The fourth test match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 will be played at Melbourne Cricket Ground starting from 26 Dec and if the Indian team has to register a win in this test match, Virat Kohli will need to play a big innings. However, the Indian cricketer has failed to perform well in the last two matches and his form has become a matter of concern for the Indian team management.
Virat Kohli’s tendency to chase deliveries outside the off-stump has been his main weakness in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy and the Australian bowlers have taken full advantage of it to keep him subdued. Virat Kohli had a spectacular start to the tour with an unbeaten 100 off 143 balls in the Perth Test, helping India secure a massive 295-run win. However, his form has since dipped, scoring only 26 runs across his next four innings.
When asked about Virat Kohli’s struggles with outside off-stump deliveries during a media interaction in Melbourne, the Indian captain Rohit Sharma responded with confidence. He said to the journalist that he himself called Virat Kohli a modern-day great and modern-day greats will find a way on their own.
India’s batting lineup has faced harsh criticism due to frequent collapses, an issue that has persisted since their Test series against New Zealand at home. With the series currently tied at 1-1 after three matches, the Indian batters are under pressure to perform in the fourth Test in Melbourne, where they aim to regain the lead.
Ahead of the match, India has added uncapped spin-bowling all-rounder Tanush Kotian to the squad following Ravichandran Ashwin’s retirement from international cricket. Meanwhile, the pitch curator at the Melbourne Cricket Ground has hinted that the pitch is expected to favor seamers more than spinners.
As for India’s playing XI, Rohit Sharma has chosen to remain tight-lipped. He explained that the decision will depend on the pitch conditions. Rohit Sharma said that first they will see how much grass is on the wicket and then they will ascertain whether they need spinners or not. He added that they will be evaluating while practicing today as tomorrow is Christmas and groundsmen won’t be available.
He added that recent matches at the MCG have featured dry pitches but this one appears different. “It doesn’t look like a dry wicket to me. We’ll analyze it thoroughly and choose the best combination accordingly,” he concluded.
He concluded by saying that this pitch doesn’t look dry to him, adding that they will examine properly and choose the best combination.
Will India keep Tanush Kotian in the playing eleven? What do you think?
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