Indian cricket icon Virat Kohli registered his third golden duck of the IPL season. In a match against the Sunrisers Hyderabad on Sunday afternoon, Kohli was dismissed on the very first ball. This was his first golden duck of the 2022 IPL season. He had shown glimpses of form in his last few innings. But it was back to a disappointing display on Sunday. This kind of form could put a question mark on his selection for the impending T20 World Cup. Having performed as a talisman for franchise and country, the fans can hardly believe Kohli’s downfall. Kohli’s third golden duck set the netizens into a frenzy. Polarizing reactions poured in from ex-cricketers and cricket fans in general.
SRH players celebrate as Kohli walks back into the dugout after a first-ball duck.
At 33, Kohli is not getting any younger. So far this season, he has managed 216 runs in 12 matches. These figures are much below the standard that is expected of him. Kohli has also given up captaincy in all formats, apart from struggling with the bat. Kohli looked upset while walking back into the pavilion in Wankhede.
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Kohli’s third golden duck: What does the future hold?
Virat Kohli is a generational talent. There is no doubt about his abilities. However, Kohli’s third golden duck raised grave concerns about his future. The chances of a player of his stature getting dropped are very slim. But if the name was not Kohli, would he still justify his name on the teamsheet? Statistically speaking, his 19.63 average in IPL 2022 is the lowest in all his 15 previous seasons.
Some of the ex-cricketers have put out words of support for the Kohli. His former coach at India, Ravi Shashtri, was quoted saying, “I am going straight to the main guy here. Virat Kohli is overcooked. If anyone needs a break, it’s him,”. This is coming from a man who has worked in close quarters with Kohli himself must hold some truth. His former RCB teammate Kevin Pietersen has also put out words of advice. He believes Kohli must switch his attention from social media to regain his form.
Virat Kohli in his prime was a treat to watch.
Virat Kohli was once known as the run-machine in the cricketing world. Although still a terrific athletic machine, his runs have indeed dried up. However, as they say, ‘Form is temporary. Class is permanent. Kohli would want to live up to it.
