Virat Kohli’s prolonged struggle with the bat in Test cricket continues as his much-awaited performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy began on a disappointing note. Kohli was dismissed for just 5 runs during the first innings of the opening Test against Australia in Perth. A short delivery from Josh Hazlewood went up the shoulder of Kohli’s bat, resulting in an easy catch at the slip cordon.

Kohli’s form in the long format has been a concern for quite some time. Former Indian cricketer and analyst Sanjay Manjrekar, speaking on ESPNcricinfo, shed light on a possible new chink in Kohli’s armour.

“It’s something I’ve also said before, after[2023] Virat Kohli has been very worried about that Jimmy Anderson-type pitched ball outside off stump,” observed Manjrekar. “So he stays outside the hitting area, he wants to get on the front foot to cancel out the swing. But now players bowl less because of that.”

WATCH: Virat Kohli undone by Josh Hazlewood’s extra bounce, falls cheap in Perth Test

Hazlewood’s strategy highlighted this adjustment, showing how players are exploiting Kohli’s deliberate approach.

Manjrekar added: “Josh Hazlewood was generally fuller, 60% of the balls in the full box, but the moment Virat Kohli started doing this, he fell a little short.”

Perth’s dismissal was not an isolated incident. Kohli’s recent poor record against New Zealand also exposed his vulnerability to the short ball.

Manjrekar recalled an earlier example: “We saw that in the Bengaluru Test match, the New Zealand bowlers did that and Virat Kohli came out on the leg side,” referring to his dismissal against Will O’Rourke.

Will Virat Kohli be able to overcome his technical defect?

While giving credit to Hazlewood for his accuracy, Manjrekar highlighted Kohli’s technical flaw.

“He’s basically put all his eggs in one basket, which is about not diving off your front foot into that swinging ball at full length. But that now makes it a little vulnerable to all other births, especially the one that is shorter,” he concluded.

Also Read: Virat Kohli’s Shocking Fall: Marnus Labuschagne Given Lifeline In Perth Test [WATCH]

India, despite Kohli’s early exit, showed tremendous fighting spirit in the match. Although they were bowled out for just 150, Jasprit Bumrah’s sensational opening spell brought the team back into the contest, setting the stage for an exciting Test. Australia finished Day 1 at 67/7, losing by 83 runs.

Kohli’s form will continue to be under scrutiny as India look to maintain momentum in the series. For the cricket world, the big question remains: can the Indian great overcome this technical setback and return to his winning best? Only time will tell.