As India heads into the pivotal fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on December 26, Virat Kohli is once again in the spotlight. Kohli, the talismanic figure of Indian cricket, has been struggling with inconsistent form in recent matches, particularly in the ongoing series against Australia. However, the MCG has historically been a ground where Kohli has excelled, and this Test offers him a chance to rediscover his best form.
Kohli’s recent performances in the ongoing series have been far from his best. While he scored an unbeaten 100 in the first Test at Perth, his subsequent innings have been underwhelming. Kohli has managed just 26 runs in his next four innings, including three single-digit scores. His tendency to poke at deliveries outside the off-stump has been a recurring issue, leading to his dismissals. This weakness has been exploited by the Australian bowlers, making the upcoming Test even more crucial for Kohli.
Despite his recent struggles, the MCG has been one of Kohli’s more successful venues in Test cricket. In three previous Boxing Day Tests at Melbourne, Kohli has accumulated 316 runs in six innings, with an average of 52.66. His highest score at the venue is 169, which came during the 2014 Test. This century remains one of his most iconic innings in Australia, as he was able to fight through a difficult period and anchor India’s innings.
In six Boxing Day Tests (including those against South Africa), Kohli has scored 540 runs in 12 innings, at an average of 45.00. His record includes one century and three fifties, with his best score being 169. This solid performance could provide him the platform to push for a big score, especially given the conditions at the MCG.
Kohli has a chance to set a significant record in the upcoming Test. He is currently the third-highest run-scorer for India at MCG in Tests, with 316 runs. Ajinkya Rahane (369 runs) is second, and Sachin Tendulkar holds the top spot with 449 runs in five matches. Virat needs just 134 more runs in this Test to surpass both players and become India’s leading run-scorer at MCG in Tests. Given Kohli’s record at the ground, this is a very achievable milestone.
While his overall Test record remains impressive, 2023 has been a challenging year for Kohli. Across all formats, he has scored just 614 runs at an average of 21.92, with only one century (100*) and two fifties. In nine Tests this year, he has managed 376 runs at an average of 25.06, including just one century (100*). This marks a significant dip from his usual standards, with his best score this year being 100*.
In the 2020s, Kohli’s performance in Test cricket has also been below par. In 37 Tests since 2020, he has scored 1,964 runs at an average of 31.67, with just three centuries and nine fifties. These statistics highlight that the last few years have been tough for Kohli, particularly in longer formats.
Virat Kohli in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC):
Kohli has fared relatively better in the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, where he has scored 687 runs at an average of 36.15 in 12 matches and 21 innings. With two centuries and three fifties, his performances have been steady, though not the explosive impact he had in the past. His highest score in the WTC cycle is 121, which shows he is still capable of big scores but hasn’t consistently dominated as he once did.
The Significance of MCG and Boxing Day for Kohli:
The MCG, known for its large crowds and iconic status in world cricket, has often brought out the best in Kohli. His previous century (169) in 2014, as well as his solid overall record, makes this Test crucial for him. The Boxing Day Test, a fixture that always attracts large attention, could provide the perfect stage for Kohli to rediscover his touch and lead India to a series lead. A big performance here could silence his critics and rekindle his confidence for the remaining matches in the series.
India’s Outlook for the 4th Test:
India has an opportunity to take a crucial 2-1 lead in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy with a victory in this Test. Kohli, who is among the senior players in the squad, will be key to India’s fortunes. The Melbourne pitch generally offers something for both batsmen and bowlers, but with the right approach, Kohli can take advantage of the conditions and make a significant impact.
The team will look to Kohli for stability at the top order, especially considering the relatively younger players like Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal in the lineup. Kohli’s experience and ability to anchor the innings will be invaluable.
Australia Squad for 4th Test at MCG:
- Pat Cummins (c), Sean Abbott, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Travis Head (vc), Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Jhye Richardson, Steve Smith (vc), Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster
India Squad for 4th Test at MCG:
- Rohit Sharma (c), Jasprit Bumrah (vc), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Devdutt Padikkal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna, Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar. Reserves: Mukesh Kumar, Navdeep Saini, Khaleel Ahmed, Yash Dayal
Conclusion:
For Virat Kohli, the Boxing Day Test at the MCG is a significant moment to reclaim his form and achieve another milestone in his illustrious career. With a solid record at the venue and the opportunity to top India’s run charts at the MCG in Tests, Kohli has all the motivation he needs to deliver a match-winning performance. The 2023 series has been a challenging one for him, but a big score at this historic venue could not only silence critics but also reinforce his legacy as one of the greatest modern-day batters in Test cricket.
