Virat Kohli, it is the batting icon of India and one of the most predictable run-machines in the world cricket who has gone through a moment of unforeseen humiliation during the recent India vs Australia match when he was bowled by the Australian fast bowler, Xavier Bartlett in a way that left both the fans and the analysts in complete shock. The event was one of the infrequent and non-characteristic dejection of a brilliant career of Kohli, and there was a raging debate over his rhythm, form and mental fitness with India still in the midst of a challenging season.

The incident took place at an early stage during the Indian innings. The audience in Bengaluru was popping with enthusiasm laden with will and purpose, as Kohli went to the crease with the aim of a depressed performance following a series of lackluster performances. No one could have known what was coming next in the air all people were expecting a Kohli masterclass. But within few minutes this stadium was quiet. The young Australian pacer, Bartlett who was making a break with his capacity to extract bounce and movement, threw the ball which would have been remembered as one of the highlights of his career along with one of the fewest lapses of Kohli.

Bartlett threw out an off-pitch and jagged length delivery which went back hard into Kohli. Anticipating that it could withstand its position, the Indian star moulded to fight with the least foot action. But the ball flew viciously in and scurried through the bat pad opening and bounced in the stumps. Kohli remained a little, shocked, and then turned his back in apparent disbelief. It was a very gentle and clumsy dismissal, to a player, whose defensive method has long been regarded as of world standard a dismissal which the player himself could scarcely have handled.

The kind of party that ensued on the part of the Australian players was a huge celebration of the importance of the wicket. It is a gift to any fan to get rid of Virat Kohli but to Bartlett it was a career milestone. The young man who is only 25 years and has been carving a niche in international cricket had just taken one of the largest scalps in the game with a near perfect delivery. It was labeled by commentators as a dream ball, full of action, motion, and accuracy.

To Kohli it was a first time embarrassment. Such a misjudgment has never come to the former Indian captain. Kohli’s mistake was an indication of a player who at that moment is out of rhythm through his perfect footwork, timing, and anticipation. The firing rekindled debate regarding his recent performance that has experienced both spurts of brilliance and a series of unprecedented poor marks.

It should be mentioned first that this was not just a case of a bad shot. In the recent months, the batting pace of Kohli has appeared to be off. His time, which has always been razor sharp, has at times betrayed him, particularly in the face of a fresh ball. Other experts think that it is over-adjustment because Kohli attempts to adjust to changing formats and pitch variations. Some other people may claim that he is being burdened by the continuous stress of expectations, having been the most dominant over ten years.

Nevertheless, one should not forget that Virat Kohli has experienced such stages previously. England tour of 2014, when James Anderson revealed his vulnerability to the outside of off-stump on many occasions, still serves to remind that even the superior ones can fall short, and come out with a stronger showing. Kohli himself has always stated that failure is an instructor greater than success will ever be. Shocking as it looked, this dismissal could possibly be the shock he requires to re-set and re-focus.

This was immediately followed by reactions. Belief was bursting in the social media. Oh, that just happened to Kohli. one fan tweeted. Others extolled the precision and clearness of Bartlet when on his feet. Some of the ex-players such as the Indian and the Australian legends also contributed with their views. One of the analysts commented that it was a decent delivery of a Test-match, complete, rollicking, and seaming. At times the best in the world can do little about those.

Xavier Bartlett, in his turn, was humble following the match. “It felt unreal,” he admitted. Virat is among the hardest batsmen to bowl to I simply tried to strike the correct spot. Fortunately, the ball had travelled sufficiently to locate the gap. His remark was respectful, and it had pride about it – the distinguishing characteristic of a bowler who realizes the greatness of the occasion.

In the meantime Indian head coach Rahul Dravid minimized the discussion of Kohli form pointing out that he needed to be patient. The preparation and commitment of Virat are still unbeatable. All great players pass such stages. it is all in the game, as Dravid said. Confidence was repeated by others on the team because they mentioned that Kohli has a record of overcoming misfortune with resolve and appetite.

Lastly, as the show is progressing the emphasis is bound to remain on Kohli not on his down turn but on his possible comeback. When he has been asked about his form, he has responded to the question with the use of the bat, and the fans are convinced that they will do the same this time around.

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