Virat Kohli’s struggle with form continued as he was dismissed cheaply in India’s second innings of the final Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). The ace batter, once again, fell to an outside off-stump delivery from Scott Boland, poking at it and handing a simple catch to Steve Smith in the slips. This dismissal came after Kohli’s early exit in the first innings, which had similarly seen him caught off a loose shot.
India had started their second innings confidently following Australia’s first-innings collapse. The visitors had bowled Australia out for 181 on Day 2, with debutant Beau Webster providing crucial resistance with a half-century. However, just as India seemed to be getting comfortable, Kohli’s wicket gave Australia a vital breakthrough.
In the 14th over, Kohli, with no real intent to leave the ball, poked at Boland’s delivery that was wide outside off-stump. His misjudgment led to an easy catch for Smith, and Kohli walked off the field visibly frustrated. His dismissal for just 6 runs left India at 59/3, further adding to the mounting pressure.
WATCH – Rishabh Pant Smashes A Stunning First-Ball Six Off Scott Boland In 5th Test
Kohli’s repeated struggles against deliveries outside the off-stump have become a major talking point throughout the series. His poor run in recent years has left many questioning his place in the playing XI, despite his past glories.
The Scott Boland show is delivering at the SCG!
He’s got Virat Kohli now. #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/12xG5IWL2j
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 4, 2025
— Drizzyat12Kennyat8 (@45kennyat7PM) January 4, 2025
Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra, in a video on his YouTube channel, highlighted how Kohli’s form has dipped even though he has had flashes of brilliance, including a century earlier in the series. Chopra also pointed out that players like Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal had shown promise, while Rohit Sharma’s slight improvement over the last four years raised questions about the team management’s decisions regarding Kohli’s selection.
WATCH – Scott Boland’s Unplayable Delivery Sends Yashasvi Jaiswal Back In Fifth Test
Kohli’s repeated failures and the pressure to perform are becoming increasingly difficult to ignore, leaving both fans and experts questioning his role going forward.
