• Virat Kohli’s dismal tour of Australia hit another low on Day 5 of the Boxing Day Test at MCG.

  • Kohli's early dismissal left India in dire straits in their chase of 340 runs.

AUS vs IND: Virat Kohli’s off-stump woes ignite ‘Happy Retirement’ trend on social media | MCG Test
Virat Kohli (Image Source: X)

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Virat Kohli’s dismal tour of Australia hit another low on Day 5 of the Boxing Day Test, as his early dismissal left India in dire straits in their chase of 340 runs. Walking in at 25/2, Kohli was expected to anchor the innings, but his stay at the crease lasted just 29 balls.

Virat Kohli’s struggles continue as Mitchell Starc strikes in Boxing Day test

Starc, in scintillating form, lured Kohli with a full-length delivery outside off stump in the 26th over, tempting the star batter into an expansive drive. A thick edge flew to the slip cordon, where Usman Khawaja dived low to complete a sharp catch. Kohli’s departure for a mere 5 runs reduced India to 33-3, delivering a major blow to their already faltering hopes. Starc’s fiery spell, coupled with Kohli’s inability to resist playing outside the off-stump, highlighted the challenges faced by India on a deteriorating Melbourne track.

Kohli’s wicket came at a pivotal moment when India needed a steadying partnership to rebuild after the quick dismissals of KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma. Known for his expertise in pressure-filled run chases, Kohli’s premature exit was surprising and disappointing. With cracks opening up on the pitch and Starc exploiting them to perfection, Kohli’s lack of adaptation to the conditions stood out.

As Kohli trudged back to the pavilion, visibly frustrated, the cameras turned to Anushka Sharma, his wife, and a constant presence at his games. Her expressions of disappointment mirrored the sentiments of millions of Indian supporters worldwide. From nervous anticipation to visible anguish, her reactions captured the emotional weight of the moment.

Sharp criticism and online reactions

Kohli’s early exit invited a wave of reactions online, with critics and fans expressing their frustrations. Social media was abuzz with memes and sarcastic remarks, some mocking his recurring vulnerability to deliveries outside off stump. Others pointed to India’s sinking chances of achieving the record chase, attributing it to Kohli’s untimely dismissal. The scrutiny intensified as analysts dissected his approach, questioning whether the shot selection was appropriate given the match situation.

Also READ: ‘You’re a burden to the team, happy retirement’: Fans brutally roast Rohit Sharma following struggle in MCG Test

Kohli, once hailed as the epitome of composure in chases, found himself under the scanner for a lackluster performance that added to the team’s woes. At 33/3 at lunch and still needing over 300 runs, the pressure on the remaining Indian batters grew exponentially. Yashasvi Jaiswal, unbeaten at the lunch break, stood as the lone bright spot amidst the ruins of a top-order collapse.

Here’s how netizens reacted:

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