India batter Virat Kohli had a forgettable collection as New Zealand accomplished a historic 3-0 whitewash in opposition to the hosts in Mumbai on Sunday.
Chasing a 147-run goal, India suffered a pointy top-order wobble with Kohli undone by a pointy, ripping supply from left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel. Kohli solely totalled 5 runs within the match, ending the collection with 93 runs at a 15.50 common – his lowest throughout any house collection in his profession the place he has performed a minimum of six innings.
Kohli was topic to a trial by the left-arm spinners with Mitchell Santner dismissing him twice within the second Check in Pune, adopted by Patel’s strike in Mumbai. Kohli, who turns 36 on Tuesday, has been in a tough patch together with his final Check hundred coming again in July 2023 within the West Indies.
Former Australia captain Ian Chappell highlighted Kohli’s indecisive footwork as the main concern earlier than the upcooming Border Gavaskar Trophy in Australia.
Chappell exemplified Kohli’s weak spot by referring to his dismissal to a low full-toss from Santner within the first innings in Pune. “Star batter Virat Kohli’s first-inning dismissal was the proper instance of India’s lack of decisive footwork,” Chappell wrote in his column on ESPNcricinfo. “Kohli was clear bowled by a supply from Santner that, if the batter had taken even a small tempo out of his crease, he may have hit on the total. Nonetheless, as a substitute of Kohli’s lack of decisive footwork being the wrongdoer, his shot choice was questioned.”
The batting frailties have crippled India on the worst-possible time, mentioned Chappell. “Calamitous shows in opposition to New Zealand uncovered weaknesses in India’s batting. There’s no good time for batting fragility, however on the eve of a troublesome tour of Australia, it’s asking for hassle,” Chappell added.
India’s five-match tour Down Underneath will start on November 22 in Perth.