India’s star batter, Virat Kohli, had a bad outing in the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia at Perth’s Optus Stadium. The team tasked Kohli with rebuilding the innings after early setbacks. He scored just five runs before a brilliant delivery from Aussie pacer Josh Hazlewood sent him back. Fans have sharply criticized the dismissal. Social media is now full of memes and disappointment.
Kohli Falls to Hazlewood in a Key Moment
It happened in the 17th over of India’s first innings. Stand-in skipper Jasprit Bumrah chose to bat first. Virat Kohli, batting at four, walked to the crease under pressure. India lost openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Devdutt Padikkal for ducks.
Josh Hazlewood, who has troubled Kohli in Tests, struck again. A rising delivery surprised Kohli. The ball edged off Kohli’s bat and went to the slips. The star batter was out for just five runs.
This was the fourth time Hazlewood dismissed Kohli in Tests. It furthered his reputation as a bowler who can unsettle the Indian star.
Australia’s Bowlers Dominate Early
Australia’s pacers were relentless on a lively Perth pitch. They reduced India to 17/3 within the first hour. Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood used the conditions well. Starc dismissed Jaiswal and Padikkal in consecutive overs. Then, Hazlewood took the prized wicket of Kohli.
India’s middle order now faces a daunting task to stabilize the innings and post a competitive total.
Fans Slam Virat Kohli’s Dismissal Online
Kohli’s cheap dismissal sparked a debate on social media. Fans expressed their frustration through memes and criticism. Many noted Kohli’s recent struggles against pace. They questioned his ability to handle rising deliveries in bowler-friendly conditions.
Here are some of the reactions from Twitter:
- “Virat Kohli ke wicket ne nind uda di! What’s happening to King Kohli in Tests?”
- “Josh Hazlewood owns Kohli in Tests. Another disappointing outing.”
- “Virat Kohli’s form is becoming a major concern for Team India.”
Kohli’s dismissal sparked debate. Some fans defended him, citing his record and his ability to bounce back from tough times.
All that hype around Virat Kohli is only before the start of a tournament.
After the start, it’s just a walking wicket 💀 pic.twitter.com/I1xXP7Ne7x
— Dinda Academy (@academy_dinda) November 22, 2024
Virat Kohli 😭#INDvsAUS pic.twitter.com/NQIpXk9Q2i
— Desi Bhayo (@desi_bhayo88) November 22, 2024
Kohli vs Hazlewood: A Rivalry in Test Cricket
Josh Hazlewood has emerged as a thorn in Kohli’s side in Test cricket. With four dismissals, Hazlewood has often targeted Kohli. He has used his bouncy, sharp deliveries. Kohli’s struggles against Hazlewood give the Australians a tactical edge, especially on Perth’s fast, bouncy pitches.
Kohli’s stats against Australia are impressive. But, his battles with Hazlewood could shape the series’ narrative.
What’s Next for Team India?
India’s batting lineup is under pressure. They lost their top three batsmen cheaply in the first session. The series opener set the tone for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. India needs a strong comeback from their middle and lower order to avoid a collapse.
For Kohli, this dismissal adds to a list of poor overseas Test scores. The star batter has silenced critics before. Fans hope for a turnaround in the coming matches.
Final Thoughts
Virat Kohli’s early out in the Perth Test is a blow to India. They seek a strong start in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. While Kohli’s form in Tests has come under scrutiny, his proven track record suggests it’s too early to write him off.
As the series unfolds, all will watch Kohli’s response to this setback. Can he regain his dominant form? For now, his dismissal has given Australia an early edge. Indian fans anxiously await redemption.
