Virat Kohli’s early dismissal for just 5 runs in the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia in Perth has ignited fresh debate over his vulnerability to the short ball, particularly in overseas conditions where the bounce and pace of the pitches often expose technical frailties. Batting in the 17th over of India’s innings, Kohli edged a delivery from Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood to the slips, becoming the third wicket to fall. He was dismissed on the 12th ball he faced, which marked a rather unusual mode of dismissal for a player of his stature.
What stood out about this dismissal was that it was not a typical Kohli failure to a ball that nipped away outside the off-stump, a mode of dismissal that has frequently troubled him in the past, especially when the ball moves away from him. Instead, Hazlewood bowled a short ball that rose sharply, targeting Kohli’s off-stump, and the delivery forced Kohli to fend awkwardly, ultimately edging the ball to the slip fielders. It was a clear case of Kohli being bounced out, a strategy that has been increasingly deployed against him in foreign conditions. Australian pacers have been targeting him with short-pitched deliveries in recent years, and Hazlewood’s plan on Friday paid off.
This vulnerability to the short ball is a stark contrast to Kohli’s earlier days when he was known for his aggressive and controlled handling of short-pitched deliveries, particularly against fast bowlers. Kohli, once considered one of the best in the world against all types of deliveries, has been more susceptible to the short ball in recent times, especially in overseas conditions. This trend was most visible in the 2023 World Test Championship final against Australia, where Kohli was dismissed in a similar fashion by Mitchell Starc. During that match, Kohli came in with India struggling at 30 for 2. He formed a brief but steady partnership with Cheteshwar Pujara, but Kohli’s innings was cut short by a rising delivery from Starc, which surprised him by bouncing quickly from a good length. The delivery took Kohli’s edge and was safely caught by the slip fielders. Kohli’s signature front foot press, which is a key element of his batting technique, was again found wanting as he was caught off guard by the bounce.
Fast forward to the Perth Test on November 22, and Kohli found himself in a similar situation. He was batting with caution, slightly out of his crease when Hazlewood’s short ball forced him into an uncomfortable position. The delivery rose and forced Kohli to play at it, resulting in an edge to the slip fielders. Once again, Kohli’s front foot press became his downfall, as it was the primary reason he couldn’t counter the delivery effectively. The ball climbed on him, and his response was not ideal for a batter of his caliber. This dismissal further highlighted the technical challenges that Kohli faces when confronted with high-quality pace attacks, particularly in challenging conditions outside India.
Following Kohli’s dismissal, India’s batting order continued to falter. The dismissal of Kohli was the third wicket to fall in India’s innings, and soon after, three more wickets tumbled, leaving India in a precarious position at 105/6 in the 40th over. Rishabh Pant, who is known for his aggressive batting style, and debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy were attempting to stabilize the innings. Nitish was batting on 21* off 32 balls, while Pant was on 29* off 62. The two young batsmen were left with the daunting task of resurrecting the innings, with the pressure mounting on them to deliver for their team.
This sequence of dismissals, particularly Kohli’s vulnerability to the short ball, has raised concerns among cricket analysts and fans alike. While Kohli has been one of the most consistent and adaptable batsmen in world cricket, particularly in Indian conditions, this recent trend of being troubled by the short ball in overseas conditions has put a spotlight on a potential weakness in his technique. His inability to tackle the rising ball with complete control, especially when it targets his off-stump, has been a recurring theme in his recent outings against Australia.
Kohli’s decline in handling short-pitched deliveries outside India could have wider implications for India, especially in future overseas series against pace-heavy teams like Australia and South Africa, where conditions can often favor fast bowlers. For a player of Kohli’s stature, it’s essential to rectify such technical flaws to maintain his position as one of the best batsmen in world cricket. While his achievements and records over the years speak for themselves, it’s clear that Kohli will need to find a way to combat the short ball outside India to stay at the top of his game.
The growing pattern of dismissals to the short ball also raises questions about whether Kohli is still the same aggressive and confident player he was a few years ago. As he gets older, it’s natural for players to face new challenges and adjustments in their game. However, for Kohli, who has been known for his ability to evolve and adapt, overcoming this particular vulnerability will be crucial if he is to maintain his elite status in world cricket.
The Perth Test has been a tough outing for India so far, with Kohli’s early departure contributing to a larger collapse. As the match progresses, the pressure will be on Pant, Reddy, and the rest of the batting lineup to rebuild the innings and put up a competitive total. The outcome of this Test could depend on how well India’s lower order copes with Australia’s persistent pace attack, which will undoubtedly continue to target Kohli’s replacement with the same intensity.
