The Gabba has historically been a fortress for Australia, but for the Indian cricket team, and particularly for their top order including Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli, it turned into more than just a challenging venue; it became a nightmare. The third Test against Australia saw the Indian batting line-up struggle right from the outset, with key players falling early to the relentless Australian pace attack.
The match began with Mitchell Starc delivering a masterclass in swing and pace, dismissing Yashasvi Jaiswal for just 4 runs. The young prodigy, who had shown promise in previous matches, was undone by Starc’s precision. Following closely was Shubman Gill, who managed only a solitary run before being sent back to the pavilion by Starc, showcasing the bowler’s dominance over the Indian openers. However, the cherry on the cake of this disastrous start was Josh Hazlewood’s delivery to Virat Kohli, a ball that could only be described as a ‘jaffa’. Virat Kohli, one of the premier batsmen of this generation, was out for just 3 runs, leaving India in a precarious position, trailing by 423 runs with three wickets already down.
Virat Kohli’s Shameful Record –
This dismissal wasn’t just another number in Kohli’s illustrious career; it was a record of a different kind. Virat Kohli, known for his consistency and resilience, found himself at the bottom of an unwanted list in 2024. The stats for the lowest average in the first innings of Test matches this year reveal a stark picture. Virat Kohli, with an average of 13.22, has surpassed even bowlers like Matt Henry, whose first innings average stood at 15.78, in terms of batting performance. Here’s how the stats stack up:
Tom Blundell – 13.17
Tim Southee – 13.18
Virat Kohli – 13.22
Matt Henry – 15.78
Mitchell Starc – 16.0
This achievement, if one could call it that, marks a significant low in Kohli’s otherwise stellar Test career. It’s a testament to how even the greatest can face slumps, how form can be fleeting, and how the game of cricket is never one-sided, regardless of reputation or past performances.
The Fall of a Giant –
Virat Kohli, who has often been the backbone of the Indian team, especially in overseas conditions, has had a challenging year. His inability to convert starts into substantial scores in the first innings has been a point of concern. Critics and fans alike have been left pondering over what could be the reasons behind this dip in form. Is it the pressure of expectations, a technical flaw, or just an off year that every player goes through? Regardless of the cause, the result is clear – Kohli’s average in the first innings of Test matches in 2024 is one of the lowest among players with significant runs scored, a fact that’s hard to reconcile with his legacy.
India’s top order collapsing like this has broader implications for the match and the series. With Virat Kohli out early, the middle and lower order were left to salvage something from the innings, a task made Herculean by the lead Australia had already established. This scenario not only affects the immediate outcome of the Test but also puts psychological pressure on the team. The absence of Kohli’s experience and scoring ability at crucial junctures could tilt the balance further in Australia’s favor, especially when playing on a ground where they have a historical advantage.
Cricket is a game of redemption and resilience. Virat Kohli, with his track record, is no stranger to overcoming adversity. His career is filled with instances where he has bounced back from lows to achieve highs. This current phase, as disheartening as it might be for fans, could be the prelude to another chapter of Kohli’s mastery over the game. However, the immediate challenge remains for India and Virat Kohli – to regroup, reassess, and respond in the second innings, hopefully with more fortitude and success.
The Gabba Test might be remembered as one of the days when the Australian bowling attack had the better of the Indian batting line-up, but in the larger narrative of cricket, it’s just another chapter in the saga of a sport that loves its heroes and villains, its highs and its lows. For Virat Kohli, this might be a moment of introspection, learning, and perhaps, in the not-too-distant future, of redemption.
