Virat Kohli falls into familiar trap in latest BGT innings

India’s star batsman Virat Kohli was visibly frustrated after falling victim to a familiar weakness – a ball outside off stump. His dismissal for just 6 runs on Saturday during the 5th Test against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground brought an abrupt end to his 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) campaign.

What makes this dismissal even more emotional? It could well be the last time fans see Kohli bat on Australian soil.

Kohli’s frustration was captured on microphone as he shouted angrily as the ball traveled to the second over, where it was safely tucked away.

Kohli falls into Boland’s perfect trap

The dismissal came on the first ball of the 14th over. Scott Boland, who has troubled Kohli throughout the series, bowled a long delivery outside the outside channel. Kohli, tempted to play with heavy hands, took the ball to second slip, giving Australia an easy wicket.

What made the dismissal more painful for Kohli was the precision with which Boland executed Australia’s premeditated plan. The Australian pacer had openly discussed his strategy against Kohli during a press conference on Friday.

“We have pretty definite plans on how we want to bowl,” Boland revealed to Fox Cricket. “He feels it goes a lot and then wants to play the ball once it comes in. So once it comes in, we just want to change our lines a little bit to the fifth stump, and it’s working at the moment.” .”

Kohli’s final BGT numbers disappoint

Kohli’s series statistics do not reflect the dominance expected from one of the greats of the game. He managed only 190 runs in nine innings at an average of 23.75. His only century came in the second innings of the first Test in Perth, but he has since struggled to convert outings into big scores.

In the Sydney Test, Kohli came for India at 47/2. He seemed to have good contact early on, scoring a safe boundary and handling the Australian pacers well. However, Boland’s relentless precision ended Kohli’s stay, bringing an anticlimactic end to their series.

Frustration overflows

Kohli’s visible anger after his dismissal was rare. Known for his intense concentration, the 35-year-old batsman is usually calm under pressure. But on Saturday he let his emotions show.

Even before the ball reached second slip, Kohli was heard shouting and cursing at himself. It was a reflection of the frustration that has been building throughout the series, especially given his vulnerability outside off-stump.

Virat Kohli’s future in Test cricket?

Kohli’s form and future in the Indian Test team have been hot topics of discussion. Reports suggest that Indian selectors will review his position in the Test team after the BGT.

Kohli’s struggles with balls outside off stump have been well documented. This series once again exposed their weakness as Australia’s bowlers relentlessly targeted that area.

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