Virat Kohli‘s sad tour Australia Another low came when he was dismissed early on day 5 of the Boxing Day Test India He was in dire straits at 340 runs. Walking at 25/2, Kohli was expected to anchor the innings but his stay at the crease lasted just 29 balls.
Virat Kohli’s struggles continue as Mitchell Starc bats in the Boxing Day Test
Starc, in scintillating form, lured Kohli with a full-length delivery outside the off-stump in the 26th over and lured the star batter into a wide drive. A thick edge flew to the slip cordon, here Osman Khawaja dived down to complete the sharp catch. Kohli’s departure for just 5 runs reduced India to 33-3, dealing a major blow to their already shaky hopes. Starc’s fiery spell, coupled with Kohli’s inability to resist playing outside the off-stump, highlighted the difficulties India faced on the deteriorating Melbourne track.
Kohli’s wicket came at a crucial time when India needed a steady partnership to rebuild after a quick dismissal. KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma. Known for his expertise in pressure-packed run chases, Kohli’s premature exit was surprising and disappointing. Kohli’s lack of adaptability to the conditions was noticeable as cracks opened up in the pitch and Starc exploited them to perfection.
The cameras panned to Kohli as he walked back to the pavilion, visibly disappointed Anushka Sharmaconstant participation in his wife and games. His expressions of frustration echoed the sentiments of millions of Indian supporters worldwide. From nervous anticipation to visible anguish, her reactions captured the emotional weight of the moment.
Sharp criticism and online reactions
Kohli’s early appearance sparked a wave of reactions online, with critics and fans expressing their disappointment. Social media was abuzz with memes and sneers, some mocking his repeated weakness against off-stump deliveries. Others pointed to the decline in India’s chances of achieving the record chase, attributing it to Kohli’s early dismissal. Scrutiny intensified as analysts scrutinized his approach, questioning whether his shot selection was appropriate given the match situation.
Also READ: ‘You’re a burden to the team, happy retirement’: Fans boo Rohit Sharma after tackle in MCG Test
Kohli, once regarded as the epitome of composure in the chase, has found himself under the scanner for a poor performance that has added to the team’s woes. At lunch on 3/33 and still needing more than 300 runs, the pressure on the remaining Indian batsmen increased exponentially. Yashasvi Jaiswalundefeated at lunchtime, he stood as a lone bright spot amid the ruins of top-notch collapse.
Here’s how netizens reacted:
The so-called “King” according to his PR
Virat Kohli is out in the same way with no change and same errors in the last 9 innings.
Virat Kohli, be a little shy and think Happy Retirement#INDvsAUS
pic.twitter.com/J1VD8vXuL8— Yanika_Lit (@LogicLitLatte) December 30, 2024
Happy retirement Virat Kohli 🙏#INDvsAUS #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/b8ynBq9oA3
— 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗻 (@meri_mrziii) December 30, 2024
YUP. HE WAS FINISHED.
The great Kohli we have seen all these years is finally saying goodbye to us. He may still be there for a while, but officially, he will never be the same Kohli again. My eyes are watering as I write this.
— H. 🇮🇹 (@CrissysArc) December 30, 2024
“CONGRATULATIONS VIRT KOHLI”
– You won’t miss it… pic.twitter.com/y8mOv01kXW
— Gillfied⁷ (@Was_Gill) December 30, 2024
I don’t even have much energy left to talk/shout..
What else should be done? Even your ego, your reputation is dragged and you are booed, isn’t that enough fuel for you?
It’s frustrating to see someone I adore play, it’s just trash these days@imVkohli
— Karthick Shivaraman™ (@iskarthi_) December 30, 2024
Kohli again reaches the delivery on the 8th stump line and dies. I say once again that the technical defect must be eliminated. Practicing for hours on nets without correcting the mistakes will not help. Just my humble opinion.
— Prasanna (@prasannalara) December 30, 2024
A great season of 2-50 and 100 in 2024 @imVkohli . The average score in the test is 22, t20 toilet is 25, 3 odis is 19. He never thought that there would be a worse year in his career than the middle of 2020-22. One reason he doesn’t retire and has hope?
Even the home series has become a tour for him.
– ” (@KohlifiedGal) December 30, 2024
Kohli saab, not again 😖 pic.twitter.com/bLChL6xH3m
— Trendulkar (@Trendulkar) December 30, 2024
So Kohli scored 5 runs, 10 aggression, 15 insta edits in MSG test🔥
The Academy thanks you Kohli saab😍 pic.twitter.com/8aOTuEspz1
— TukTuk Academy (@TukTuk_Academy) December 30, 2024
The Kohli of 2018 wouldn’t even recognize this current version of himself. All the hard work and legacy of all the years are poured into such small things. From being the best in Fab 4 to date. And why? Lack of self-control and inability to work on past mistakes. Not completed @imVkohli
— Yashvi (@BreatheKohli) December 30, 2024
