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Virat Kohli’s strategy and on-field antics during the second Test against Australia at the Adelaide Oval have garnered significant attention. Despite making several attempts to influence the innings, including engaging in sledging and deploying unique tactics, Kohli faced disappointment. His efforts ultimately culminated in India’s batting collapse, with the team being bowled out for 180 runs.

In the first innings, Kohli did not manage to make a significant contribution to the scoreboard, scoring only 7 runs before being dismissed by Australia’s Mitchell Starc. Starc, in a fiery spell, claimed an impressive six wickets, effectively dismantling India’s batting line-up and limiting their score to a mere 180.

During the match, Kohli involved himself deeply in the game, sledging Australian players Marnus Labuschagne and Nathan McSweeney in an attempt to unsettle them. In addition, he played an advisory role, assisting Rohit Sharma with field placements and offering guidance to Mohammed Siraj on the optimal line and length.

Kohli attempted his well-known bail flip trick to dismiss a batsman—a tactic that had previously succeeded against South Africa in 2023. However, this time, the trick failed to provide the desired results. The bail flip strategy, which aims to unnerve the batsman, was initially introduced by Stuart Broad during the Ashes series in 2023.

India’s highest scorer in the innings was Nitish Kumar Reddy, with a modest contribution of 42 runs. Despite this effort, the team’s inability to withstand Starc’s bowling put them in a precarious position.

Kohli’s actions and the team’s performance in this test underline challenges faced by the Indian side. While Kohli’s innovative approaches and his intense involvement exhibit leadership, the effectiveness of these strategies against formidable opponents like Australia remains in question. As the series progresses, India’s resilience and adaptability on foreign soil will be crucial in overcoming such hurdles.

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