Virat Kohli once again fell short of expectations as India fought to salvage the Boxing Day Test against Australia on Day 5 at the renowned Melbourne Cricket Ground. The prominent Indian batsman, who boasted an impressive record at the MCG prior to the commencement of the fourth Test in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, having accumulated 316 runs at an average of 52.66 with a top score of 169 a decade ago, was dismissed while attempting a shot outside the off stump. In a lacklustre effort, he drove at a half-volley that was likely the sixth or seventh ball outside off, resulting in an edge to Usman Khawaja at first slip, leaving him with a score of five runs off 29 balls. This marked the fifth instance in the series where Kohli has been caught behind, accounting for all his dismissals to date.

After demonstrating considerable restraint in the first innings, Kohli succumbed once more to his recurring issue with deliveries outside off stump, contributing to India's precarious position at 33/3 by lunch. Fortunately for the visitors, Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal rose to the challenge, rekindling hopes for a draw. Kohli's dismissal sparked frustration across social media, with former Australian cricketer and media figure James Brayshaw expressing his discontent over Kohli's persistent struggles, labelling him a "nicking machine."

"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," he remarked as India pursued a formidable target of 340.

Virat Kohli's disappointing year in 2024

Kohli's dismissal marks the conclusion of a challenging 2024 season for him. He ends the year with a total of 417 runs across 19 innings, achieving an average of 24.52, which represents his poorest performance in Test cricket (with a minimum of 10 Tests) since his debut. Although he has faced more difficult years in the past, such as in 2011 when he accumulated only 202 runs from 5 Tests, or in 2019 with 612 runs from 8 Tests, and 265 runs from 6 Tests in 2022, as well as 116 runs in 3 matches in 2020, none have been as unconvincing as 2024. Aside from a century scored against Australia in the first Test at Perth, Kohli's performance has significantly declined throughout the year.

Read Also: India's Milestone Triumph: Boxing Day Test Victory at MCG in 2018

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