If we leave aside his Rs 21 crore IPL 2025 retention at RCB, nothing much has been going well for Virat Kohli in recent times. His batting average is at an all-time low. His confidence seems to have taken a hit, and on top of that, the modern-day master endured a “suicidal” run-out to add a blemish to the Indian innings in the third Test against New Zealand.
IND vs NZ 3rd Test: Virat Kohli puts India in deep trouble
India were rollicking when Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill were dealing in boundaries following Rohit Sharma’s dismissal. They pounced on every good delivery and had New Zealand bowlers on the backfoot until the 18th over that was bowled by Ajaz Patel.
The left-armer, who took a 10-wicket haul the last time he bowled here, castled Jaiswal, who tried to play a reverse sweep to ball that was well outside his reach. India sent Mohammed Siraj as the nightwatchman, but unfortunately he was too easy to send back for Ajaz.
Following that, the entire Wankhede crowd stood up to cheer the arrival of Virat Kohli. It is the same venue where has dominated most of the time, irrespective of the format. But this time, the situation was different. Kohli, who has been struggling for runs, was once again put under the pump straightaway.
Virat Kohli & his suicidal run-out
After Kohli’s arrival, Latham brought in Rachin Ravindra, another left-arm spinner, into the attack. It was a good ploy, given the amount of turn the pitch was generating and the uneasiness for Kohli was there to be seen. Usually calm and collected, Kohli had a brain fade moment on the third delivery of the over.
He hit the ball towards mid-on and thought he could steal a quick single. But, oops! The fielder, Matt Henry, was lightning-fast. He picked up the ball and threw it straight at the stumps. Kohli dived, but it wasn’t enough. He was out! This was a rare moment where Kohli’s judgement let him down, and it cost India not only a valuable wicket but also put New Zealand in a driver’s seat going into Day 2.
More on Virat Kohli
“Diffident” Virat Kohli & his career-worst year
If we leave aside the match-changing knock at the T20 World Cup 2024 Final, Virat Kohli has had a 2024 to forget. He has scored 487 runs in 24 innings across the three formats. In fact, his batting average this year has been a mere 21.17, which is his worst in any calendar year. And this is the same player who has had as many as nine different years, averaging over 50 quite comfortably. There’s no doubt that Kohli has been under immense pressure these days.
Prior to the Indian home season, we all expected him to hit at least a couple of hundreds. After all, Bangladesh and New Zealand are not touted to have the best bowling lineups. But here we are. In these nine innings, Kohli has made 191 runs at a poor average of 23.87, with just one fifty to his name.
At the moment, Kohli has been struggling to find even a portion of his groove, something that is quite alarming. While he has not found his rhythm against the likes of Bangladesh and New Zealand, the biggest challenge still awaits in the form of Australia. While Kohli more often than not dominates Down Under, this time it will be much more difficult for him, given his current worrying form. Right now, he is not looking a better batter than a rookie trying to find his feet on big stage. However, the man has done it all in this sport, and we expect him to roar once again, like he always does!
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