India’s batting line-up is currently faltering in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, with the team trailing 2-1 going into the Sydney Test. Senior batsmen Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma were criticized for their poor performances. A proven performer in Australian conditions, Kohli has managed just 1519 runs at an average of 49 in 17 matches Down Under. However, in this series we see him struggling to recreate his former glory.
Adding to Kohli’s woes are his on-field controversies. A 20% match fee fine and demerit points were imposed following a violent shoulder collision with Sam Konstas at the MCG. This incident, combined with his sub-par hitting, brought him under intense scrutiny.
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Former Australia captain Aaron Finch offered a unique perspective on Kohli’s actions. Speaking on ESPN’s “Around the Wicket” podcast, Finch suggested Kohli’s confrontational attitude may have been a deliberate tactic.
“Virat is someone who always grows under pressure and when his back is against the wall. It feels as if his back is against the wall. He’s trying to be hostile and almost start a fight. Because that’s when he’s at his best,” Finch said.
Finch went on to say that Kohli’s efforts to create tension could be an attempt to reignite his competitive edge. “I think he forces other people to feel that way. “We haven’t seen the best of him yet in this series,” he added.
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Overwhelming numbers during a difficult year.
Kohli’s recent Test performances paint a bleak picture. In 2023, he scored just 417 runs at an average of 24.52. His contribution to the current World Test Championship cycle has also been underwhelming, with 728 runs in 13 Tests, including just two centuries, at an average of 34.66.
Despite a promising start to the first innings in Melbourne with Kohli at the helm, Australia’s disciplined bowling attack consistently found ways to dismiss him. Finch acknowledged this and said, “Even in the first inning against Melbourne, it was beautiful, and I felt like I couldn’t get out of it.” But Australia bowled well.”
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