NEW DELHI: Virat Kohli was dismissed for just 7 runs in the pink-ball Test after falling to a probing delivery from Mitchell Starc, highlighting the right-hander's troubles against deliveries outside off-stump, according to former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar.
Kohli was tempted to play or leave as a short-of-length ball angled over and landed on a probing fifth-stump line. He was eventually caught at second slip, where Steve Smith was in an ideal position.
"One important reason why Virat's average has slipped to 48 now is the unfortunate weakness outside off. But more crucially, his adamance to not try another way to tackle it," Manjrekar posted on X.
Kohli's declining performance in the format is highlighted by the fact that his Test average has dropped to 48. This time, the stadium provided no relief despite his stellar record there, which included more than 500 runs and an average of over 63.
After being securely positioned at 69/1, India suffered a batting collapse that included the removal of Kohli, which resulted in the loss of three quick wickets.
As Australia seized the initiative and their bowlers skillfully took advantage of the circumstances, India's batting problems grew worse.
Starc was the wrecker-in-chief and registered his 16th five-wicket haul as India were bowled out for 180 runs in their first innings on Day 1.
