):
Kohli started cautiously but lost his wicket to Josh Hazlewood at first slip shortly after the drinks break. Score: 5 (12).
2nd Test, Adelaide (1st Innings):
A brief stint saw him edge to Starc at second slip after just eight deliveries. Score: 7 (8).
2nd Test, Adelaide (2nd Innings):
After battling for 21 balls, Kohli fell to Scott Boland immediately after the drinks break. Score: 11 (21).
3rd Test, Gabba (1st Innings):
Kohli faced 16 balls before nicking one to Alex Carey. Coincidentally, his dismissal came on the final delivery before lunch. Score: 3 (16).
4th Test, MCG (1st Innings):
A promising knock ended when he edged Scott Boland just after Yashasvi Jaiswal’s run-out disrupted his concentration. Score: 36 (86).
4th Test, MCG (2nd Innings):
Kohli’s edge-to-slip woes continued as Starc dismissed him for a meek 5 (29).
5th Test, SCG (1st Innings):
Kohli’s focus wavered yet again post-lunch as he edged a wide delivery to Beau Webster at third slip. Score: 17 (69).
The common thread? Breaks in play seem to shatter Kohli’s rhythm, leaving him vulnerable to the same outside-off trap.
Practice Isn’t Enough Without Self-Discipline
Nobody can question Kohli’s work ethic. His tireless efforts in the nets show his determination to iron out technical flaws. However, cricket isn’t just about technique; it’s a battle of the mind. Kohli’s inability to curb his instinct of chasing wide balls has become a glaring issue. Without self-restraint, even the most rigorous practice becomes futile.
Why is it that Kohli, who once built his legacy on self-discipline and meticulousness, now struggles to resist the temptation outside off stump?
A Question That Needs Answers
If analysts and fans can identify this pattern, so can Kohli. Yet, the question remains: why does he continue to fall into the same trap? Is it overconfidence? A lapse in concentration? Or the sheer weight of expectations?
Whatever the reason, one thing is clear: Kohli’s tentativeness in the first 30 balls and his vulnerability post-breaks are costing India dearly.
The Moment of Truth
With four days left in the final Test, Kohli has one last chance to rewrite his story in this series. Will he rise like the Kohli of old, brushing aside his demons and delivering a series-defining knock? Or will he succumb once more, leaving India and their fans heartbroken?
For a batter of his stature, the time for excuses is over. The nation awaits not just runs but a statement of intent from its superstar. Will Virat Kohli, the superhero of Indian cricket, answer the call when it matters most?
Also Read: India’s Batting Failures: A Crisis of Strategy, Execution, or Both?