The fifth day of Australia vs India The Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) was a rollercoaster of emotions for Indian cricket fans. As the team faced a daunting target of 340 runs, the stakes could not have been higher. However, the early dismissal of the star batsman Virat Kohli By just 5 runs off 29 balls they shocked the stadium and left their fans, including his wife. Anushka Sharma and fellow cricketer KL Rahulthe wife Athiya Shettyvisibly devastated.
Virat Kohli falls again at the starting line
Kohli’s dismissal came at a critical time when India was already struggling at 33/3. His attempt to push for a broad delivery of Mitchell Starc Not only did he dash hopes of a successful chase, he also showed a recurring problem in his batting technique: getting caught behind pitches outside off-stump. As Kohli walked back to the pavilion, the disappointment on his face mirrored that of countless fans who had gathered to support him.
The domino effect of layoffs in the last day
Kohli’s early exit was compounded by Rahul’s equally disheartening dismissal for a duck early in the match. This double blow left India reeling and highlighted the fragile state of their batting line-up. Kohli’s inability to adapt to the conditions and his persistent pattern of dismissals sparked outrage among fans on social media, with many expressing their frustration through memes and harsh criticism. The pressure increased as RISHABH PANTS and Yashasvi Jaiswal He tried to steady the innings, but with each step, the odds seemed more and more against him.
Also WATCH: Rishabh Pant exhausts Mitchell Starc with a perfect shot on Day 4 of the 4th Test of AUS vs IND
Anushka Sharma and Athiya Shetty’s devastated reaction to Kohli’s wicket
Anushka has been a constant presence at Kohli’s matches, and is often seen cheering him on from the stands. His reaction during this match was particularly poignant as it reflected not only his support but also his emotional investment in Kohli’s performance. The couple’s relationship has often been under public scrutiny, but moments like these reveal the personal stakes beyond simple professional competence. Anushka’s heartbreak resonated with many fans who share a deep connection with Kohli and his journey.
Athiya, married to Rahul, shared this moment of collective disappointment. Her presence alongside Anushka symbolized a bond forged through shared experiences as partners of cricketers facing immense pressure on the field. The two women’s reactions were emblematic of how closely intertwined personal lives and professional challenges can become in high-risk sporting environments.
Anushka Sharma is all of us right now Kohli just doesn’t feel like Kohli anymore pic.twitter.com/ULvkIWaM6E
-Kevin (@imkevin149) December 30, 2024
The fallout from Kohli’s dismissal sparked an explosion of reactions on social media platforms. Fans expressed frustration not only at Kohli’s performance but also at what they perceived as a pattern of disappointing performances by senior players like him and Rahul. Some even suggested that it might be time for these veterans to consider retiring from Test cricket. The emotional toll on players and their families was evident as they navigated public scrutiny and personal expectations.