Virat Kohlifrustrating journey of Australia another drop on Day 5 of the Boxing Day Test, where his early dismissal remained India in the thick of their chase of 340 runs. Walking in at 25/2, Kohli was expected to score an innings, but his stay at the crease took only 29 balls.
Virat Kohli's struggle continues as Mitchell Starc bats in the Boxing Day Test
Starc, in fine form, lured Kohli with a length delivery outside the off-stump in the 26th over, and tried to beat the star for a good run. The black fringe flew over the rope, right Usman Khawaja He sank to the ground to finish the strong grip. Kohli's departure for just 5 runs reduced India to 33-3, which dealt a major blow to their early hopes. Starc's burn, combined with Kohli's inability to resist playing outside the off-stump, highlighted the challenges India faced on the crumbling Melbourne track.
Kohli's wicket came at a crucial time when India needed a solid partnership to rebuild after a quick dismissal. KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma. Known for his prowess in chasing full and difficult runs, Kohli's early exit was both surprising and disappointing. With cracks open on the pitch and Starc exploiting them to perfection, Kohli's lack of adaptability to the situation was evident.
When Kohli returned to the show, looking distraught, the cameras turned Anushka Sharmahis wife, and is always present at his games. His anguished voice echoes the sentiments of millions of Indians around the world. From waiting in anticipation to visible suffering, his actions captured the mood of the time.
Critical criticism and online behavior
Kohli's early exit caused quite a stir online, with critics and fans expressing their dismay. Social media was abuzz with memes and slurs, some mocking his repeated insecurities to deliver goods outside the stump. Some have pointed to India's chances of achieving a record chase, thanks to Kohli's unexpected dismissal. The investigation escalated when experts criticized his approach, questioning whether the shooting decision was justified for the sake of the game.
Also READ: 'You are a burden to the team, rest in peace': Fans boo Rohit Sharma following clash at MCG Test
Kohli, who was once hailed as the epitome of bravery in the chase, found himself under the scanner for poor performances that added to the team's woes. On 33/3 at lunch and still needing more than 300 runs, the pressure on the rest of India's batsmen increased significantly. Yashasvi Jaiswalunconquered at the break of day, they stood as the only bright spot among the ruins of the high fall.
Here's how netizens reacted:
This is called “King,” according to his PR
Virat Kohli, has been getting the same outing for the last 9 innings with no change and the same mistakes.
Virat Kohli, be ashamed and think Retire Happy#INDvsAUS
pic.twitter.com/J1VD8vXuL8— Yanika_Lit (@LogicLitLatte) December 30, 2024
Happy Retirement Virat Kohli 🙏#INDvsAUS #INDVAUS pic.twitter.com/b8ynBq9oA3
— 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗻 (@meri_mrziii) December 30, 2024
EEH. YOU ARE DONE.
The great Kohli, whom we saw all these years, is finally saying goodbye. He may stay for a while, but he will never be the same Kohli. I have tears in my eyes as I write this.
– H. 🇮🇹 (@CrissysArc) December 30, 2024
“HAPPY RETIREMENT VIRAT KOHLI”
– You won't miss it…. pic.twitter.com/y8mOv01kXW
– Gillfied⁷ (@Was_Gill) December 30, 2024
I don't have much energy left to scold/shout..
What else needs to be done? Even if your ego, your reputation is dragged and you are insulted, it is not enough for you.
It's annoying to see my favorite character's game being trash these days@imVkohli
– Karthick Shivaraman™ (@iskarthi_) December 30, 2024
Kohli reaches the delivery on the 8th stump again and is ruined. I repeat that the technical error must be corrected. Spending hours on the net practicing without correcting errors will not help. Just my humble opinion.
– Prasanna (@prasannalara) December 30, 2024
A good season of 2-50s and 100 in 2024 @imVkohli . Avg of 22 in test, 25 in t20 wc, 19 in 3 odis 👌 never thought there could be a worse year than 2020-22 in the middle of his career. One reason not to retire and be optimistic?
Even the home series has been a journey for him.
— “(@KohlifiedGal) December 30, 2024
Kohli saab, not again 😖 pic.twitter.com/bLChL6xH3m
– Trendulkar (@Trendulkar) December 30, 2024
So Kohli scored 5 runs, 10 hits, 15 overs in the MSG Test🔥
Academy is very thankful for you Kohli saab😍 pic.twitter.com/8aOTuEspz1
– TukTuk Academy (@TukTuk_Academy) December 30, 2024
The Kohli of 2018 would not recognize his current form. All the years of hard work and legacy are coming to an end like this. From being the best at fab 4 to this. And why? Lack of self-control and inability to work on past mistakes. It didn't happen @imVkohli
– Yashvi (@BreatheKohli) December 30, 2024