Workout
Meditation
Contact Us
India’s batting line-up has faltered in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, with the team trailing 2-1 heading into the Sydney Test. Veteran batsmen Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have received criticism for their lackluster performances. Kohli, a proven player in Australian conditions, has managed just 1519 runs at an average of 49 in 17 matches in Australia. However, this series has seen him struggle to replicate past glories.
Adding to Kohli’s problems are his controversies on the field. A heated incident with Sam Konstas at the MCG cost him a fine of 20% of his match fee and a demerit point. These incidents, combined with his mediocre batting, have placed him under intense scrutiny.
Finch’s perspective: Does Kohli thrive on adversity?
Former Australia captain Aaron Finch has offered a unique perspective on Kohli’s behaviour. Speaking on ESPN’s “Around the Wicket” podcast, Finch suggested Kohli’s confrontational behavior could be a deliberate tactic.
“Virat is someone who has always thrived under pressure and when his back is against the wall. It just feels like you’re trying to put yourself up against a wall. He’s trying to be antagonistic, trying to almost pick a fight because that’s when he plays best,” Finch observed.
Finch went on to say that Kohli’s efforts to create tension could be an attempt to reignite his competitive edge. “It just feels like he’s putting pressure on other people to make him feel that way. “We haven’t seen the best of him yet in this series,” he added.
Irfan Pathan urges Rohit Sharma to fight back amid form struggles
Disappointing numbers in a challenging year
Kohli’s recent performances in Tests paint a gloomy picture. In 2023, he accumulated only 417 runs at an average of 24.52. His contributions in the current World Test Championship cycle have also been disappointing, with 728 runs in 13 Tests at an average of 34.66, including just two centuries.
Despite a promising start to the first innings in Melbourne, where Kohli looked in control, Australia’s disciplined bowling attack has consistently found ways to dismiss him. Finch acknowledged this, noting: “He looked beautiful in the first innings in Melbourne and looked like he wasn’t going to get out. But Australia has played well.”
Stay up to date with all the cricket action, follow Cricadio in WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Telegramand instagram
