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Virat Kohli’s struggles continued in the first Test of the 2024 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, dismissed for just 5 runs by Josh Hazlewood’s extra bounce, leaving India at 14/2.
NEW DELHI: Virat Kohli’s struggles in the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024 have reignited discussions about his form and future in cricket. The former Indian captain managed only 5 runs before being dismissed by Josh Hazlewood at Optus Stadium, Perth. Hazlewood’s delivery, generating extra bounce, caught Kohli off-guard, leading to a slip catch by Usman Khawaja. India, already in trouble, was left at 14/2 following his early exit.
Kohli’s recent dip in form has fueled frustration among fans, with some calling for his retirement. Social media buzzed with comments questioning his ability to maintain his once-dominant presence at the international level.
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Kohli, who holds a career Test average of 50, has seen his performance decline recently. In the six Tests leading up to this series, he accumulated just 250 runs at a modest average of 22.72, far below his usual standards. Despite these struggles, his historical success in Australia—1,352 runs in 13 matches at an average of 54.08 with six centuries—shows his potential to thrive under challenging conditions.
Former cricketers and commentators weighed in on Kohli’s current phase. Ricky Ponting noted, “He’s made two Test match hundreds, I think, in his last 60 Test match innings. Anybody, including Virat himself, would be concerned with his output because he’s a better player than that and has been for such a long period of time.”
Bharat Sundaresan commented on Kohli’s unease at the crease, saying, “Rarely seen Virat Kohli play a more anxiety-ridden knock in Australia than this one. Edgy, nervy, and just never looked settled. Almost too desperate.”
Steve Waugh offered strategic advice to Australia, saying, “Want to dismiss Virat Kohli early? Tell him how great he looks. I think what Australia should do is be nice and friendly to him, as friendly as they possibly can be.”
As India faces a formidable Australian side, Kohli’s next performances will be critical. Whether he silences his critics or fuels further retirement debates depends on his ability to reclaim his rhythm in the coming matches.
