Former Indian fast bowler Atul Wassan has expressed that the thoughts of Virat Kohli remain a mystery as the 36-year-old continues to face challenges in Test cricket. Although Kohli managed to score a century in the opening match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Perth, he has not made a significant impact in Australia against the home team.

Kohli has been criticized for his tendency to chase deliveries outside the off-stump, particularly those bowled at the seventh or eighth stump line. Excluding his century in Perth, he has accumulated only 67 runs across six innings.

In the second innings of the Melbourne Test, Kohli again succumbed to a ball outside off-stump while attempting a cover drive off Mitchell Starc's bowling. As Kohli's form continues to wane, discussions among fans have intensified, with some suggesting that he should consider retirement.

Wassan advocates for the establishment of a 'succession plan' to provide clarity for the selectors and team management. 

"Virat has scored runs, but he is also aware of the situation. The players are mentally prepared. They often think, 'My best performance is just around the corner; I will achieve it soon.' However, this prolonged struggle is detrimental to the team, leading to calls for his exclusion. A lynch mob mentality can emerge," Wassan stated in an interview with ANI.

"They are also cognizant of the circumstances. I believe there should be a clear exit strategy, akin to a succession policy, as it is unfair to the management, the team, and the cricketing framework when we are unaware of your intentions," he concluded.

'Outside off troubles'

Virat Kohli faced 86 deliveries during the first innings of the Melbourne Test, but he was ultimately dismissed while attempting to play a shot to a length ball delivered by Scott Boland.

This dismissal mirrored several of Kohli's previous dismissals in the current series. In Brisbane, he was caught chasing a straightened delivery outside off stump from Josh Hazlewood.

Earlier, former Australian cricketer James Brayshaw referred to Kohli as a "nicking machine" following his dismissal on Day 5 of the Melbourne Test.

“Gone! He’s out flashing outside off stump… out of nowhere. It’s been pouched by Khawaja, and the third wicket falls. He has turned into a nicking machine," Brayshaw remarked during his commentary on Triple M Radio.

Kohli's performance in 2024 has been disappointing, with an average slightly above 24 in Test matches. This year, he has managed to score only one century and one half-century.

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