Virat Kohli’s Struggles in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy
The recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy saw Virat Kohli facing challenges that were uncharacteristic of his illustrious career. Known for his ability to score under pressure, Kohli struggled to convert promising starts into significant innings, which is a departure from his reputation as a dependable run-scorer.
Kohli’s average has taken a hit, now sitting at 32.29 over his last 40 Tests. In 2024, his average plummeted to 22.47, and his performance in Australia was no better, averaging just 23.75 across five Tests. One of the critical issues he faced was the Australian bowlers’ effective strategy of targeting his off-stump, combined with well-executed variations that kept him in check. This led to a troubling pattern where all eight of his dismissals were caught behind on the off side while attempting to drive deliveries pitched on the fifth or sixth stump line.
Expert Opinions on Kohli’s Impact
In a discussion on the Club Prairie Fire podcast featuring former England captain Michael Vaughan and Australian cricket legend Adam Gilchrist, both experts weighed in on Kohli’s performance. Vaughan noted the entertainment factor Kohli brought to the series, particularly referencing his fiery exchange with Sam Konstas during the Boxing Day Test. Vaughan rated Kohli’s entertainment value at 7 out of 10, stating, “He brought the barge, brought up the sandpaper, geed up the crowd.”
Gilchrist was slightly more generous, giving Kohli a rating of 7.5 out of 10, emphasizing that Kohli is an “all-rounder package” who “brings eyeballs to the game.”
Conclusion
Despite the drop in form, Kohli remains a pivotal figure in cricket, and his performances are closely watched by fans and experts alike. As he looks to bounce back from this challenging series, fans will be eager to see if he can reclaim his spot as one of the world’s leading batsmen.
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