Former India captain Virat Kohli’s struggles continued on Day 3 of the third Test between India and Australia at the Gabba in Brisbane on Monday. Apart from a century in the second innings of the first Test in Perth, it has been a forgettable series for Kohli – dismissed in similar manner by poking out his off stump and giving catches behind the wicket.
The tale was no different on Monday as Kohli departed for just 3, caught behind off Josh Hazlewood, once again edging a ball outside his off stump. It was a fourth dismissal for Kohli in a similar manner – falling to Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland in Adelaide and Hazlewood again in Perth first innings.
Josh Hazlewood gets Virat Kohli!
The Australians are up and about on Day Three. #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/sq6oYZmZAz
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 16, 2024
Kohli’s early dismissal and the manner of it launched a meme fest immediately on a rain-hit third day. The ex-Indian captain’s early dismissal meant that Indians were in deep trouble once again at 22 for 3 in reply to Australia’s 445 after Rohit Sharma had won the toss and decided to bowl first.
One ‘X’ user tweeted, “Indian Cricket fans should retire from watching Test Cricket till the time Kohli & Rohit both announce retirement”.
Another wrote, “The one sided love story of Virat Kohli that started in 2014 in England still continues in 2024.Nothing has changed”.
The only thing saving Virat Kohli from ultimate criticism is that Rohit Sharma is the captain. No matter how Kohli performs, the blame always falls on the captain, especially if it’s Rohit Sharma. pic.twitter.com/tLGZoBbstU
— Kusha Sharma (@Kushacritic) December 16, 2024
The one sided love story of Virat Kohli that started in 2014 in England still continues in 2024.
Nothing has changed pic.twitter.com/oci5z8gdM9— Dinda Academy (@academy_dinda) December 16, 2024
Indian Cricket fans should retire from watching Test Cricket till the time Kohli & Rohit both announce retirement.
— Gabbar (@GabbbarSingh) December 16, 2024
Anil Kumble: “I don’t understand why nobody is questioning Virat Kohli. He has been a walking wicket in Tests for the past five years. It’s time for him to pack his bags and settle in London forever.”
Anil Kumble Not Holding Back . pic.twitter.com/zqtw4EJ3lp
— (@jod_insane) December 16, 2024
Kohli is now averaging only 23.5 in Test cricket in 2024 with 376 runs in 17 innings and 100 off them coming in one knock. Meanwhile, heavy showers interrupted the proceedings in the second session of the third day’s play in the third Test between India and Australia on Monday.
India were struggling at 27 for three when the covers came on and the players headed back to the dressing room. Earlier, just as Josh Hazlewood induced a nick from Virat Kohli to account for the veteran batter for the second time this series, the heavens opened up leading to an interruption and forcing an early lunch.
India had bowled out Australia for 445 in their first innings. The start of play on day three and India’s innings were also slightly delayed due to rain. Rain had marred the opening day as well with less than 15 overs of play possible. The five-match series is locked at 1-1.
