Team India suffered a crushing 10-wicket defeat at the hands of Australia in the pink-ball Test match at the Adelaide Oval.

This loss has raised criticism of star batter Virat Kohli, who was dismissed for 7 and 11 across the two innings of the second Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Speaking to mid-day, West Indies pace legend Andy Roberts didn’t mince his words as he expressed doubts over India’s revival in the five-match series.

Roberts also highlighted Kohli’s long-standing struggles in the longest format of the game. “I don’t know if there will be a revival after the Adelaide defeat, but get your batting right. One of your best batsmen of all time has been struggling for the last five years,” Roberts said.

Kohli has scored only three Test hundreds since 2020. In 2024, the 36-year-old averages 26.64 after 16 innings while his overall Test average has slumped to 47.72.

“He needs to be focused on the longer version of the game. You will get runs and score heavily in Test cricket only when you are fully focused on the longer form. The standard of Test cricket is not the same. The top batsmen look as if they are struggling,” Roberts added.

The 73-year-old also questioned India’s decision to bat first in the pink-ball Test. India’s first innings folded for 180 in 44.1 overs before the hosts took a huge lead of 157 runs. The visitors were bowled out for 175 in the second essay, setting a paltry 19-run target for Australia.

“Why did you guys bat first [in Adelaide]. India’s fast bowlers bowled Australia out cheaply in both innings (104 and 238) at Perth. If my fast bowlers outbowl the opposition pacers in the previous Test, I’m not going to give the rivals the first preference in the next Test. Remember, you are not playing on Indian pitches,” Roberts remarked.

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy currently stands level at 1-1, with the third Test scheduled to be held in Brisbane from December 14.