Cricket

Virat Kohli, the Indian batting maestro, faces a crucial test as he prepares for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. The Australian soil has been a witness to Kohli's dominance in the past, but this time, he carries the burden of regaining form and securing his legacy in Test cricket.Kohli's recent performances have been far from his usual standards. In 19 international matches this year, he has managed only 488 runs at a dismal average of 20.33. His struggles in Tests have been particularly concerning, with just two centuries and nine fifties since 2020.Despite his current form, Kohli remains a formidable opponent in Australian conditions. Former Australian opener David Warner has warned his team about Kohli's potential to rise to the occasion. "Virat always steps up in Australia and embraces the challenge like no one else," Warner wrote. "I'm genuinely worried for the Australian cricket team that he's going to come out and pile on some runs."Kohli's peak form from 2016-2019 saw him amass 4,208 runs in 43 Tests at an astonishing average of 66.79. During this period, he smashed seven double centuries, a record for a Test captain. However, since 2020, his average has dropped to 31.68.The upcoming tour of Australia presents Kohli with an opportunity to rediscover his form and silence his critics. A strong performance could not only boost his confidence but also secure his place in the Indian Test team amid potential transitions after the ICC World Test Championship cycle.Kohli's legacy in Test cricket is at stake. A successful tour of Australia could cement his status as one of the greatest batsmen of all time. However, a continued slump in form could raise questions about his future in the longest format of the game.

Babar Azam's Controversial Gesture Sparks Criticism Amidst Form StrugglesPakistan's star cricketer Babar Azam has come under fire after a video emerged showing him pushing away a fan's hand while taking a picture. The incident occurred ahead of the Pakistan Champions One-Day Cup 2024, where Babar is set to represent Stallions.In the viral clip, a fan attempted to place his arm around Babar's shoulder for a selfie, which the cricketer did not appreciate. He promptly removed the fan's hand but still posed for the picture. This incident has drawn widespread criticism on social media, with fans and pundits questioning Babar's behavior.The incident highlights the pressures and expectations that come with fame, especially during a challenging phase in Babar's career. On the field, he has been struggling with his form. Pakistan's recent defeat in a two-Test series against Bangladesh on home soil has only added to the frustration.Babar's performances—scoring just 0, 22, 11, and 31 in the series—have seen him drop out of the ICC top 10 rankings for batters for the first time in years. This dip in form has further intensified scrutiny over his leadership abilities, particularly after Pakistan's failure to progress beyond the group stage of the T20 World Cup 2024.With Pakistan set for a three-match Test series against England in October, Babar hopes to regain his form and silence critics. His fans will be eagerly watching to see if he can bounce back and lead Pakistan with renewed vigor.