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Xtra Time Web Desk: Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar expressed disappointment over Virat Kohli’s avoidable dismissal on Day 3 of the ongoing Brisbane Test against Australia on December 16. Kohli’s downfall, a familiar edge off Josh Hazlewood’s full-length delivery, has once again put the spotlight on his struggles outside the off-stump, adding further pressure on India’s batting lineup.

India, already in a fragile position after losing openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill cheaply, found themselves in deeper trouble when Kohli departed for just three runs. Hazlewood’s fuller ball, pitched wide outside off, tempted Kohli into a loose drive, resulting in an easy catch for wicketkeeper Alex Carey.

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Speaking to Star Sports, Bangar emphasized Kohli’s disappointment with the dismissal, as it was a mistake that could have been avoided, especially given his preparations ahead of the Test match. Bangar remarked, “The last 3 dismissals could be given credit to the bowlers, but this is one which he would be certainly disappointed with because that was a ball which he in fact played before the start of this Test match. The thing that we noticed was that he wanted to leave a lot of balls outside off-stump.”

Bangar further explained that Kohli’s shot selection in this case was not ideal for the early stages of his innings. “These are the balls which any batter would want to hit in the early part of the innings. He looked to defend, but apart from that, this particular dismissal, there was a rank wide-ish half-volley, he could have easily let that go in the early part of his innings,” Bangar added.

Kohli’s dismissal follows a concerning pattern, with similar mistakes creeping into his game recently despite rigorous efforts during net sessions to tighten his technique. Analysts and fans have increasingly voiced concerns over Kohli’s consistency, which remains crucial for India’s stability in tough conditions.

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Australia, having posted a massive first-innings total of 445, applied immense pressure on India from the outset. Mitchell Starc struck early, removing Jaiswal with the second ball of the innings and later sending Shubman Gill back with the help of a brilliant catch by Mitchell Marsh. Hazlewood then capitalized on the momentum by dismissing Kohli, reducing India to a perilous 22/3.

Rain soon interrupted play, forcing an early lunch. After the break, KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant tried to stabilize the innings, but proceedings were halted again due to another spell of rain, preventing India from building any rhythm.

With the team already trailing by a significant margin and the top order crumbling under pressure, the task ahead is daunting for skipper Rohit Sharma and his men. The Indian management will hope for a strong response on Day 4 to avoid a complete collapse and fight back on a challenging Gabba surface.