The third Test between India and Australia at the Gabba, Brisbane, saw a recurring issue resurface for Virat Kohli—his tendency to chase wide deliveries outside the off-stump. In the first innings, Kohli fell cheaply, nicking a Josh Hazlewood delivery that was well outside the line of off-stump. Attempting an expansive drive on what could be considered a “seventh or eighth stump” delivery, Kohli edged the ball straight to wicketkeeper Alex Carey, adding another chapter to his ongoing struggle with this weakness.
Former Indian skipper Sunil Gavaskar was quick to critique Kohli’s shot selection during the live commentary on Channel 7. “If it was on the fourth stump, you could understand,” Gavaskar remarked. “But this was on the seventh or eighth stump, and there was no need to play that. He would be very disappointed with himself.”
Sunil Gavaskar also emphasized the lack of patience shown by Kohli, especially given the precarious situation India was already in, having lost both Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill to poor shots early on. Kohli’s dismissal came as a significant blow to India, particularly when a partnership with KL Rahul could have steadied the innings.
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Sunil Gavaskar pointed out that Kohli’s lack of restraint cost India dearly, as rain interrupted play soon after his dismissal, potentially saving him from further damage had he survived. This isn’t the first time Kohli has succumbed to a wide delivery in this series. In the second Test, he fell in a similar fashion, raising concerns about a technical flaw that has plagued him since the early days of his career.
Josh Hazlewood gets Virat Kohli!
The Australians are up and about on Day Three. #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/sq6oYZmZAz
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 16, 2024
Cricket pundits and fans alike have drawn parallels with Sachin Tendulkar’s legendary discipline during the Sydney Test in 2004, where he refrained from playing cover drives to score a gritty double-century. Many believe Kohli could learn from Tendulkar’s example to overcome this recurring issue.
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Kohli’s century in the second innings of the Perth Test raised hopes of a resurgence, but his performances in Adelaide and Brisbane have left fans disappointed. As social media buzzes with criticism, it’s evident that Kohli’s inconsistency remains a talking point, with expectations mounting for him to adjust his approach and rediscover his peak form.
#INDvsAUS #AUSvIND
Australian Bowlers To Virat Kohli 😭 pic.twitter.com/lw8XR4SICT— Prof cheems ॐ (@Prof_Cheems) December 16, 2024
Virat Kohli 😭 pic.twitter.com/aBdANFM6zq
— Raja Babu (@GaurangBhardwa1) December 16, 2024
Virat Kohli has lost the hunger to score runs. No other reason 💔 pic.twitter.com/TQrLViSQhJ
— Dinda Academy (@academy_dinda) December 16, 2024
Dear Virat Kohli, Why can’t you simply LEAVE that delivery? Poori duniya bol bol ke thak gayi hai, aapko sunai nahi de raha?@imVkohli
— Sushant Mehta (@SushantNMehta) December 16, 2024
The problem with Virat Kohli is that he thinks he is bigger than the game. Hence repeating the same mistakes.
Instead God Sachin Tendulkar’s 241 innings demonstrated his control and respect for the game.
Virat’s downfall has started..!!
— UmdarTamker (@UmdarTamker) December 16, 2024
Virat Kohli wagon wheel when Pitch is not flat pic.twitter.com/fApA4Kvw4J
— Abhishek (@be_mewadi) December 16, 2024
Virat Kohli can never be close to Sachin pic.twitter.com/kcKUknyRFZ
— Div🦁 (@div_yumm) December 16, 2024
