Virat Kohli’s vulnerability to chasing deliveries outside off-stump has been a glaring issue in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, with Australian bowlers capitalizing on this weakness to keep him subdued. His tour started on a high note with a masterful unbeaten century (100* off 143) in India’s commanding 295-run victory in Perth. However, the momentum didn’t last as Kohli has since managed only 26 runs across his next four innings, raising concerns about his form.
When asked about Kohli’s struggles with outside off-stump deliveries, Indian captain Rohit Sharma responded with characteristic wit during a media interaction in Melbourne. “You only said he’s a modern-day great. Modern-day greats will figure out their own path,” Rohit quipped, showing confidence in his teammate’s ability to bounce back.
India’s batting lineup has faced intense scrutiny for repeated collapses, a trend that started during their home series against New Zealand. With the series tied 1-1, the pressure is mounting on the Indian batters to deliver in the crucial fourth Test in Melbourne.
ALSO READ: Cheteshwar Pujara’s Crucial Advice For Yashasvi Jaiswal: Patience Key To Success In Australia
Adding intrigue to the mix, India included uncapped spin-bowling allrounder Tanush Kotian in the squad following Ravichandran Ashwin’s unexpected retirement. Meanwhile, the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) pitch curator has hinted at a seam-friendly surface, potentially minimizing the role of spinners.
When questioned about the team’s combination for the match, Rohit kept his plans under wraps. “We’ll see how much grass there is on the wicket and assess whether spinners will be needed. We only have today to practice and analyze before taking a call,” Rohit Sharma explained.
ALSO READ: Mohammed Shami Deemed Complete Unfit For Border-Gavaskar Trophy
Commenting on the MCG wicket, he added, “Unlike previous matches here, this surface doesn’t look dry. We’ll evaluate it carefully and decide on the best combination for the game.”
As India prepares for this high-stakes encounter, the spotlight remains on their batting lineup and Kohli’s response to the Australian challenge.
