Virat Kohli’s record in Australia has always been excellent. When Virat reached Perth for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the Australian media praised him and said, “The King is back in Australia.” Virat scored a brilliant century in the second innings of the Perth Test, but after that his performance in the entire series disappointed everyone. Kohli repeatedly returned to the pavilion after getting caught out at slip and behind the wicket on off-stump balls.
Ricky Ponting analysis
Former Australian captain and commentator in BGT, Ricky Ponting spoke openly about this struggle of Virat Kohli. In an interview he said:
“You could clearly see the disappointment on Virat Kohli’s face, especially when he got out in the SCG Test. He was angry with himself because he was getting out in the same way again and again – being caught by batting on the ball of the fourth or fifth stump.”
Ponting also added:
“Yes, it was a disappointing series for him, but I am sure Virat still has a lot left to give in Test cricket. I hope he returns to red ball cricket and scores runs again.”
Virat Kohli’s performance in the series
- Perth Test: After failing in the first innings, a brilliant century in the second innings.
- Rest of the series: Kohli’s bat remained silent.
- Total Score: Barring Perth’s century, he did not even score 100 runs in the entire series.
- Method of getting out: Was out 8 times and every time he was caught at slip or behind the wicket on the ball of off stump.
Scott Boland troubled Virat Kohli
In this series, Scott Boland, who is considered the backup bowler of Australia, dismissed Virat several times. This shows that Virat’s technical weakness has now become predictable for the opposing bowlers. Ponting said on this:
“Virat Kohli had become so predictable that even an ordinary bowler could bowl him out by consistently bowling the ball in the channel of the off stump.”
The way forward for Virat Kohli
Ponting believes that Virat Kohli still has time to make a comeback in Test cricket and regain his lost form. However, it is clear that Kohli will have to work on his technique and mentality, so that he can overcome the weakness of the off stump.
