Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has dissected Virat Kohli’s ongoing batting woes after the Indian star was dismissed cheaply on Day 2 of the fifth and final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024 in Sydney. Kohli’s struggles continued as he fell to Australia’s Scott Boland for just six runs off 12 deliveries. This marked the fourth time in the series that Boland has claimed Kohli’s wicket.
Kohli Falls to Boland Yet Again
Facing a back-of-a-length delivery from Boland, Kohli attempted a defensive shot but ended up edging the ball to Steve Smith at second slip. Speaking on Star Sports, Manjrekar pointed out that Kohli’s dismissal could be linked to an adjustment in his batting technique.
“Many great players have experienced lean patches, but what stands out here is Kohli getting out to a similar mode of dismissal repeatedly. It’s unusual for someone of his caliber not to find a solution,” Manjrekar remarked.
Technical Adjustments and Their Impact
Manjrekar noted a specific change in Kohli’s approach: his position inside the batting crease. “It’s rare to see Virat Kohli batting so deep in the crease. Historically, he prefers stepping out and playing forward. On this occasion, he stayed back, perhaps trying something different, but the result was the same. It highlights the challenges he’s facing,” he observed.
Signs of Self-Doubt
The former cricketer also suggested that Kohli may be grappling with self-doubt. “What we’re seeing now is clear self-doubt in his game. He’s trying every possible adjustment within his repertoire, but the outcomes remain consistent. This sameness in dismissals has likely shaken his confidence,” Manjrekar added.
Kohli’s Underwhelming Series Performance
India ended Day 2 of the match at 141/6 in their second innings, holding a lead of 145 runs after bowling Australia out for 181 in the first innings. However, Kohli’s individual performance throughout the series has been far from his usual standards. In five matches (nine innings), he managed just 190 runs at an average of 23.75, including a solitary century.
As India pushes for a series-clinching victory, the spotlight on Kohli’s form continues to grow, with fans and analysts alike hoping for a turnaround in his fortunes.
