IND vs NZ 2024 – Virat Kohli Equals Record for Most Ducks by an Active Cricketer

Virat Kohli: 2024 series, Virat Kohli achieved an unwanted milestone, tying with New Zealand’s Tim Southee for the most ducks by an active cricketer in international cricket. This marked the 38th time Kohli was dismissed without scoring, putting him on par with the Kiwi pacer, much to the disappointment of Indian cricket fans.

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Kohli’s Dismal Outing in Bengaluru

The first Test of the three-match series at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru kicked off on a sour note for India. After a rain-washed first day, India won the toss on Day 2 and opted to bat. However, the decision quickly backfired as New Zealand’s bowlers made excellent use of overcast conditions to decimate the Indian batting lineup.

Kohli, who returned to the No. 3 spot after eight years, was sent packing after just nine balls, edging a delivery from the 23-year-old New Zealand fast bowler, Will O’Rourke, to the leg slip. This dismissal, without troubling the scorers, not only highlighted Kohli’s ongoing struggles but also cemented his place in an undesirable record—joint-most ducks by an active cricketer.

A Struggle for Kohli in 2024

Virat Kohli’s form in 2024 has been far from his usual best. In the three Test matches he has played this year, he has accumulated only 157 runs without registering a half century or century. His dismal showing in Bengaluru adds to the growing concerns around his consistency at this stage of his career.

The pressure on Kohli was evident as he attempted to stabilize the Indian innings after Rohit Sharma’s early dismissal. However, his nine-ball stay ended in disappointment, contributing to India’s collapse as they were bundled out for a shocking 46 runs , their third lowest Test score ever and their lowest at home.

The Unwanted Record: 38 Ducks

Kohli’s duck in the first Test means he now shares the record for the most ducks by an active international cricketer with Tim Southee, each having been dismissed for zero 38 times across formats. Close behind them is Rohit Sharma with 33 ducks, adding another layer of tension to India’s current batting woes.

While Kohli’s name is synonymous with greatness in cricket, this particular record is a blot on his otherwise stellar career. The fact that he has matched this record with Southee, a bowler, adds to the peculiarity of the achievement. Cricket enthusiasts and analysts alike have been left pondering the reasons behind Kohli’s recent slump in form.

India’s Shocking Collapse

Kohli wasn’t the only Indian batter to fail in this Test match. India’s top order crumbled under pressure, with five players, including Sarfaraz Khan, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, and Ravichandran Ashwin, departing for ducks. The only glimmer of hope came from Rishabh Pant, who managed a mere 20 runs.

India’s total of 46 runs is not only their lowest at home but also marks the third time they have been dismissed for less than 50 in a Test innings. This collapse has intensified the spotlight on the team’s decision to bat first, especially after Rohit Sharma’s comments about the “sticky” pitch conditions.

As India looks to regroup after this embarrassing defeat, all eyes will be on Virat Kohli and whether he can regain his form in the remainder of the series. With upcoming Test matches against New Zealand and a crucial series against Australia on the horizon, Kohli’s resurgence will be vital for India’s success.

The ongoing slump in his batting form is raising questions, and Kohli’s ability to bounce back will play a key role in determining India’s fortunes in the near future.

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