Sunil Gavaskar has criticised Virat Kohli for his dismissal on day five of the WTC 2023 final, saying it was an “ordinary” shot at a crucial juncture.

Needing 444 runs to win the 2021/23 World Test Championship final, India got off to a steady start, reaching 92-1 before two quick wickets rocked them. However, an unbeaten 71-run stand in the last session on day four between Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane ignited hopes of a fightback.

India started confidently on Sunday but Kohli’s dismissal in the 47th over spelt doom for the side. Scot Boland sent down a fuller wide of off-stump delivery, and Kohli, on 49, was tempted to go after it, but managed a thick outside edge, which was grabbed by Steve Smith at second slip.

A procession followed thereafter, with India losing their last six wickets for 55 runs. Australia won the Test match by 209 runs to clinch the World Test Championship.

After the match, Gavaskar attacked Kohli for his dismissal at a crucial juncture, adding that his batting on 49 played a part in his departure as a landmark neared.

Speaking to Star Sports, he said, “It was a bad shot. It was an ordinary shot. You [the anchor] are asking me how he [Boland] did that [outfox Kohli] – but you should ask Kohli what shot he played.

“That was a shot outside the off stump. We talk so much about the fact that when you are going to win a match, you need a long innings, a century-plus innings. How are you going to get a century-plus innings, when you play a shot that is so far outside the off stump? He was batting on 49, and nearing a landmark. “I don’t think Virat Kohli would have played that shot if he wasn’t near a personal landmark.”

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