IND vs AUS: Sanjay Manjrekar highlights 'adamance to not try another way' behind Virat Kohli's dip in Test average

Sanjay Manjrekar highlights 'adamance to not try another way' behind Virat Kohli's dip in Test average (AFP Photo)

India's star batter Virat Kohli, who scored a fine hundred in the series opener of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at Perth to break a prolonged century drought in Test cricket, got out early on 7 of on day one of the second Test at the Adelaide Oval on Friday (December 6).

Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar believes that Virat Kohli’s refusal to adapt and address his struggles with deliveries outside the off-stump has contributed to a dip in his batting average, which has dropped from the mid 50s to 48.13.

Kohli got out off a length delivery outside off with some extra bounce in it and left the batter in two minds. Kohli looked tentative and ended up deflecting it to the slip cordon where Steve Smith did the rest.

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"One important reason why Virat's average has slipped to 48 now, is the unfortunate weakness outside off. But more crucially his adamance to not try another way to tackle it," Manjrekar tweeted moments after the Indian batting mainstay's dismissal.

Kohli's batting average in Test cricket used to hover near the mid 50s some years ago, but a lean run of form saw it enter the 40s for the first time in almost five years, in 2022.

One important reason why Virats average has slipped to 48 now, is the unfortunate weakness outside off. But more crucially his adamance to not try another way to tackle it.
Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) December 6, 2024

Before the tour of Australia, Kohli managed only 93 runs across three matches at an average of 15.50 against New Zealand at home. "One important reason why Virat's average has slipped to 48 now, is the unfortunate weakness outside off. But more crucially his adamance to not try another way to tackle it," Manjrekar tweeted moments after the Indian batting mainstay's dismissal.

-with PTI inputs