Virat Kohli’s Weakness Outside Off Stump Resurfaces in Adelaide Test
Virat Kohli’s early dismissal on Day 1 of the pink-ball Test against Australia in Adelaide has raised worries about his off-stump issues. The Indian captain fell for 7 runs. He edged a wide delivery from Mitchell Starc to Steve Smith at second slip. Former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar vented on social media. He is frustrated by Kohli’s technical flaws and his failure to adapt.
Kohli’s Early Dismissal Sparks Criticism
Kohli’s dismissal came during a critical phase of the game. Mitchell Starc, bowling with precision under overcast skies, delivered a swinging 6th-stump ball. It tempted Kohli into a loose shot. Kohli hesitated instead of leaving the delivery. He edged the ball into Smith’s waiting hands.
Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar criticized Kohli on X (formerly Twitter).
“One important reason why Virat’s average has slipped to 48 now is the unfortunate weakness outside off. But more crucially, his adamance to not try another way to tackle it,” Manjrekar wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
One important reason why Virat’s average has slipped to 48 now, is the unfortunate weakness outside off. But more crucially his adamance to not try another way to tackle it.
— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) December 6, 2024
Manjrekar was frustrated. It was not just Kohli’s technical flaw. It was also his refusal to adapt to deliveries outside the off stump.
Mitchell Starc Leads Australia’s Dominance
Starc, who had been recalled to Australia’s bowling attack, made an immediate impact. On the very first ball of the match, he trapped Yashasvi Jaiswal LBW, leaving India on the back foot. Despite a solid 69-run stand between KL Rahul and Shubman Gill, Starc returned to break it. He dismissed Rahul and Kohli in quick succession.
Starc took 3/18 in the first session. It showed his mastery of the pink ball in the swing. Scott Boland worsened India’s troubles by trapping Gill LBW. The visitors were 81/4 at the session’s end.
Kohli’s Form Under the Spotlight
Kohli’s dismissal marks another low point in a fluctuating year for the star batter. After a century in Perth during the last Test, his average is now 48. It is a stark contrast to his peak years.
In the ongoing Adelaide Test, India seeks to recover. Kohli’s ability to overcome his outside-off struggles will be a focus for fans and critics.
