IND vs AUS: As Virat Kohli struggles to regain his form, ex-India cricketer urges BCCI to have exit plan ready

Former Indian team captain Virat Kohli is currently facing a challenging period of poor form in his career, particularly in test cricket. Despite starting the series with a century, Kohli has struggled to score even a single half-century in the subsequent three matches against Australia.

In the recent fourth test, which India lost by 184 runs on Monday, Kohli managed to score only 36 runs in the first innings and five runs in the second innings.

Virat Kohli has not been dismissed bowled/LBW by pacers since Birmingham 2022.

Since then he's been dismissed 16/33 times by pacers: all CAUGHT.

The sheer nature of this indiscipline is mind boggling and shameful.pic.twitter.com/1Q6bqF53Xo

— Johns (@JohnyBravo183) December 30, 2024

Amidst Kohli's on-field struggles, former Indian cricketer Atul Wassan has reportedly suggested that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) should consider developing an exit plan for Kohli.

"Virat has got runs, but he also knows what's happening. They are very sorted mentally. A player always thinks that 'my best is around the corner'. I'll do it just now.' It's such a long spell; it's hurting the team, and there is questioning, saying you should be dropped. A lynch mob comes after you," Wassan told ANI, per NDTV.

"I think an exit plan, like a succession policy, must be clear. It's not fair on the management, the team, and the cricketing structure, we don't know what's there in your mind," he added.

Virat Kohli faced 86 balls in the first innings of the Melbourne Test before being dismissed while trying to push a length ball bowled by Scott Boland. This dismissal was reminiscent of Kohli's previous dismissals in the series, such as when he chased a straightened outside-off delivery by Josh Hazlewood in Brisbane.

Former Australia cricketer James Brayshaw labeled Kohli as a 'nicking machine' after his dismissal on Day 5 of the Melbourne Test. Kohli's struggles in the ongoing series have been a topic of discussion among cricket enthusiasts and analysts alike.

“Gone! He’s out flashing outside off stump… out of nowhere. It’s been pouched by Khawaja, and the third wicket falls. He has turned into a nicking machine," he said while commentating on Triple M Radio.

In 2024, Kohli's performance in Tests has been subpar with an average of just over 24. Throughout the year he has only managed to score one century and one half-century.

As Australia currently leads the series 2-1, India is eager to redeem themselves by securing a victory in the upcoming fifth match scheduled for January 3rd.

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