Virat Kohli is going through a tough time in his career. India’s star batsman struggled during the first Test against Bangladesh in Chennai and was dismissed for low scores in both innings.

Ahead of the second Test of the series in Kanpur, Virat Kohli’s poor form was once again exposed against India’s quality bowlers. While Kohli struggled against the skill of Jasprit Bumrah, he also struggled against India’s left-arm spinners Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel.

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“Saamne laga hai” – Jasprit Bumrah to Virat Kohli on the networks

The Indian Express reported that Virat Kohli struggled against both fast bowling and spin in the nets.

Firstly, Kohli had Bumrah play around 15 balls in the nets but he didn’t look comfortable at all. After playing his trademark and some comfortable shots, Kohli took a direct hit from Bumrah.

The fast bowler let out a convincing shout of “Saamne laga hai (Are you ready)” and Kohli accepted it too. It wasn’t a great sight from the point of view of Virat Kohli, who is normally good without protection. But his low confidence seemed to be getting the better of him.

If this wasn’t enough, Bumrah continued to trouble Kohli later on. The 30-year-old fast bowler bowled a shorter length and got the batsman to get a little behind. He caught Kohli on a couple of occasions further out as the ball went past his inside edge.

Jasprit Bumrah was all over Kohli in the nets as he smiled and said, “Aakhiri wala toh short leg ka catch tha (The short leg one would have caught that last one).”

Most batsmen in the world would struggle to take on Jasprit Bumrah, given the form he is in right now. Kohli also had a tough time facing the skilful Indian fast bowler.

Virat Kohli’s struggles continue against Indian bowlers

Although Kohli struggled against Bumrah, he was expected to be in better form against the Indian bowlers.

But his troubles continued here too. Kohli missed the inside-out shot to Jadeja on three successive occasions and looked disappointed with himself.

As if that were not enough, later in the day he was bowled again by left-handed bowler Axar Patel. With that dismissal, the 35-year-old was out of action.

Kohli’s poor form is a major cause of concern for India, who have a big red-ball season ahead of them. Kohli scored 6 and 17 in both innings of the Chennai Test.

His dismissal manner was something that concerned him and the team management as he was dismissed by both the fast bowler and the spinner every time.

After the series against Bangladesh, India will host a three-match Test series against New Zealand. But the main focus will be on the Border-Gavaskar Trophy later this year, where Australia will host India for a five-match Test series.

Kohli’s performance in Test cricket has not been great over the years. He also missed India’s last Test series against England at home due to personal reasons. India will want their No. 4 Test batsman to regain his form soon.