Virat Kohli’s first stint in the match simulation at WACA was brief but challenging. Coming in after KL Rahul’s early departure due to an elbow injury, Kohli faced an immediate test on the notoriously bouncy WACA pitch. The simulation was a test for India’s batting stars, with both Kohli and Shubman Gill trying to get accustomed to the pace and bounce. Kohli’s initial period in the middle saw him struggle slightly with the unpredictable bounce, scoring just 15 runs before Mukesh Kumar made inroads by dismissing him.

Kohli faced several bowlers during this stint, including Mukesh Kumar, Prasidh Krishna, Navdeep Saini, and Nitish Kumar Reddy. Mukesh Kumar, who has been making waves in the Indian camp, was reported to have been the toughest challenge for Kohli. His deliveries skidded low, and Kohli even narrowly escaped being caught when a ball kissed the bottom of his bat and landed just in front of the slip fielders. Despite struggling to get going initially, Kohli did manage to display some of his trademark cover drives, but ultimately, he fell to Mukesh while trying to drive a fifth stump delivery.

After his dismissal, Kohli spent time in the nets with throwdown specialists, working on his technique. When he returned to the middle, his batting looked in much better rhythm. His judgment of line and length was sharper, and his hand-eye coordination seemed to be back on track. Kohli managed to score 30 runs without losing his wicket before leaving the field, showing much improved composure compared to his earlier struggles.

Alongside Kohli, other key Indian players like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, and Rishabh Pant were alternating between the match simulation and net practice sessions. The atmosphere in the Indian camp remained light-hearted, with Kohli seen joking around with Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, and Jasprit Bumrah, helping maintain a relaxed environment as the team prepared for the series.

However, India’s concerns about injuries continue to grow. Shubman Gill injured his thumb during the simulation, and his availability for the Perth Test is now in doubt. With Rohit Sharma also likely to miss the Perth Test, India’s batting lineup faces significant challenges. Kohli, as the senior-most member of the team, will need to lead from the front. In his absence, young batter Dhruv Jurel could be slotted into the playing XI, and all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy is expected to make his debut.

As the Indian team gears up for the upcoming Test series in Australia, Kohli’s form and leadership will be pivotal in guiding the team through this difficult phase.