The Pressure Mounts: Kohli’s Uncharacteristic struggle
It was 2012 when the formidable Indian side lost a series at home in the longest format for the last time until the Kiwis came and conquered recently by winning the first two Tests of the ongoing series. This undefeated streak was possible due to the marquee players like Virat Kohli, and now that India have lost a series at home after 12 long years, one can say that the one of the reasons can be Virat Kohli’s poor performance in this series. Well, it’s rare when he finishes a whole series without scoring a truckload of runs but this is turning out to be that rare one.
Known to be the greatest batter among the current generation players or even among the greats of all time one may reckon, is not having so great time with the bat. In the last five Test innings with the scores of 70, 0, 17, 1 and 4, he seems to be out of touch, whether it’s the shot selection or the running between the wickets and the irony is that he is known to be the best in running between the wickets. Thanks to Matt Henry’s incredible throw which brought them back into the game and Kohli could not even save himself by diving to complete the run.
Looking at his dismissal yesterday when the it was almost time to call it a day, throwing his wicket for a risky run and that too when Shubman Gill is playing comfortably on the other end, not just shows that he is rushing but it also seemed that he didn’t wanted to play the last three deliveries of the like he was scared to lose his wicket which is not the “Virat Kohli” we are familiar with. We know the one who is desperate to take the strike and believes in himself to stand tall in these kind of conditions.
Is pressure getting to him?
It is very unlikely of him to play these kinds of shots and make these kinds of running calls. And this was the second time he lost his wicket before the break or stumps and the first time he was run out in home Tests.
Well it’s not just Kohli but others have been miserable as well throwing their wickets and putting the Kiwis back in the game. We all know that it is real hard to keep Kohli on his knees, and he will be all charged up to be back in the middle in the fourth innings and own the opposition what he is known for.
India are still in the game considering they are not way behind with Pant and Shubman in the middle and Sarfaraz, Jadeja and Washy to come. They already managed to rattle the Kiwis for not a big score and would be looking to stitch a few partnerships and take the lead.
Meanwhile, Kohli would look to regain control in the remaining four days and land to his favourite place in the world to be ready to conquer the Border Gavaskar Troohy.