NEW DELHI: India’s batting mainstay Virat Kohli’s struggles outside the off-stump were on full display once more as he ended the Border-Gavaskar Trophy on a disappointing note. In India’s second innings at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday, Kohli edged a Scott Boland delivery to Steve Smith at second slip, departing for just six off 12 balls.
This marked the fourth time Boland dismissed Kohli in the series, placing the Australian pacer alongside James Anderson (2014, England) and Todd Murphy (2023, India) as bowlers who have claimed Kohli’s wicket four times in a Test series.
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Kohli’s series stats paint a grim picture: scores of 5, 100*, 7, 11, 3, 36, 5, 17, and 6 add up to 190 runs across nine innings at an average of 23.75. Excluding his century in Perth, his output drops dramatically to just 90 runs in eight innings.
In the second innings at Sydney, Kohli fell prey to his recurring weakness against deliveries outside off-stump. Boland tempted him with a good-length ball angling away, and Kohli, unable to curb his instincts, pushed with hard hands. The resulting edge was comfortably taken by Smith, leaving Kohli visibly frustrated as he walked back to the pavilion.
Boland dominated his matchup against Kohli throughout the series, conceding just 28 runs in 68 balls while dismissing the Indian batting stalwart four times in six innings he played.
As India looks to rebuild in the wake of the series, Kohli’s form will remain a focal point, with fans and critics alike pondering how the once-dominant maestro can adapt to overcome his persistent struggles.
