Virat Kohli, India’s batting mainstay, faces immense pressure as the Border-Gavaskar Trophy approaches. The five-Test series, the first of its kind since 1991-92, will be a crucial test for Kohli, who has struggled for form in recent times.
Kohli’s average of 22.72 in six matches in 2024 is the lowest of his career. He has managed just one fifty this year, a 70 against New Zealand in the second innings of the first Test at Bengaluru. His last Test century came in July 2023 against the West Indies.
Former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar believes the Australians will target Kohli’s weakness outside the off-stump. “They’ll obviously start with that line outside the off-stump and gauge what his mood is,” Manjrekar said. “Generally these days he looks to leave balls outside the off-stump and if they have anything that’s pitched right up, he’ll look to drive.”
Manjrekar also expects the Aussies to cramp Kohli for room and attack his body. “Nowadays, they are also trying to cramp him for room and attack his body because he loves to get forward so much,” Manjrekar said. “So that is something New Zealand tried, which is very smart. And then if he is so focused outside off, that typical one of landing a ball on middle stump which Josh Hazlewood would try. So all those methods will be tried by the Australians and Virat Kohli is aware of that.”
Kohli’s poor form in the recent Test series against New Zealand, where he scored just 93 runs in three matches, will be a concern for India. The Aussies will be looking to exploit his vulnerability and keep his poor form going.
Kohli has played two Tests in Perth, scoring 44 and 75 in the two innings in January 2012 and scoring a century in 2018. India need to win four Tests in Australia to directly qualify for the World Test Championships final, which will be held at Lord’s in June 2025.
