The second Test of India’s 2024 series against Australia at Adelaide saw a disappointing moment for Virat Kohli, as he fell for just seven runs off eight balls on the opening day. The dismissal was a result of a well-directed delivery from Mitchell Starc, once again highlighting Kohli’s ongoing struggle against deliveries outside the off-stump.
Kohli’s performance has been under scrutiny for some time, and this early wicket on Day 1 of the pink-ball Test was another reminder of his vulnerability to the moving ball outside off-stump. Despite having an impressive record at the Adelaide Oval with over 500 runs and an average of more than 63, Kohli’s inability to handle Starc’s delivery left fans and critics alike questioning his technique.
Kohli’s Dismissal: A Familiar Struggle
Kohli’s dismissal came in typical fashion: the ball from Starc was short and angled across him, on the fifth-sixth stump line. Kohli, seemingly in two minds, hesitated before withdrawing his bat too late. This caused the ball to take a thick edge, which was comfortably caught by Steve Smith at second slip. The wicket was a bitter reminder of Kohli’s recurring weakness against deliveries that move away from the off-stump, a problem that has plagued his recent outings in international cricket.
While Kohli has shown his brilliance in other formats and venues, his recent struggles have raised questions about his adaptability to the challenges posed by seam and swing, especially in overseas conditions. Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar took to social media to express his views, stating that Kohli’s “adamance” to address this flaw has contributed to a drop in his average, now down to 48.
India’s Top-Order Collapse
Kohli’s early dismissal came amidst a wider collapse of India’s top order. KL Rahul, who had been solid in the previous match, made just 37 runs off 63 balls before being dismissed. The innings soon took a further hit when Shubman Gill, who had started well, fell for just 31 runs, bowled out by Scott Boland.
By tea on the first day, India found themselves in a precarious position at 82/4, with Rishabh Pant and captain Rohit Sharma at the crease. The Indian team’s batting woes were evident, with several players failing to convert starts into substantial scores, leaving the team vulnerable in the face of Australia’s strong bowling attack.
The Way Forward for Kohli
Kohli’s form remains a topic of intense discussion. While his technique has always been one of his strengths, this continued struggle against deliveries outside off-stump points to a flaw that needs addressing. Critics like Manjrekar argue that Kohli’s reluctance to experiment with his shot selection or adjust his stance against swinging deliveries could be hurting his performance.
To regain his rhythm, Kohli must find a way to adapt to these challenging deliveries. Whether it’s leaving the ball more confidently or altering his footwork to meet the ball on the rise, there is no denying that his mental game will need to evolve if he’s to return to his peak form.
India’s Changing Lineup and the Challenge Ahead
The second Test in Adelaide saw India make three significant changes to their lineup. Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Ravichandran Ashwin were brought in, with Devdutt Padikkal, Dhruv Jurel, and Washington Sundar being dropped. With the series still hanging in the balance, India will need to find their footing and bounce back from the collapse.
Rishabh Pant’s role as a stabilizer in the middle order, alongside Sharma, will be crucial in determining whether India can recover and set a competitive total. But with the top order exposed once again, the batting lineup’s frailty in overseas conditions remains a pressing concern for the team.
Conclusion
Virat Kohli’s dismissal in Adelaide was a reminder of the challenges he faces, particularly against deliveries outside the off-stump. His technical adjustments, or lack thereof, continue to be a key issue. As India faces a challenging Test against Australia, Kohli’s ability to adapt to the conditions will be vital for his team. If he can find a way to overcome his struggles, he has the potential to return to his dominant self, and perhaps lead India to victory in this tough series.
