Indian cricketer Virat Kohli faced another setback in the third Test of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, managing just 3 runs off 16 balls before being dismissed as India’s third wicket in the first innings.
It was not just the low score but the manner of his dismissal that frustrated both experts and fans. Once again, Kohli chased a full delivery outside the off-stump, edging it to wicket-keeper Alex Carey. The wicket was claimed by Josh Hazlewood.
On his dismissal, Sunil Gavaskar remarked that Kohli did not need to play at the delivery, which led to his dismissal.
“If it was on the fourth stump, I could understand,” Gavaskar said. “This was wide, on the seventh, eighth stump, you could say. That doesn’t need to be played.”
His removal in the opening innings of the third Test put India in a delicate situation as they were reduced to 22 for the loss of three wickets in 7.2 overs.
Rain arrived shortly after Kohli’s wicket, forcing the players to return to the dressing room. He would have been unbeaten going into the interval if Kohli had avoided the delivery that claimed his wicket.
Gavaskar advised Kohli to adopt Sachin Tendulkar’s playing style and exercise patience.
“Virat Kohli has to be patient, just like his role model Sachin Tendulkar. Remember Sachin’s 241 in Sydney? He didn’t play shots on the offside, not even his favourite cover drive. He has such a strong bottom hand. He can play straight or towards mid-wicket so well. He needs to do exactly that, just stop playing towards off,” Gavaskar told a section of media.
Sanjay Manjerakar, who has frequently addressed Kohli’s technique, has aimed his criticism at the team’s batting coach.
Social media users expressed their displeasure with Kohli’s dismissal, with some even calling for the ace Indian batsman to retire from the game.
For a few years, Kohli has not been at his peak in Test cricket. He managed to get a century in the first Test’s second innings, but he has not been able to score much in any of the other four innings.
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