Virat Kohli’s Performance in Border-Gavaskar Trophy: Concerning or Charming?

Virat Kohli’s performance in India’s highly significant test series has been underwhelming to say the least. 

In the ongoing AUS vs IND 3rd test, Kohli got out for 3 off 16 balls after playing a delivery that he’d normally leave out.

Allan Border, one of the two people on whose names the entire tournament is built, has shown concern regarding Kohli’s recent performances. Border suggested that legendary Indian batsman Virat Kohli may have lost his edge. 

Most of Kohli’s recent dismissals came due to him opting to play deliveries that were wide outside off-stump. 

Josh Hazlewood was successful in removing Kohli after he edged that off-stump delivery. 

“Today’s dismissal, that’s normally a delivery he would have left alone if he was in his best possible form," former Australian captain Allan Border said. “I’m not sure what’s going on with Virat mentally (and) whether he’s just lost that edge."

Former England captain Michael Vaughan concurred with Border’s statement while mentioning that Kohli has not been bowled a ‘jaffa’.

“He’s a player who’s going out there (and) almost trying to get on top too soon," Vaughan said. “When he plays at his best, particularly in Australia and England when the ball does a little bit more, he just leaves the ball. Most of his dismissals in this series have been balls that he could have left. I don’t think he’s got a jaffa."

It’s worth noting that Virat Kohli did score a century and remained not out in the 2nd innings of IND vs AUS 1st test, but his subsequent subpar scores of 7, 11, and 3 have negated the charm of that century.