Virat Kohli’s struggles with the bat continued as he once again faltered in the third and final Test against New Zealand at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Chasing a modest target of 147 runs, Team India found themselves in early trouble at 18/3, with Kohli’s early dismissal adding to the tension. The former Indian captain fell cheaply for just one run off seven balls, undone by a clever delivery from New Zealand’s star spinner, Ajaz Patel.
In the first innings, Kohli managed only four runs before being run out, marking another disappointing performance in a series where runs have eluded him. Ajaz Patel, who has been India’s chief tormentor throughout this match, set Kohli up beautifully in the second innings.
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Delivering with finesse, Ajaz Patel floated the ball with a bit of drift, drawing Kohli forward into a tentative defensive shot. Kohli leaned in, but failed to get fully behind the line as the ball spun away subtly, just enough to catch the edge of his bat. Positioned sharply at first slip, Daryl Mitchell grabbed a low, reflexive catch, sealing Kohli’s exit and adding another failure to his record in the ongoing Mumbai Test.
Kohli’s dismissal sparked frustration and criticism among fans and cricket analysts alike. Many fans took to social media to voice their disappointment, with some even questioning his place in the Test side. Calls for his exclusion have grown louder as his lean patch continues, with some fans labeling him a ‘burden’ on the Indian batting lineup.
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The pressure mounts on Kohli, whose recent form has become a significant concern as India looks to solidify their squad for future challenges. The Indian team, meanwhile, faces an uphill task with key players already back in the pavilion and a small target still proving tricky on the turning Mumbai wicket. Kohli’s struggles are emblematic of a broader issue for India as they look for stability in their top-order amid testing conditions against New Zealand’s quality spin attack.
We want Virat Kohli and Rohit sharma to retire 🙏 this is garbage 🤯 like this tweet and I will give you 1000 Rupees..#INDvNZ #RohitSharma #ViratKohli pic.twitter.com/JxFCQ9KjgL
— प्रमुदित मिश्रा (@pramudit_mishra) November 3, 2024
Virat Kohli had a flight booked already at 10.30 AM to London.
Virgin Atlantic VS355 to London.
Now you know the reason why he rushed by getting OUT.#INDvNZ #ViratKohli pic.twitter.com/BuzXjdhaL2— 🇮🇳Kushagra (@BabaKushagra) November 3, 2024
#INDvNZ #ViratKohli pic.twitter.com/8c4V5Qdtjj
— Amit (@ghatotkachji) November 3, 2024
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli whenever there is an important situation #INDvNZ #RohitSharma #ViratKohli pic.twitter.com/8k5flQURyc
— Shiv (@mr_Tubun) November 3, 2024
If you can drop Kl Rahul for his bad performance, then it’s time to make hard decisions and drop Rohit and Virat. Doesn’t matter how good of a cricketer you were it’s all about how consistent you are able to perform. #INDvNZ #RohitSharma #ViratKohli
Ps: Unbearable to watch.
— Aryan Nagda (@aryandevnagda) November 3, 2024
विराट कोहली को रणजी ट्रॉफी खेलना चाहिए। वह अब अपने प्रतिष्ठा की परछाईं भर रह गए हैं। @imVkohli #ViratKohli
— Manjit Thakur (@manjit2007) November 3, 2024
The only ones who can drop Virat and Rohit from Indian team are Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma themselves. This is the most disappointing aspect of Indian cricketing culture. #Rohit hSharma #viratkohli #INDvNZ #Azazpatel #Mumbai #Wankhede pic.twitter.com/z4X4VeSNYh
— Shailesh Harer (@Shaileshharer) November 3, 2024
Anna’s reaction whenever he gets out off a spinner.#ViratKohli pic.twitter.com/jQFFl2xS8D
— Masala Dose – ಮಸಾಲೆ ದೋಸೆ (@DosaSpeaks) November 3, 2024
Virat kohli whenever batting against spinner #NZvsIND #Chokli #ViratKohli
pic.twitter.com/ff1mDJiwxb— MODERN Gandhi (@benstokes4200) November 3, 2024
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma should be dropped ahead of BGT and Rohit must step down for this loss..! #INDvNZ #ViratKohli #RohitSharma
— Selvamurugan 🌐 (@SelvaDhoni19) November 3, 2024
Kohli should retire and settle down in England. He should make career in Bollywood and do brand promotion and leave cricket for the professionals.
#INDvNZ#ViratKohli #roh pic.twitter.com/dPqfxDTqe3
— Rishabh (@Rishabh54323639) November 3, 2024
