India experienced a forgettable Day 3 at the Gabba in Brisbane, as the top order succumbed to a relentless Australian pace attack, managing only 44 runs in challenging conditions during the rain-affected third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series. The visible "frustration" in the Indian dressing room was palpable, with head coach Gautam Gambhir observed engaging in shadow practice, prompting speculation among fans that he was demonstrating to Virat Kohli the technique of leaving deliveries in the corridor of uncertainty.

The day was marked by interruptions due to rain, which halted play six times before early stumps were called. India successfully bowled Australia out for 445 in their first innings, with the home side adding 40 runs to their overnight score, while Jasprit Bumrah delivered a commendable performance, concluding with figures of 6/76.

In response, the Indian top order faltered, with only KL Rahul displaying any resolve. The Kookaburra ball, modified in 2020 to include additional lacquer on a reinforced seam, has become firmer and offers increased movement off the pitch. Consequently, the Indian batsmen needed to exhibit patience and spend more time at the crease during the initial phase of play.

However, India lost three wickets before lunch, with Mitchell Starc claiming two and Josh Hazlewood one. In the second session, Pat Cummins added to India's difficulties by dismissing Rishabh Pant.

Amidst the disappointing batting display, Gambhir was seen practising in the Indian dressing room, mimicking the technique of leaving balls outside the off stump. Fans on social media speculated that this was directed at Kohli, who has been dismissed by deliveries outside off stump four times in the current series.

How has Kohli fared in the Australia series?

As he approaches what may be his final appearance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, following a challenging performance against New Zealand at home, the former captain of India silenced his critics with a century in Perth. This achievement also enabled him to re-enter the top 20 of the ICC Test rankings. However, he struggled in both innings in Adelaide, managing scores of 7 and 11, as he faced difficulties with deliveries outside off-stump.

In total, he has accumulated only 126 runs in the series thus far, representing his second-lowest performance against Australia, following the disappointing 2016/17 series at home, during which the 36-year-old scored a mere 46 runs across five innings.

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