As the cricketing world tuned into the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at Perth’s WACA, expectations were sky-high, but the performance of one of India’s most celebrated cricketers, Virat Kohli, has sparked a frenzy of reactions on X. Virat Kohli, known for his fiery batting and leadership, found himself at the center of a storm of trolling and criticism, especially after being dismissed for a mere 5 runs off 12 balls. This match, set against the backdrop of Perth’s notoriously fast and bouncy pitch, was supposed to be a testament to India’s resilience post their home series loss against New Zealand, but Kohli’s performance has become a focal point of discussion.
The Border-Gavaskar Trophy, always a high-stakes affair, took on an added layer of intrigue with Kohli’s form under scrutiny. Over the last five years, Kohli’s scoring of only two centuries has been a point of concern for fans and analysts alike. His dismissal in the first innings of this crucial Test has not just disappointed but has also ignited a wave of trolling on X. Fans, who once hailed him as the backbone of Indian cricket, are now mercilessly critiquing every aspect of his game, from his shot selection to his mental approach.
Brilliant plan by Virat Kohli ๐๐ป๐#INDvsAUS pic.twitter.com/nbMDl8pXBw
โ UmdarTamker (@UmdarTamker) November 22, 2024
Virat Kohli ji๐ฅน pic.twitter.com/4lrWN1Jukz
โ Pulkit๐ฎ๐ณ (@pulkit5Dx) November 22, 2024
All that hype around Virat Kohli is only before the start of a tournament.
After the start, it’s just a walking wicket ๐ pic.twitter.com/I1xXP7Ne7x
โ Dinda Academy (@academy_dinda) November 22, 2024
Virat Kohli yaar #INDvsAUS pic.twitter.com/dqFJfafr2c
โ Raja Babu (@GaurangBhardwa1) November 22, 2024
London boy Virat Kohli ๐คก#INDvsAUS pic.twitter.com/AqGZnUsKFY
โ UmdarTamker (@UmdarTamker) November 22, 2024
What should Virat Kohli do? pic.twitter.com/0H0anmUF94
โ Keh Ke Peheno (@coolfunnytshirt) November 22, 2024
Australian Newspaper This, Virat Kohli Aura , First Player To Reach , Determined , Looks , My Leader Bla Bla
All This Paid PR Just To Score 5 Runs Tears Man ๐ญ๐ญ๐ญ๐ญ. pic.twitter.com/GaHWBFPKvc
โ ๐๐จ๐ ๐๐ง๐ฌ๐๐ง๐ (@jod_insane) November 22, 2024
Me if I spot Virat Kohli passing smiles with the Aussies for the next 50 days. pic.twitter.com/QLOJo8PSWL
โ Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) November 21, 2024
Virat Kohli’s fan these days pic.twitter.com/bpYGr6yUMv
โ Gagan๐ฎ๐ณ (@1no_aalsi_) November 22, 2024
The X platform, ever the arena for unfiltered fan reactions, has seen a surge in posts mocking Kohli’s recent form. Memes, sarcastic comments, and outright disappointment flood the timelines, with many questioning whether Kohli’s best days are behind him. The pressure of performing in Australia, where he has historically had mixed results, seems to have amplified the fan reactions. Virat Kohli, who has often thrived under pressure, now finds himself in a situation where his every move on the field is scrutinized and critiqued in real-time by fans who have grown accustomed to his aggressive, run-scoring avatar.
However, amidst the trolling, there’s a segment of fans and analysts who argue that Kohli’s value to the team extends beyond mere statistics. They highlight his ability to anchor innings, his leadership qualities, and the psychological impact he has on the opposition. These supporters believe that the current wave of criticism might be premature, pointing out that Kohli’s career has been marked by phases of struggle followed by spectacular comebacks.
As the series progresses, Kohli’s performance will undoubtedly be under the microscope. Whether this trolling will serve as motivation for a comeback or continue to haunt him remains to be seen. Kohli’s journey in cricket has always been about defying odds, and if history is any indicator, this might just be another chapter in his storied career where he proves his detractors wrong.
The Border-Gavaskar Trophy, with its rich history and fierce rivalry, adds layers of complexity to Kohli’s situation. While fans on X might be quick to judge, the true test of Kohli’s mettle will be seen in how he responds in the remaining matches. Cricket, after all, is as much about mental fortitude as it is about physical prowess, and Kohli’s response to this adversity could well define his legacy in the years to come.