Virat Kohli’s Australian Odyssey: A Test of Time
Recent times have seen discussion around Kohli struggling in Test cricket in Australia. The India skipper Kohli has a notable record against the Aussies, but it hasn’t been easy since he last traveled to Down Under in five test matches.
A Redeux of the 2018–19 Series
Kohli’s experience in the 2018-19 Border Gavaskar Trophy was quite a roller coaster. He scored 74 runs during his first innings in the opening test at Adelaide but returned to the pavilion with a low score in the second innings.
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Kohli has had to endure some ups and downs throughout tests when it comes to scoring but that’s to be expected from the Indian Vice-Captain. At Perth in the second test he made a respectable top score of 123, however, he was unable to take his team to victory with his heroic efforts as the stupendous batting of India, crumpled helplessly around him.
Moving on to the third test at Sydney, India rebounded back granting invaluable 82 contributed by Indian captain Kohli in the first innings as India went on to win the test comprehensively.
But the fourth and final test turned out to be a rather dull affair for Indian captain Kohli who was only able to manage 23 runs. Some of the Kohli fans may have been disappointed on this occasion, but these fans were pleased with the fact that India had drawn the test match and of course more importantly India had taken home an astonishing series win, displaying once again tenacity and depth in the unit even when Kohli had played nowhere close to perhaps his best.
The 2020-21 Series: One to Forget
It was a short 2020-21 series for India, who played just one Test, in Adelaide, this time round. India lost the match specially badly as Kohli scored a brilliant 74 runs in first ies but could not save his country from being defeated.
A Temporary Slump, It Would Seem.
Kohli has a remarkable record against Australia which most would not doubt but form is a strange mistress and his performance in the last five Tests has been patchy. He may have suffered fatigue, an injury, and pressure which most certainly has been considerable.
But what a batsman Kohli is! He has constantly performed in clutch situations which amasses the praise of all fans around the globe. His adaptability to the situation in conjunction with a desire to get runs is second to none.
The Road Ahead
Just before the Border-Gavaskar Trophy kicks in, Virat Kohli will gain the limelight once again for everyone. Will he be able to recapture his once upon a time best form to prevent India from becoming the ‘one that got away’? About his recent form, Kohli may be struggling but his influence on the Indian cricket is brutal. For sure, there’s a capability of making any game go in his teams’ favor. His relentless commitment to his craft, his tactical intelligence and cooler head make him arguably one of the greatest cricketers ever. Now, as the Indian side seeks to maintain its stranglehold over Test cricket, Kohli will have an important part to play.
