The high-voltage second Test between Australia and India got underway at the Adelaide Oval on Friday, with both teams eager to make an early impact. The visitors won the toss and opted to bat first, making three significant changes to their lineup. Rohit Sharma made his return to the playing XI, alongside Shubman Gill, while Ravichandran Ashwin was brought in to replace Washington Sundar. India hoped these changes would give them an advantage in the pink-ball format.
Virat Kohli falls cheaply
However, India’s hopes of a strong start were dashed when star batter Virat Kohli was dismissed cheaply for just 7 runs. The first innings was only in its 21st over when Mitchell Starc made his move. The Australian pacer delivered a short of length ball wide of the off-stump, and Kohli, attempting to play the shot, edged it straight into the hands of Steve Smith at second slip. Smith, somewhat surprised, managed to take a low catch, sending Kohli back to the pavilion with a disappointed expression.
Kohli’s same old problem with outside off deliveries
This dismissal was all too familiar for Kohli, who has often struggled with deliveries outside the off-stump. Once again, Kohli’s late reaction to the delivery led to an unfortunate outcome. Much like his previous struggles in the Perth Test, Kohli seemed unable to judge the line of the ball, resulting in yet another early departure.
Also WATCH: AUS vs IND -Mitchell Starc dismisses Yashasvi Jaiswal with a peach of a delivery on Day 1 of the Pink Ball Test
Fans troll Kohli for his flop show
Following his dismissal, Kohli became the subject of a massive online reaction. Fans, frustrated by his lack of form, took to social media to troll the batter for his early departure. Many questioned his ability to overcome the same old weaknesses, while others used humor to express their disappointment. The intense scrutiny on Kohli’s performances continued as fans awaited a potential comeback from the star in the remaining innings.
Here is how fans reacted:
How it feels seeing Virat Kohli bat these days pic.twitter.com/1cVLsu6ie2
— Dinda Academy (@academy_dinda) December 6, 2024
No flat pitch, No old ball, No party for my Idol Virat Kohli 💔 pic.twitter.com/i5wmRrb0lY
— Ctrl C Ctrl Memes (@Ctrlmemes_) December 6, 2024
There are two types of batsman.
1. Those who proves how a great batsman he is with every passing innings and retire at peak.
2. Those who proves how small batsman he is with every passing innings and retire at his rock bottom.
Virat Kohli belongs to the second types. 5 years… pic.twitter.com/W2FdbcQjek
— EngiNerd. (@mainbhiengineer) December 6, 2024
One fluke knock on a flat pitch and this guy is back to his business of what he’s been doing since 5 years.
Rohit left his opening spot, now it’s time for Virat Kohli to drop himself and give his place to any youngster. @imVkohli pic.twitter.com/hAY5gkwawL
— Prathmesh. (@45Fan_Prathmesh) December 6, 2024
Every time Virat Kohli sees the Outside Stump Ball 🥲 pic.twitter.com/0PZTXFN5rI
— abhay singh (@abhaysingh_13) December 6, 2024
https://twitter.com/Pratsyay/status/1864917608144769171
Virat Kohli is curious case now
He only score when opposition rattle and out …not going to score when own team in trouble in test 👍#INDvsAUS #IndiavsAustralia #ViratKohli #ViratKohli𓃵— Parasram shinde (@umyaaa07) December 6, 2024
https://twitter.com/ThodaSaSanskari/status/1864917530516549843
Outside off stump ball to Virat Kohli : “will you ever leave me”? 🥺
Kohli : Never, my love. 😊#AUSvIND #INDvsAUS pic.twitter.com/BpXlZyE3UM
— Niketa Kushwaha (@Niketa54) December 6, 2024
Virat Kohli and 5th stump problem. Never ending love story.#ViratKohli #Starc #INDvsAUS #AUSvsIND
— Barkha Joshi (@bindasbarkha) December 6, 2024
Virat Kohli and 5th stump problem. Never ending love story.#ViratKohli #Starc #INDvsAUS #AUSvsIND
— Barkha Joshi (@bindasbarkha) December 6, 2024
Virat kohli 😭#INDvsAUS pic.twitter.com/bpEWqSCexV
— Lalaram Jorwal (LR) (@lalaram_jorwal) December 6, 2024
Virat kohli 😭#INDvsAUS pic.twitter.com/bpEWqSCexV
— Lalaram Jorwal (LR) (@lalaram_jorwal) December 6, 2024
Virat Kohli outside off ball 🏀#INDvsAUS pic.twitter.com/rYVINxP3Qy
— BharatVibes 🇮🇳 (@TheBharatVibes) December 6, 2024
Virat Kohli on outside off line pic.twitter.com/sXb3r9inbO
— Johns (@JohnyBravo183) December 6, 2024
Absolute waste of a session by Virat kohli
Such a silly dismissal for him and India
Kl and Gill negotiated the first one and a half hour but wasted last half hour before the break #INDvsAUS #BGT2024— TangoPunch 🍊 (@gomasenikhil9) December 6, 2024
Virat Kohli loves outside off stump ball more than Anushka Sharma. 😭#INDvsAUS pic.twitter.com/AfCvk19TEW
— 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐮 (@Ro_45stan) December 6, 2024
There is a serious technical flaw to Virat Kohli’s batting against the swinging/ seaming ball and the spinners. Both of his last two test hundreds have come on flat wickets where it was easier to bat on. But the way he is getting out is a serious concern. Many of us have been…
— Aadit Kapadia (@ask0704) December 6, 2024
#ViratKohli Virat Kohli may revisit his technique. He may watch his old videos when in good form and scoring heavily.But last couple of years his balance is not same while striking the ball. His head tend to fall outside the line of the ball! For long this correction is pending.
— AV Muralidharan (@avmurali1969) December 6, 2024