India’s star batsman, Virat Kohli, has once again come under scrutiny after his dismissal for just 3 runs in the first innings of the third Test against Australia in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Kohli, who was caught behind attempting a cover drive to a ball that went outside the off-stump, has faced mounting criticism for his inability to cope with deliveries in that region of the wicket. This dismissal is part of a concerning trend for Kohli in the series, where his scores have been underwhelming, including 5, *100, 7, 11, and 3. His repeated struggles against Australian bowlers, particularly to deliveries that veer wide of the off-stump, have raised eyebrows.

The Indian team, in response to Australia's first innings total of 445, is currently in a difficult position with just 51 runs on the board and four wickets down on the third day of the game. Former Indian cricketers have weighed in on Kohli's performance. Deep Dasgupta, former wicketkeeper-batsman, believes that Kohli's issue is not technical, but mental. According to Dasgupta, Kohli, despite his brilliance, needs to play within his limits at times. “He doesn't need to prove anything more,” said Dasgupta. “He has already proven himself as one of the best in the world over the last 10-15 years.

Sometimes, he needs to avoid playing his favorite shot, the cover drive, early in his innings.” Sunil Gavaskar, another cricket legend, also expressed concern over Kohli’s repeated dismissals to balls outside the off-stump. In reference to Kohli's latest dismissal in the third Test, Gavaskar pointed out that the delivery was far outside the off-stump and advised Kohli to leave such balls, especially when not set at the crease. “It’s a mistake to chase deliveries that are too wide until you're properly settled at the crease,” he stated.

Gavaskar also suggested that Kohli could take a leaf out of Sachin Tendulkar’s book, who, during his illustrious career, showed patience against Australian bowlers, often leaving balls outside off-stump and building innings before playing expansive shots. The criticism comes at a time when the Indian top-order has struggled against Australia’s potent bowling attack. Kohli’s failure to convert his starts into big scores has added to the mounting pressure on the Indian side, with fans and former players alike hoping that the batsman will soon find his rhythm in the series.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)