Virat Kohli’s form struggles seem to have no end, leaving both the Indian cricket team and fans disheartened during the ongoing first Test of a three-match series against New Zealand at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Kohli’s performance has been a topic of concern, and his poor outing in this crucial Test has further added to the frustration. As India took on New Zealand, hopes were high that Kohli would break his streak of underwhelming performances. However, those hopes were quickly dashed.
New Zealand couldn’t have hoped for a better start, as they removed India’s two-star batsmen, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, within the first 10 overs. Initially buzzing with excitement, the Bengaluru crowd fell eerily silent when Kohli departed for a duck. Kohli, playing at his home ground where he has been an IPL icon with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), faced just nine deliveries before being dismissed.
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It was New Zealand pacer William O’Rourke who delivered the decisive blow, pitching a delivery just short of a length. The ball, aided by O’Rourke’s height, bounced sharply off the off-stump line, and Kohli, attempting to fend it away defensively, ended up gloving the ball. Glenn Phillips at leg gully took a brilliant diving catch, sending Kohli back to the pavilion, and leaving India in a precarious position.
The early dismissal marked another chapter in Kohli’s ongoing struggles in Test cricket. It also highlighted the pressure he’s been under to regain his once-dominant form. What made this outing even more significant was the fact that Kohli was batting at the No. 3 spot for the first time in eight years.
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The decision seemed to indicate a shift in strategy, but it didn’t bear fruit as New Zealand capitalized on favorable conditions to put India on the back foot. Virat Kohli’s recent duck in Bengaluru was eerily reminiscent of his previous failure against the same opponent at the Wankhede Stadium, 32 innings ago.
Fans, though hopeful, were left questioning when their cricketing hero will return to his best form, as his continued struggles in the Test arena have become a point of concern. Social media was abuzz with reactions, ranging from support for the embattled star to frustration over his repeated failures, as the wait for his comeback continues.
Bro fcuked-up my whole day…🙃#ViratKohli https://t.co/NbpC13hI5r
— Vishwa Virat (SK) (@Vishwa03122609) October 17, 2024
Biggest fraudees in India 😔#IndvsNZ #ViratKohli pic.twitter.com/NJ6WMsNAW7
— Vaibhav Mishra (@adkeys22) October 17, 2024
Virat Kohli Probably loves England Weather ,No humidity And Sweat.
That’s why He got out At Duck to keep enjoy in Air Conditioner Dressing Room.
Right Time for Retirement as His Test Average comes down to 45. #ViratKohli #NewZealand pic.twitter.com/WxsNupKn9p
— DHARIYA BHARDWAJ (@dhairyakumar) October 17, 2024
रन मशीन कोहली भईया #INDvsNZ #ViratKohli pic.twitter.com/GP5jCiLehd
— SAURAV 🚩 (@Saurav__1008) October 17, 2024
Brave of him to sacrifice his wicket 0(9)#INDvNZ I #ViratKohli https://t.co/D9Xa6eDsNA pic.twitter.com/Z2aSmsLqmF
— Pakistan Cricket Team USA FC (@DoctorofCricket) October 17, 2024
Am I the only guy crushing on O’Rourke ??? He’s so damn hot 🥵#INDvsNZ #NewZealand #ViratKohli q
— Niksssssss (@niksssss09) October 17, 2024
It’s high time to look for backup of kohli and Rohit in the Indian Test team, kohli just doesn’t seem interested in playing cricket anymore, and rohit’s issue against seam bowling. #INDIAvsNZ #ViratKohli #RohitSharma𓃵 #IndianCricketTeam
— Live speed (@crickweets33223) October 17, 2024
