"He's tarnished his reputation" - Former RCB head coach makes massive statement on Virat Kohli after BGT 2024-25

Former Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) head coach Simon Katich felt ace batter Virat Kohli harmed his stellar reputation in a forgettable Border-Gavaskar Trophy for him Down Under. With much expected coming into the five-Test series, Kohli failed as a batter and otherwise for most of the tour despite his outstanding record in Australia.

The 36-year-old finished with only 190 runs in nine innings at a dismal average of under 24 even with an unbeaten century in the series opener baked in. Kohli also became a target for the Australian crowds and former players after his shoulder-barging incident with rookie opener Sam Konstas in the fourth Test in Melbourne.

Talking about Kohli's horrific tour of Australia on the Around the Wicket podcast, Katich said [via Wisden]:

"There's no doubt he (Kohli) has been a modern great of the game in all formats. But I think you have to question what sort of headspace he's been in on this tour to be doing that, making physical contact in Melbourne and then even the other unsavoury incident in Sydney with the sandpaper reference there with the pockets. I mean that in itself – there was no need for that. It's old news so in a way I think he's tarnished his reputation somewhat on this tour, on and off the field."

Kohli's disappointing tour meant India suffered a 1-3 series defeat and surrendered the Border-Gavaskar Trophy to Australia for the first time since 2014/15. He struggled massively in the previous series against New Zealand, averaging under 16 in three matches, raising questions about his future in the Indian Test setup.

"He just went overboard on this tour" - Aaron Finch

Australia v India - Men's 5th Test Match: Day 3 - Source: Getty

Virat Kohli's former RCB teammate, Aaron Finch, echoed Simon Katich's sentiments and felt frustration over his lack of production led Kohli into other antics on the field.

The champion batter came into Australia with an average well over 50 in Tests down under but walked away with the number dwindling to under 47.

"It was just a level of frustration. I said last week it seemed as though he wanted to find conflict and confrontation – that's where he generally plays his best cricket. So he just went overboard on this tour. The bump, that was above and beyond anything I've seen on a field, and then the sandpaper, unnecessary. But overall, I think he was trying to find something to ignite a fire in himself, but just wasn't up to it," said Finch (via Wisden).

With India's next Test assignment - a five-match series in England, only in June, it remains to be seen whether Kohli can rediscover his best form. The veteran has scored only three centuries in 39 Test outings since the start of the decade.