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Virat Kohli’s struggles in Test cricket continue, as his dismissal in the first innings of the Perth Test against Australia has raised further concerns about his form. Kohli managed just 5 runs off 12 balls before falling to a rising delivery from Josh Hazlewood, caught by Usman Khawaja, leaving India in a precarious position.
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Pujara’s Take on Kohli’s Dismissal
Speaking on Star Sports, Cheteshwar Pujara offered a detailed analysis of Kohli’s mistake. The former Indian captain was standing outside the crease, which, according to Pujara, left him vulnerable to the bounce and pace of Hazlewood’s delivery.
“Virat should have stayed back in the crease instead of standing out. He didn’t allow himself enough time to adjust to a rising delivery because of his stance,” Pujara explained.
“Josh Hazlewood saw his position and bowled accordingly, taking advantage of the bounce in the pitch. If Virat had stayed back, he could have handled the delivery better. But by the time the ball reached him, he was cramped for space and couldn’t control it.”
Kohli’s Test Form Under Scrutiny
Kohli’s recent struggles in red-ball cricket have been a significant talking point. In the previous Test series against New Zealand, he scored just 93 runs in six innings, and in the past five years, he has managed only three Test centuries, a stark contrast to his prolific past performances.
Despite his struggles, Kohli’s fans and the team management remain hopeful that he can rediscover his touch, especially in Australia, a region where he has historically excelled. However, his failure in Perth highlights the need for technical adjustments and better preparation for challenging conditions.
India will be hoping for a stronger showing from Kohli in the second innings as they aim to stay competitive in this crucial Test match.
