INDIAThe batting line-up has failed in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, with the side trailing 2-1 heading into the Sydney Test. high beat Virat Kohli AND Rohit Sharma have drawn criticism for their poor performances. Kohli, a proven performer in Australian conditions, has managed just 1519 runs at an average of 49 in 17 matches Down Under. However, this series has seen him struggle to repeat past glories.
Adding to Kohli's woes are his on-field controversies. A heated barge incident with Sam Konstas at the MCG cost him a 20% match fee fine and a demerit point. These incidents, combined with his subpar hitting, have put him under intense scrutiny.
Finch's Outlook: Does Kohli thrive in adversity?
ex Australia captain Aaron Finch has provided a unique perspective on Kohli's behavior. Speaking on ESPN's Around the Wicket podcast, Finch suggested that Kohli's confrontational behavior may be a deliberate tactic.
“Virat is someone who has always thrived under pressure and when his back is against the wall. It just looks like he's trying to put his back against the wall. He's trying to be antagonistic, trying to pick a fight, because that's when he plays at his best,” Finch noted.
Finch went on to say that Kohli's attempts to create tension could be an attempt to reignite his competitive edge. “It just seems like he's pushing other people to make him feel that way. We haven't seen the best of him yet in this series,” he added.
Irfan Pathan urges Rohit Sharma to fight back amid form struggles
Overwhelming numbers in a challenging year
Kohli's recent Test performances paint a bleak picture. In 2023, he scored just 417 runs at an average of 24.52. His contributions in the current World Test Championship cycle have also been few, with 728 runs in 13 Tests at an average of 34.66, including just two centuries.
Despite a promising start in the opening matches in Melbourne, where Kohli looked in control, Australia's disciplined bowling attack has repeatedly found ways to dismiss him. Finch acknowledged this, noting: “He looked good in the first few games in Melbourne and it looked like he wasn't going to get out. But Australia played well.”
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