source : BCCI
As the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy approaches, India’s preparations took an unsettling turn during a behind-closed-doors practice match against India A at WACA, Perth. Scheduled to help the Indian team adjust to Australia’s notoriously challenging conditions ahead of the first Test on November 22, the three-day match instead highlighted several key issues within the squad.
Virat Kohli’s Form Woes Continue
Virat Kohli, one of India’s most iconic players, found himself struggling once again in the practice match. Kohli, known for his smooth cover drives, had looked promising early on. However, his stay at the crease was short-lived as he was dismissed for just 15 runs, caught at second slip off Mukesh Kumar. This early exit marked another disappointing chapter in Kohli’s ongoing battle for form in Test cricket.
Despite his recent success in limited-overs formats, Kohli has not been able to replicate that consistency in Tests. His performance in the recent series against New Zealand, where he could only manage a single half-century across five Tests, has led to increased scrutiny. However, Kohli’s immediate reaction after his dismissal was encouraging—he headed straight to the nets, a clear sign of his determination to bounce back before the crucial Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Kohli’s resilience in the face of adversity will be key to India’s chances against a powerful Australian bowling attack.
Rishabh Pant Faces Early Setback
Another Indian batter, Rishabh Pant, also endured a frustrating outing during the practice match. After showing some promise, Pant was dismissed for a quickfire 19 runs, falling to a delivery from Nitish Kumar Reddy. While he had looked composed initially, the Australian-style short-pitched deliveries caused Pant to falter, a worrying sign ahead of the Test series where the pace attack, including the likes of Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc, is expected to target him relentlessly.
Pant had been a standout performer in India’s recent series against New Zealand, but the Australian conditions present a different challenge. Adapting to the short-pitched barrage is crucial if Pant is to continue his role as a match-winner for India in the Tests.
Injury Concerns for KL Rahul
Adding to the growing concerns, opening batter KL Rahul had to retire hurt after being struck by a rising delivery. He was seen leaving the field with the assistance of the team physio, sparking anxiety over his availability for the first Test. Though the full extent of his injury remains unknown, the timing couldn’t be worse for India, with limited time remaining to finalize their top-order batting combination.
What Lies Ahead: A Test of India’s Adaptability
With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy set to begin in just a week, the Indian team’s preparation is under scrutiny. The closed-door practice match at WACA offered valuable exposure to the conditions, but it also underlined some persistent issues with form, particularly in the batting department. Key players like Kohli and Pant, who are expected to anchor India’s innings, will need to find their rhythm quickly to stand up to Australia’s fearsome pace trio of Cummins, Hazlewood, and Starc.
The match against India A was meant to help the Indian squad fine-tune their skills, but with limited practice opportunities remaining, the focus will now shift to intense net sessions where the team will look to regain their confidence. For Kohli, this series could be a chance to silence his critics and return to his best form. If he can find his rhythm, he could be the anchor that India needs to challenge Australia’s formidable bowling lineup.
Final Thoughts
While the practice match at WACA was intended to be a confidence booster for India, it highlighted some troubling signs ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The form of key players like Kohli and Pant, coupled with the injury concern surrounding KL Rahul, means that India’s preparation for the upcoming series is far from ideal. With limited time to recover and adjust, the team’s success in the series may ultimately hinge on their ability to adapt quickly to the Australian conditions and overcome these early challenges. The coming days will be crucial as the Indian team looks to turn their fortunes around before the first Test begins.
