Virat Kohli's mettle will be tested in Australia

Tags: India, Virat Kohli

Published on: Sep 30, 2014

When Virat Kohli arrived in England, it was almost predetermined that he would score a lot of runs in the Tests. After all, he had scored runs across all formats in different countries under the toughest of conditions.

When Virat Kohli arrived in England, it was almost predetermined that he would score a lot of runs in the Tests. After all, he had scored runs across all formats in different countries under the toughest of conditions. In fact, it wouldn't be wrong to say that he was the next big thing in international cricket. But, things would be drastically different when he arrives in Australia for the four-Test series. This is because he struggled to score a run in England, and the only half-century he scored was on the last day on tour, in the T20 that India ended up losing.

Following the reverses in England Kohli, for a change, would be under extreme pressure when he sets foot on Aussie soil. Unlike the past, when he was high on confidence prior to every tour, things would be drastically different for the promising Indian batsman this time round. The Aussie bowlers would be aware now that Kohli will have a lot on his mind during the tour Down Under. The Australians are expert in capitalising on such a scenario, and would be keen to exploit the perceptible weaknesses in Kohli's game during the Tests in particular.

There comes a time in every sportsman's career, no matter how great he is, when has self-doubts about his ability. It is too early to conclude that Kohli has reached that stage, but the jitteriness in his game became rather evident in England. He knew that he had developed a tendency to poke at the ball outside the off-stump. But, despite being aware of his troubles, he kept getting out the same manner time and again during the England Tests. Kohli's Delhi mate Gautam Gambhir had similar issues is England, and three years since that disastrous outing is yet to rediscover his touch.

As things stand presently, the Aussie tour will be a massive challenge for Kohli. He will be well aware of what the Australian bowlers would dish out at him during the Tests. But, same was the case in England. Kohli will have to display much better technique as well as temperament to succeed in the Australia series. It would be very important for him to do well in Australia, else questions will obviously be asked about his ability when under pressure. Kohli has done well in Australia before, but this tour will be a tougher challenge without doubt.

Prior to the Australian series, India would be facing West Indies at home. And, while that isn't the best preparation for a massive tour like Australia, India would hope he gets some runs under his belt so that he at least develops some confidence going into the series in Australia. Agreed, it wouldn't count for much when India head Down Under, but in case he fails against West Indies as well, the task would become doubly difficult for Kohli. Perhaps for the first time in his sensational career, Kohli is realising that international cricket is not a bed of roses after all.

--By A Cricket Analyst

Related News