The ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 has seen some challenging moments for India’s cricket star Virat Kohli, particularly against Australia. Despite his impressive track record on Australian soil, Kohli has struggled to make a major impact in this series, managing just 126 runs from five innings with a solitary half-century. His recent performances, including scores of 5, 7, 3, and 11 (aside from a 100* in Perth), have sparked criticism, especially regarding his dismissals to deliveries outside the off-stump.
Kohli Acknowledges His Mistakes
In a candid interview before the Boxing Day Test, Kohli admitted that he has not lived up to his high standards in recent innings. Recognizing that Test cricket demands a deep level of concentration and discipline, Kohli acknowledged his inability to stick around and grind through difficult phases, as he typically does in Test matches. “The last two or three innings have not gone the way I wanted them to. I have not been disciplined enough to stick in there and really grind it out. That is the challenge Test cricket brings,” said Kohli to Fox Sports.
This admission by the former India captain highlights a crucial aspect of Test cricket – mental toughness. While Kohli has demonstrated exceptional skill in shorter formats, the traditional five-day format demands not only technical proficiency but also the ability to withstand prolonged periods of pressure.
Australia’s Lively Pitches and the Need for Patience
Kohli also pointed out that the pitch conditions in Australia this time around are more challenging compared to previous tours. He noted that these pitches are livelier, demanding a different approach. “Obviously, these pitches are much more lively than the last time we played here. There is a different approach that is required, and that is something I have taken a lot of pride in: to go out there and counter different conditions and step up when the team wants me to,” said Kohli.
For Kohli, the key to success in Australia lies in the ability to respect the conditions and adapt his game. He emphasized the importance of playing enough balls to get into a rhythm before unleashing his attacking shots. “The idea is to get stuck in, get your eyes set in, play enough number of balls before you start playing your game, but respect the conditions foremost,” he added.
Kohli’s Performance in the Ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy
The ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy has been a tough outing for Kohli so far. Despite the solid start with his century in the second innings at Perth, his other scores have been underwhelming. Former cricket legends, including Sunil Gavaskar, have criticized Kohli’s approach, especially his vulnerability to deliveries outside the off-stump. These areas of weakness have been evident, leading to his early dismissals in the first few innings.
However, Kohli remains focused on the bigger picture and is looking forward to getting back to his best. He acknowledged that these low scores are part of the game, and he’s using them as a stepping stone to refine his approach. “I’ve been through phases like this before in my career, and it’s all about learning and improving,” Kohli said.
The Significance of the Boxing Day Test
Looking ahead to the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Kohli remains optimistic. The series is currently tied 1-1, and he sees this as a crucial opportunity to take control of the series. “We have played some really good cricket here (at MCG). Last time around we won, the year before we won as well. It is just about understanding where the series is placed and that takes away the pressure on individuals. It’s 1-1, we want to have a strong Test match here and try to go up in the series heading into Sydney,” Kohli added.
With the series at a crucial juncture, Kohli’s performance in the Boxing Day Test could prove to be a turning point. As India looks to secure a series lead, all eyes will be on Kohli to see if he can rediscover his form and lead from the front.
Conclusion
While Virat Kohli’s recent performances in the BGT 2024-25 have raised questions, his self-awareness and determination to improve bode well for his future. As he faces the challenges posed by Australia’s lively pitches, Kohli’s focus on adapting and respecting the conditions will be key to his success in the remaining Tests. For Kohli, the journey continues, and with his experience and commitment, there is no doubt he will look to rise above the setbacks and make an impact in the crucial Boxing Day Test and beyond.
Stay tuned as the India vs Australia series unfolds, and keep an eye on Kohli’s response to the challenges ahead.
