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India’s star batter Virat Kohli continues to struggle in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, with yet another low score in the Gabba Test. Dismissed for just three runs off 16 deliveries by Josh Hazlewood, Kohli’s form remains a significant concern for Indian cricket.
With his average dipping below 30 since October, former Indian cricketer Deep Dasgupta has weighed in, urging Kohli to adjust his approach and avoid his trademark cover drive early in his innings to regain form.
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Dasgupta: “This Is a Mental Issue, Not a Technical One”
Speaking on Star Sports, Deep Dasgupta dissected Kohli’s struggles, suggesting that his tendency to chase wide deliveries is a mental barrier rather than a flaw in technique. The former wicketkeeper advised Kohli to adopt a disciplined approach in the initial stages of his innings.
“This is a mental issue, not a technical one,” said Dasgupta. “As a player of your stature, it’s important to sometimes play within your boundaries. Everyone knows what you’re capable of—you’ve already proven your greatness over the last 10-15 years. There’s nothing left to prove.”
He further added that Kohli must focus on finding his rhythm before attempting expansive shots like the cover drive.
“For the first 20 balls, forget about your favourite shot. Forget the cover drive that your fans love. Just put it aside for those 20 balls. Once you find your rhythm, you can gradually expand those limits.”
Kohli’s Struggles in the Series
Virat Kohli has managed just one standout performance in the series so far—a century in Perth. In the remaining innings, he has recorded scores of 5, 7, 11, and 3, further amplifying concerns about his consistency in Test cricket.
Kohli’s soft dismissal at the Gabba—chasing a wide delivery and nicking it to Alex Carey—mirrored earlier mistakes, reflecting an ongoing struggle to adapt to Australia’s disciplined bowling attack.
India on the Brink of Defeat in Gabba Test
India is staring at back-to-back losses in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. After securing a convincing win in Perth, the visitors were outplayed in Adelaide. Now, in Brisbane, Australia’s dominance has left India teetering on the edge.
Australia’s first innings total of 445 runs put India under immense pressure. By stumps on Day 3, the visitors had slumped to 51/4, with a massive trail of 394 runs and the looming threat of a follow-on.
Turning Things Around: The Road Ahead
With India’s top order failing to fire, the team’s chances of salvaging the Gabba Test look bleak. Virat Kohli’s lean patch has become symbolic of the team’s struggles, and the star batter will need to make adjustments to bounce back in the remainder of the series.
Dasgupta’s advice of patience and restraint may serve as a roadmap for Kohli to navigate his mental hurdles and rediscover his form in the longest format. As the series progresses, India’s hopes rest on their senior players stepping up to regain momentum in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
