New Delhi [India], September 20 (ANI): The much-celebrated Indian cricketer Virat Kohli’s struggle with form continues, as he failed to make a significant impact in the first Test against Bangladesh held in Chennai.

In this Test match, Kohli’s batting woes were evident with scores of just 6 and 17 in the two innings. During the first innings, Kohli was caught chasing a delivery outside the off-stump bowled by Hasan Mahmud. In the second innings, he was dismissed leg-before-wicket due to a controversial decision. Not opting for a review proved costly, as UltraEdge technology later revealed that the bat had made contact with the ball, which would have overturned the on-field umpire’s decision.

This year has been particularly challenging for Kohli across all formats of cricket. In 15 matches and 17 innings, he has accumulated a mere 319 runs at an average of 18.76. His performance includes just one half-century, with his highest score being 76, achieved during the T20 World Cup final against South Africa.

Kohli’s Test average has now plummeted to an eight-year low. Over his career spanning 114 Tests, he has amassed 8,871 runs in 193 innings at an average of 48.74, including 29 centuries and 30 fifties. The last time his average dipped this low was back in November 2016, when it stood at 48.28.

The decade of the 2020s has not been favorable for Kohli in Test cricket. Since the start of 2020, he has played 30 Tests, scoring just 1,669 runs at an average of 32.72. During this period, he has managed only two centuries and eight fifties in 52 innings, with his highest score being 186.

In the ongoing 2023-25 ICC World Test Championship cycle, Kohli has shown glimpses of his old self. In five Tests and eight innings, he has scored 392 runs at an average of 49.00, including one century and two fifties, with a top score of 121. For India to secure their first WTC title, Kohli’s return to form will be crucial in upcoming matches against formidable opponents like Bangladesh, New Zealand, and Australia.

In the match against Bangladesh, after winning the toss and opting to field first, Bangladesh’s bowlers quickly put India on the back foot. The Indian top-order collapsed to 34/3, but opener Yashasvi Jaiswal (56 off 118 balls) and Rishabh Pant (39 off 52 balls) provided some stability with a partnership of 62 runs for the fourth wicket. Despite their efforts, India found themselves struggling at 144/6.

However, a remarkable partnership between Ravichandran Ashwin (113 off 133 balls) and Ravindra Jadeja (86* off 117 balls) for the seventh wicket turned the tide. Their 199-run stand helped India post a respectable total of 376 in 91.2 overs. Hasan Mahmud was the standout bowler for Bangladesh, claiming five wickets for 83 runs and dismantling the Indian top-order by dismissing Rohit Sharma (6), Shubman Gill (0), and Virat Kohli (6). Taskin Ahmed supported well with three wickets for 55 runs.

Bangladesh’s first innings saw them losing wickets at regular intervals. Despite brief resistance from Shakib Al Hasan (32), Litton Das (22), and Mehidy Hasan Miraz (27*), their efforts were thwarted by Indian bowlers Jasprit Bumrah (4/50) and Akash Deep (2/19). Mohammed Siraj and Ravindra Jadeja also chipped in with two wickets each.

By the end of day three, India had reached 81/3 in their second innings, leading by 308 runs. Shubman Gill remained unbeaten on 33*, alongside Rishabh Pant on 12*, after early losses of Rohit Sharma (5), Yashasvi Jaiswal (10), and Virat Kohli (17).

The coming days will be crucial as India looks to capitalize on their lead and aim for a victory while hoping for a much-needed resurgence from Virat Kohli.