IND vs AUS 4th Test: Virat Kohli’s golden opportunity to reclaim dominance

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy reaches a critical juncture as India and Australia prepare for the fourth Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), starting December 26. The iconic Boxing Day Test promises high drama, with Virat Kohli once again at the center of attention. The former Indian captain, battling inconsistent form, faces a golden opportunity to reclaim his dominance at a venue that has been a stage for his most memorable performances.

Despite a century in the series opener at Perth, Kohli’s performance has lacked consistency. The Indian stalwart has managed just 126 runs in five innings, with three dismissals in single digits. However, the MCG has historically been a stage where Kohli shines. His record at this ground and on Boxing Day sets the perfect backdrop for a potential resurgence.

Kohli’s love affair with the MCG is no secret. Across three Tests at the venue, he has accumulated 316 runs in six innings at an average of 52.66, highlighted by a breathtaking 169 in 2014 and two half-centuries. He is on the cusp of surpassing Sachin Tendulkar as India’s highest run-scorer in Tests at the MCG. Kohli needs 134 runs to eclipse Tendulkar’s tally of 449 runs, an achievement that would further cement his legacy.

Kohli’s Boxing Day exploits extend beyond Melbourne. In six Boxing Day Tests, he has scored 540 runs at an average of 45.00, with one century and three fifties. His 169 at the MCG in 2014 remains a standout performance. Across formats, Kohli has dazzled at this venue, amassing 766 runs in 16 innings at an average of 54.71, including his unforgettable 82* against Pakistan in the ICC T20 World Cup 2022.

The year 2024 has tested Kohli’s resilience. In 29 innings across formats, he has scored just 614 runs at an average of 21.92, with only one century. In Test cricket, his nine matches this year have yielded 376 runs at 25.06. These numbers contrast starkly with the prolific run-scoring of his peak years.

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Yet, Kohli has shown flashes of his brilliance in the ongoing ICC World Test Championship, where he has scored 687 runs in 12 matches at an average of 36.15. With the series tied 1-1, his form could be decisive for India’s fortunes.