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NEW DELHI: With the Boxing Day Test set to begin at iconic MCG on Thursday, all eyes are on Virat Kohli, who seeks to overcome his recent batting struggles in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
In his recent five innings, Kohli’s performance has been inconsistent, with scores fluctuating between 5, 100 not out, 7, 11, and 3. His overall series statistics show a modest accumulation of 126 runs, resulting in an average of 31.50.
The batting maestro, renowned for his resilience and class, faces the challenge of delivering on a stage where he has previously shone. Kohli’s form has been under scrutiny, but the MCG has often been a ground where greats have rediscovered their spark.
Kohli’s record at the Melbourne Cricket Ground spans across three Test matches, during which he has accumulated 316 runs in six innings. At the MCG, his batting statistics showcase remarkable consistency, with an outstanding average of 52.66.
His finest performance at this historic venue was an exceptional knock of 169, which stands as his highest score and remains a significant milestone in his career at this ground. Beyond his hundred, Kohli’s record includes two fifties at this ground.
Former India head coach Ravi Shastri recently shared his thoughts about cricketers like Virat Kohli. He emphasised that such players never truly experience a dip in form, suggesting that they simply need to display patience and determination at the crease.
“I think the same with Virat. If Virat gets over that first 30, 40 minutes, with serious application and discipline, I don’t think he’s (out of form), none of these guys are out of form,” Shastri said in the ICC Review.
Australian batting great Matthew Hayden also advised Kohli to learn from Sachin Tendulkar‘s composed innings at 2004 Sydney Test and control his instinct to play away from his body, particularly outside the off-stump. This approach, Hayden suggests, could help Kohli return to form in the final two matches of the ongoing series.
“I know he (Kohli) has a magnificent cover drive, but so did Sachin Tendulkar, and he put it away for a day. I sat in the gully licking my lips, thinking, you know what, this is magnificent, stubborn batting,” Hayden told Star Sports.
Against a fierce bowling attack and under the weight of expectations, Kohli’s ability to adapt and anchor the innings will be critical. Fans hope the festive Test reignites the run-machine’s fire and silences his critics.
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