AUS vs IND: Virat Kohli’s off stump woes ignite ‘Happy Retirement’ trend on social media | Test MCG
Virat Kohlithe sad tour of Australia hit another low on Day 5 of the Christmas Day Test when his early dismissal went India in dire straits in his chase of 340 runs. Going in at 25/2, Kohli was expected to open the innings, but his stay at the crease lasted just 29 balls.
Virat Kohli’s struggles continue as Mitchell Starc strikes in the Boxing Day Test
Starc, in scintillating form, lured Kohli with a long-on delivery outside the off-stump in the 26th over, tempting the star batsman into an expansive drive. A thick edge flew to the slip cordon, where Usman Khawaja dived low to complete a strong catch. Kohli’s exit for just 5 runs reduced India to 33-3, dealing a huge blow to their already faltering hopes. Starc’s fiery spell, coupled with Kohli’s inability to resist playing off-stump, highlighted the challenges facing India on a rundown Melbourne track.
Kohli’s wicket came at a crucial time when India needed a steady partnership to rebuild after the quick dismissals of KL Rahul i Rohit Sharma. Known for his expertise in pressure-packed chases, Kohli’s untimely exit was surprising and disappointing. With cracks opening up in the pitch and Starc exploiting them to perfection, it highlighted Kohli’s lack of adaptation to the conditions.
As Kohli limped back to the pavilion, visibly frustrated, the cameras rolled Anushka Sharmahis wife, and a constant presence at his games. Their expressions of disappointment echoed the sentiments of millions of Indian fans around the world. From nervous anticipation to visible anguish, their reactions captured the emotional weight of the moment.
Sharp reviews and reactions online
Kohli’s early exit sparked a wave of backlash online, with critics and fans voicing their frustrations. Social media was abuzz with memes and sarcastic comments, some poking fun at his recurring vulnerability to off-stump deliveries. Others pointed to India’s dwindling chances of achieving the record chase, attributing it to Kohli’s early dismissal. Scrutiny intensified as analysts dissected his approach, questioning whether the shot selection was the right one given the match situation.
READ also: “You are a burden to the team, happy retirement”: fans brutally roast Rohit Sharma after the fight at MCG Test
Kohli, once hailed as the epitome of composure in the chase, has come under the scanner for a lackluster performance that has added to the team’s woes. On 3/33 at lunch and still needing over 300 runs, the pressure on the remaining Indian batsmen grew exponentially. Yashasvi Jaiswalunbeaten at the lunch break, stood as the lone bright spot amid the ruins of a top-flight collapse.
This is how internet users reacted:
This one called “king”, according to his PR
Virat Kohli, has been getting out in the same way for the last 9 innings with no changes and the same mistakes.
Virat Kohli, have some shame and consider a happy retirement#INDvsAUS
pic.twitter.com/J1VD8vXuL8— Yanika_Lit (@LogicLitLatte) December 30, 2024
Happy Retirement Virat Kohli 🙏#INDvsAUS #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/b8ynBq9oA3
— Meme Fever (@meri_mrziii) December 30, 2024
YES IT’S OVER
The great Kohli, the one we have seen all these years, finally bids us farewell. He might still stick around for a while, but he will officially never be the same Kohli again. Tears in my eyes as I write this.
— H. 🇮🇹 (@CrissysArc) December 30, 2024
“HAPPY RETIREMENT VIRAT KOHLI”
– You won’t be missed… pic.twitter.com/y8mOv01kXW
— Gillfied⁷ (@Was_Gill) December 30, 2024
I don’t even have much energy left to scold/shout…
What else needs to be done? Even your ego, reputation is dragging and you’ve been booed, isn’t it feeding you enough?
Infuriated to watch the game of the man I adore is trash these days@imVkohli
— Karthick Shivaraman™ (@iskarthi_) December 30, 2024
Kohli again gets a delivery down the eighth stump line and dies. I repeat that the technical fault must be fixed. Spending hours on the nets practicing without rectifying the flaw will not help. Just my humble opinion.
— Prasanna (@prasannalara) December 30, 2024
A great 2-50 season and a 100 in 2024 @imVkohli . Average 22 in test, 25 in t20 wc, 19 in 3 odis 👌never thought there would be a worse year than 2020-22 midway through his career. A reason not to give up and hope?
Even home series have become an away tour for him.
— ” (@KohlifiedGal) December 30, 2024
Kohli saab, not again 😖 pic.twitter.com/bLChL6xH3m
— Trendulkar (@Trendulkar) December 30, 2024
So Kohli scored 5 runs, 10 hits, 15 insta edits in MSG Test🔥
The Academy is very thankful for you Kohli saab😍 pic.twitter.com/8aOTuEspz1
— TukTuk Academy (@TukTuk_Academy) December 30, 2024
Kohli of 2018 wouldn’t even recognize this current version of himself. All the years of work and legacy were reduced to pieces like this. From being the best in Fab 4 to this. And the cause of what? Lack of self-control and inability to work on past mistakes. not done @imVkohli
— Yashvi (@BreatheKohli) December 30, 2024
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