Virat Kohli’s performance in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy has been a subject of scrutiny, particularly due to his repeated dismissals to deliveries outside the off-stump. In the fifth Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), Kohli was dismissed for 13 runs, continuing a concerning pattern observed throughout the series.
Kohli’s dismissal in the fifth Test mirrored a recurring issue: he was caught behind off Scott Boland’s delivery outside the off-stump. This marked his eighth dismissal in the series to similar deliveries, highlighting a vulnerability that has been exploited by opposing bowlers.
Throughout the series, Kohli’s batting has been inconsistent. He concluded with a total of 190 runs, with a significant portion—100 runs—coming from a single innings. This disparity underscores the challenges he faced in maintaining consistency across matches.
The persistent nature of Kohli’s dismissals to deliveries outside the off-stump has raised concerns among analysts and former cricketers. Sanjay Manjrekar noted that Kohli’s repeated failures to address this weakness suggest a degree of self-doubt, which may have affected his confidence and performance.
Despite these challenges, Kohli’s contributions remain significant. His ability to play match-winning innings, as evidenced by his century in Perth, demonstrates his potential to turn games in India’s favor. However, the recurring dismissals to deliveries outside the off-stump indicate areas for improvement in his technique and mental approach.
As the Indian team reflects on the series, addressing Kohli’s vulnerabilities against specific deliveries will be crucial. Implementing targeted training and mental conditioning could help Kohli overcome these challenges, ensuring he remains a formidable force in future international cricket.