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Virat Kohli has never had such a time in his career. Even when he was not a specimen of what ideal male body looks like, Kohli did not endure what he has endured halfway into the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 season already. The former RCB skipper had just three golden ducks in his entire career before IPL 2022 kicked off, now he has two in consecutive matches.
It can be seen in Kohli’s body language after losing his wicket off the first ball he faced twice in a space of five days. He smiles at the way he is throwing away his wicket. It is not like he has just lost control over his skills altogether. He is still capable of playing the expansive cover drive or the wristy shot through mid-wicket. But, somehow he has lost touch.
This is the first time since Kohli started playing that he has got out for two consecutive ducks, let alone golden ducks.
Manner of dismissals
First, it was an unnecessary shot off Dushmantha Chameera’s short and wide delivery which landed in backward point fielder Deepak Hooda’s hands. On the second occasion, he was outsmarted by young South African pacer Marco Jansen who drew him forward and the edge went to slip fielder Aiden Markram.
The bigger problem
At first, it was the century drought. He came close to the three figures few times but the elusive hundred has been out of his grasp for the last 29 months. Also, it is not just about reaching the three figures, the runs are coming at a very ordinary average, way below Kohli’s own standards.
Now, this isn’t just about Kohli’s personal struggle anymore. With T20 World Cup in Australia coming later this month, his form remains crucial. The former Indian skipper may have to fight for his place in the side. He has immense levels of experience of playing in Australian conditions against world class bowlers over the years but his form raises several questions as India don’t want a repeat of UAE, returning after group overs stage.
The dreadful golden duck
This is also his fifth golden duck in IPL. Kohli’s last IPL duck before this season came in 2017. The duck led to a monumental collapse as RCB got bundled out for 49 against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Five years later, his golden duck did not lead to a collapse but RCB went on to win the match. However, his second one of the season contributed to the collapse as RCB registered their second-lowest total of 68.
