Australia vs India 2018-19: 3 factors that contributed to India’s defeat at Perth

#2 The lack of support for Virat Kohli hampered India’s chances

Virat Kohli needed the support of his other batsmen, which was not to be the case

On what proved to be a very tricky, unpredictable pitch at the Optus Stadium, Perth Virat Kohli showed yet again why he is in a league of his own.

In what would go down as among the best knocks played by an Indian overseas, he showed that if you have the right intent and are willing to forego your usual style of play- any peak is surmountable.

The pitch coupled with the quality of the Australian bowling attack meant that the best had to come from Virat Kohli for India to challenge Australia.

The intent, control and confidence with which he went about building his innings en route to a fabulous 123 was amazing to watch.

But what let India down was the over-dependence on Virat Kohli to do the scoring. It is virtually impossible for one player to dominate in such hostile, gruelling conditions. Virat Kohli needed the support of his other batsmen, which was not to be the case.

Cheteshwar Pujara was fantastic at the Adelaide Oval but unfortunately got two snotters at Perth. Ajinkya Rahane looked to be a bit off in his new attacking avatar whereas India could have used his solid technique and partnership building capabilities. The openers KL Rahul, Murali Vijay and Rishabh Pant flattered to deceive.

This has been a trend that has continued for some time now. Virat Kohli was a one-man run machine in England and South Africa in 2018, but the series results spoke for themselves. It requires a team effort to win games of test cricket overseas.

Cheteshwar Pujara has proved his mettle in this tour and can go on to play a crucial role later in the series.

But the question is who else can support Virat Kohli? This is the main reason why India find themselves in a position where despite playing so well at Adelaide Oval they may not have it in them to upsurge Australia and win their first series down-under.