Virat Kohlithe somber tour of Australia hit another low on day 5 of the Boxing Day test as his early dismissal left India in a desperate situation in his quest for 340 runs. Kohli, at 25/2, was expected to anchor the innings, but his stay at the crease lasted just 29 balls.
Virat Kohli’s struggles continue as Mitchell Starc attacks in Boxing Day Test
Starc, in brilliant form, lured Kohli with a full delivery outside off stump in the 26th over, tempting the star batsman into an expansive drive. A thick edge flew towards the access cordon, where Usman Khawaja he dove low to complete a pinpoint catch. Kohli’s dismissal for just 5 runs reduced India to 33-3, dealing a blow to their already faltering hopes. Starc’s ferocious spell, coupled with Kohli’s inability to resist playing outside off stump, highlighted the challenges facing India on a deteriorating Melbourne track.
Kohli’s victory came at a crucial time when India needed a stable partnership to rebuild after the rapid dismissals of KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma. Known for his experience in pressure-filled run chases, Kohli’s premature exit was surprising and disappointing. With cracks opening up on the pitch and Starc exploiting them to perfection, Kohli’s lack of adaptation to the conditions stood out.
As Kohli returned to the pavilion, visibly frustrated, the cameras focused on Anushka Sharmahis wife and a constant presence at his games. Their expressions of disappointment reflected the feelings of millions of India’s fans around the world. From nervous anticipation to visible distress, their reactions captured the emotional weight of the moment.
Harsh criticism and online reactions
Kohli’s early exit sparked a wave of reactions online, with critics and fans expressing their frustrations. Social media was abuzz with memes and sarcastic comments, some mocking its recurring vulnerability to offline deliveries. Others pointed to India’s dwindling chances of achieving the record, attributing it to Kohli’s premature dismissal. Scrutiny intensified as analysts analyzed his approach, questioning whether his shot selection was appropriate given the match situation.
Also READ: ‘You are a burden on the team, happy retirement’: Fans brutally roast Rohit Sharma after fight at MCG Test
Kohli, once hailed as the epitome of chase composure, found himself under the scanner for a lackluster performance that added to the team’s woes. At 3/33 at lunch time and still needing more than 300 runs, the pressure on the remaining Indian batsmen grew exponentially. Yashasvi Jaiswalunbeaten through the lunch break, he remained the only bright spot amid the ruins of a top-tier collapse.
This is how Internet users reacted:
This so-called “King”, according to his PR
Virat Kohli, has come out in the same way for the last 9 innings without changes and with the same mistakes.
Virat Kohli, have a little shame and consider a happy retirement.#INDvsAUS
pic.twitter.com/J1VD8vXuL8– Yanika_Lit (@LogicLitLatte) December 30, 2024
Happy retirement Virat Kohli 🙏#INDvsAUS #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/b8ynBq9oA3
— 𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗲 𝗙𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 (@meri_mrziii) December 30, 2024
YEAH. IT’S OVER.
The great Kohli, the one we have seen all these years, finally bids farewell to us. He may still be around for a while, but he will officially never be the same Kohli again. Tears in my eyes as I write this.
— H. 🇮🇹 (@CrissysArc) December 30, 2024
“HAPPY RETIREMENT VIRAT KOHLI”
– We will not miss you…. pic.twitter.com/y8mOv01kXW
– Gillfied⁷ (@Was_Gill) December 30, 2024
I don’t have much energy left even to scold/scream…
What else needs to be done? Even your ego and reputation are being dragged down and you are booed, isn’t it feeding you enough?
It’s infuriating to see the game of the man I adore be so trash these days.@imVkohli
—Karthick Shivaraman™ (@iskarthi_) December 30, 2024
Kohli again reaches for a delivery on the eighth stump line and dies. I repeat that the technical failure must be resolved. Spending hours on the internet practicing without rectifying the defect will not help. Just my humble opinion.
—Prasanna (@prasannalara) December 30, 2024
A great season of 2-50 and 100 in 2024 @imVkohli . Average of 22 in the test, 25 in t20 wc, 19 in 3 odis. I never thought there would be a worse year than 2020-22 in the middle of his career. A reason not to retire and have hope?
Even the series at home have become a tour away from home for him.
— “ (@KohlifiedGal) December 30, 2024
Kohli saab, not again 😖 pic.twitter.com/bLChL6xH3m
-Trendulkar (@Trendulkar) December 30, 2024
So Kohli got 5 runs, 10 attacks and 15 insta edits in the MSG Test🔥
The academy is very grateful for you Kohli saab😍 pic.twitter.com/8aOTuEspz1
– TukTuk Academy (@TukTuk_Academy) December 30, 2024
Kohli of 2018 wouldn’t even recognize this current version of himself. All the years of hard work and legacy have been shattered like this. From being the best in fab 4 to this. And because of what? Lack of self-control and inability to work on past mistakes. Not done @imVkohli
– Yashvi (@BreatheKohli) December 30, 2024