Former West Indies pacer Andy Roberts is unsure as to whether India will be able to make a revival in the upcoming Test match in Brisbane
India star batter Virat Kohli was only able to score a total of 18 runs in the Men in Blue’s 10-wicket defeat against Australia. Following the match, Kohli has been the subject of massive criticism from fans and experts alike.
Legendary West Indies cricketer Andy Roberts believes that India will not be able to make a revival following the thumping defeat in Adelaide. He also highlighted Kohli’s poor form through the years in red-ball cricket.
“I don’t know if there will be a revival after the Adelaide defeat, but get your batting right. One of your best batsmen of all time has been struggling for the last five years,” Roberts told mid-day.
In 2024, Kohli averages 26.64 after 16 innings, his lowest for any calendar year where he has appeared in at least 10 innings. The 36-year-old has only been able to score 3 Test centuries since 2020.
“He needs to be focused on the longer version of the game. You will get runs and score heavily in Test cricket only when you are fully focused on the longer form. The standard of Test cricket is not the same. The top batsmen look as if they are struggling,” Roberts said about Kohli.
The former West Indies cricketer also questioned why the Men in Blue opted to bat first in the pink-ball Test, highlighting the fact that the Indian bowlers were able to bundle out Australia for cheap totals in both the innings during the Perth Test (104 and 238).
“Why did you guys bat first [in Adelaide]. India’s fast bowlers bowled Australia out cheaply in both innings (104 and 238) at Perth. If my fast bowlers outbowl the opposition pacers in the previous Test, I’m not going to give the rivals the first preference in the next Test. Remember, you are not playing on Indian pitches,” Roberts said.
With Australia’s victory in Adelaide, they levelled the 5-match series at 1-1. All eyes will be on the third Test of the series which is set to be played at The Gabba from 14 December.
