'The man looks set to be farewelled': Australian media weighs in on Kohli's retirement as BGT looms
Virat Kohli's recent performance in the Test series against New Zealand, where India suffered a shocking 0-3 defeat at home and Kohli failed to score more than 100 runs across the three matches, has raised many eyebrows¡ªespecially considering it's a rare occurrence for the cricketing icon. Despite this, Kohli remains a beloved figure in India, where cricket is almost a religion and he enjoys cult status. However, his struggles are undeniable, and with the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia looming, the pressure is mounting. Meanwhile, Australian media has been more forthright, suggesting that Kohli "looks set to be farewelled" from the international stage.
Australian media speculates Virat Kohli's farewell in upcoming series
Reports from Australia are already speculating that the upcoming series could mark the end of Virat Kohli¡¯s illustrious career.?
A recent article in the Herald Sun hinted that this summer may be Kohli¡¯s farewell on Australian soil, reflecting on his memorable impact during his first tour in 2012.?
The report recalled Kohli¡¯s iconic moments: ¡°Kohli left his first impression of note on Australian audiences in 2012 at the SCG when he stuck up his finger to the crowd, but his most lasting one came two Tests later when he scored India¡¯s lone ton of the series.¡±
The article noted how Kohli quickly became a defining figure in the Australia-India rivalry, stating, ¡°The boy had arrived,¡± and went on to shape the rivalry for the next decade.
However, the report noted, on a grim note: ¡°This summer, the man looks set to be farewelled on these shores.¡±
Looking ahead, the report also mentioned young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, who is expected to captivate Australian fans just as Kohli did. Describing Jaiswal as the most exciting Indian batter of his generation, the article suggested that he is poised to take Kohli¡¯s place in the team.
Virat Kohli¡¯s recent form
In his last five Tests, Virat Kohli has struggled to find form, accumulating just 192 runs from 10 innings at an average of 21.33.?
His highest score in this stretch was 70, and he managed only one fifty. His scores during the current home season are: 6, 17, 47, 29*, 0, 70, 1, 17, 4, and 1.
Looking at his overall 2024 performance, Kohli has played 25 innings in 19 matches across formats, scoring only 488 runs at an average of 20.33, with just two half-centuries to his name.
In the ongoing 2023-25 WTC cycle, Kohli has scored 561 runs from 9 Tests and 16 innings at an average of 37.40, including a century and three fifties, with 121 being his highest score.
With Rohit Sharma's participation in the opening Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy still uncertain, India's task of securing a win in Perth could become even more challenging.
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