IND vs AUS: Virat Kohli has been a failure with the bat in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024/25 apart from the century that he scored in the second innings of the first Test match in Perth. Moreover, the former Indian captain has struggled very badly in the purest form of the game in the last five years. Kohli has amassed just 167 runs from seven innings at a meagre average of 27.83. The Indian stalwart has fallen prey to his problems with the deliveries outside the off stump and has been dismissed in the same way in practically every inning.
Former Australian captain Michael Clarke feels that the Australian bowlers have bowled on a certain plan to Kohli in this series. He added that Kohli wants to get his bat to deliveries and never has been a usual leaver of the deliveries. Hence, teams have targeted and bowled to his weakness outside the off stump.
“I think Australia bowled well with a disciplined plan, and they have executed it. I think Virat’s the type of player, though, in any format, he really thrives on with bat on ball, and that gives him confidence. He wants to hit the ball. He’s never been a big leaver, and there’s always been that error outside off stump that a lot of teams have targeted, because he’s such a good player,”.
said Clarke on ESPN’s Around The Wicket show
Michael Clarke revealed that Australian bowlers have not bowled straight to Virat Kohli
Clarke pointed out that Kohli’s strength lies on balls that are bowled straight to him, and he thrives on runs easily through the leg side. As per the former Australian captain, Australian pacers have targetted his off-stump and outside the off-stump, with Kohli not being able to prevent himself from pushing his bat towards those deliveries.
“You get too straight, and he scores runs for fun on that leg side. So the Aussies have executed very well. Virat’s found it hard not to push at that delivery. I think there’s been different forms of nicking outside off – sometimes back foot, sometimes front foot. I think Starc provides a great weapon, that left arm across, and I think Pat Cummins has used him very well. But Virat will be disappointed,” he added.
Australia have already taken a lead of 2-1 after winning the Boxing Day Test. India will then need to win the final Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground to retain the BGT and level the series. If they manage to do so, then Sri Lanka will need to beat Australia in their home series for India to qualify for the WTC final.
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