"He looks hesitant, nervous and low in confidence" - Fans react as Virat Kohli is dismissed cheaply in 1st BGT 2024-25 Test
Star Team India batter Virat Kohli was dismissed cheaply in the side's first innings of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) Test series opener against Australia in Perth on Friday, November 22. India were off to a shaky start after electing to bat first. Kohli walked out when the visitors were reeling at 14/2 after 11 overs. The onus was on the senior batter to steady the ship for his team.
However, it was a brief stay at the crease for Kohli as he departed after scoring just 5 off 12 balls. The former India captain was caught in the slips off pacer Josh Hazlewood's bowling in the 17th over.
Several fans took to social media to react to Kohli enduring yet another failure. Here are some of the top reactions:
A few fans pointed out that Kohli looked like a pale shadow of his glorious past during his knock.
"Rarely seen Virat Kohli play a more anxiety-ridden knock in Australia than this one. Edgy, nervy & just never looked settled. Almost too desperate," wrote journalist Bharat Sundaresan.
"Standing outside the crease, pressing forward always, and way too eager to play every ball. Very poor stay at the crease for virat kohli. Not looked good. At all," commented a fan.
"Virat Kohli is not same as before, he looks hesitant, nervous and low in confidence. Australia has done great homework against Indian batters," chimed in yet another.
Kohli has come under the scanner following a string of underwhelming performances in red-ball cricket. He had an ordinary three-match home Test series against New Zealand, scoring 93 runs across six innings at an average of 15.50.
Virat Kohli was undone by extra bounce from Josh Hazlewood on Day 1 of the Perth Test
Virat Kohli seemed to have come out with a plan on Day 1 of the Perth Test, looking to get on the front foot on most deliveries. He also batted well outside the crease, which ultimately led to his downfall.
It was a short-of-a-length delivery from Hazlewood and Kohli was surprised with the extra bounce. The ball took the edge of his bat and Usman Khawaja completed a simple catch at first slip.
India found themselves in a spot of bother following Kohli's dismissal. KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant's now have the job of building a partnership and bailing India out of trouble.