“I don’t think he’s got a jaffa” - Former England captain slams Virat Kohli for poor show in BGT 2024-25

Former England captain Michael Vaughan has been surprised by Virat Kohli's poor performances, claiming that he hasn't got a 'jaffa' in any of the innings in the series against Australia. The 2005 Ashes-winning skipper observed that the right-hander was trying to stamp his authority too soon in his innings.

Kohli repeated his pattern of dismissal on Day 3 of the third Test against Australia in Brisbane by chasing a wide delivery only to nick it to the keeper. With India trailing by 423 runs at that stage, they were three down as Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill were already back in the pavilion.

Speaking to Fox Cricket, Vaughan observed that Kohli usually does well when he leaves the ball on its merit, explaining:

"He’s a player who’s going out there (and) almost trying to get on top too soon. When he plays at his best, particularly in Australia and England when the ball does a little bit more, he just leaves the ball. Most of his dismissals in this series have been balls that he could have left. I don’t think he’s got a jaffa."

The 36-year-old was dismissed by a bouncer from Hazlewood in the first innings in Perth but struck an unbeaten hundred in the second. However, the veteran's scores have been 7, 11 and 3 ever since.

"That’s normally a delivery he would have left alone" - Allan Border on Virat Kohli

Meanwhile, former Australian captain Allan Border opined that the reason for the Indian legend's struggles seem to be on the mental side. Border stated:

"Today’s dismissal, that’s normally a delivery he would have left alone if he was in his best possible form. I’m not sure what’s going on with Virat mentally (and) whether he’s just lost that edge."

At the end of Day 3 at the Gabba, India were 51-4, trailing by 394 runs. Centuries from Steve Smith and Travis Head carried the hosts to 445.