Virat Kohli: Again, here the story unfolded at the SCG. Virat Kohli, India’s stand-in skipper, was the victim of a ball moving outside off stump; this has been a weakness that Australian bowlers have exploited during the series.
Virat Kohli Hands Over His Wicket
In this case, it was Scott Boland who provided the decisive blow, the fourth time he had dismissed Kohli in this series. This came on the very first ball of the 14th over. Boland continued his line and length as he bowled another seaming one outside off stump. Kohli, almost instinctively, poked at it with hard hands and a thick outside edge was produced.
Steve Smith, who stood at second slip, hardly had to strain himself for this catch. In a jiffy, Kohli walked back to the pavilion for 6 off 12 balls.
The dismissal seemed as inevitable as a Bollywood movie ending. Kohli could have let the ball go, but his instincts got the better of him once again. Boland, grinning widely, had made his point: Kohli was his prey throughout this series.
Also Read: From Rishabh Pant To Virender Sehwag: Top Fastest Fifties By Indian Batters In Test History
Fans Express Frustration At Kohli’s Struggles
Social media exploded, but in protest rather than in praise. Fans attacked Virat Kohli for his chronic failures outside off stump and criticized him for declining numbers since 2020. The frustration was palpable. Fans even started digging out statistics to prove how this flaw has become a sort of habit for Kohli and raised doubts whether the great Kohli had lost his touch.
Virat Kohli out again playing same shot. Stupid Stupid Stupid stuff by a Legend batsman. He is not learning from his mistakes. He needed a break like Rohit Sharma. #AUSvIND #INDvsAUSTest #ViratKohli𓃵 pic.twitter.com/ERgsJc9K5y
— Muhammad Irfan 🇦🇺 (@IrfiLuck) January 4, 2025
From the streak of scoring 4 double centuries in 4 consecutive series during the grand home season of 2016-17 to scoring just one 50 and one 100 in 10 match test season 2024-25.. Mighty and huge fall of Virat Kohli the batsman #INDvsAUS #INDvAUS #BGT #ViratKohli
— Soumya Biswal (@Soumyahere17) January 4, 2025
Every great thing comes to an end. Think Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have reached the end of their glorious careers. Not due to lack of runs, but the way they have struggled. It is not about form, it’s about reflexes. Time to say good bye.#ViratKohli𓃵 #RohitSharma𓃵…
— GOPAL SHARMA (@gopsy_ai) January 4, 2025
