India’s batting lineup has faltered in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, with the team trailing 2-1 heading into the Sydney Test. Senior batters Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have drawn criticism for their lacklustre performances. Kohli, a proven performer in Australian conditions, has managed just 1519 runs at an average of 49 across 17 matches Down Under. Yet, this series has seen him struggle to replicate past glories.
Adding to Kohli’s woes are his on-field controversies. A heated shoulder-barge incident with Sam Konstas at the MCG cost him a 20% fine on his match fees and a demerit point. These incidents, combined with his subpar batting, have placed him under intense scrutiny.
Finch’s Perspective: Is Kohli Thriving on Adversity?
Former Australia captain Aaron Finch has offered a unique perspective on Kohli’s behaviour. Speaking on ESPN’s “Around the Wicket” podcast, Finch suggested that Kohli’s confrontational demeanour might be a deliberate tactic.
“Virat is someone who has always thrived on pressure and when his back is against the wall. It just feels like he is trying to put his own back against the wall. He’s trying to be antagonistic, trying to almost pick a fight because that’s when he plays at his best,” Finch observed.
Finch went on to say that Kohli’s efforts to create tension could be an attempt to reignite his competitive edge. “It just feels like he is pushing other people to make him feel like that. We haven’t seen the best of him in this series yet,” he added.
Irfan Pathan Urges Rohit Sharma to Fight Back Amid Form Struggles
Underwhelming Numbers in a Challenging Year
Kohli’s recent Test performances paint a grim picture. In 2023, he amassed only 417 runs at an average of 24.52. His contributions in the current World Test Championship cycle have also been underwhelming, with 728 runs in 13 Tests at an average of 34.66, including just two centuries.
Despite a promising start in the first innings at Melbourne, where Kohli looked in control, Australia’s disciplined bowling attack has consistently found ways to dismiss him. Finch acknowledged this, noting, “He looked beautiful in the first innings at Melbourne and looked like he wasn’t going to get out. But Australia have bowled well.”
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