As the much-anticipated Border Gavaskar Trophy looms, India and India A clashed in a behind-closed-doors practice match at Perth’s WACA Ground. The 3-day fixture, aimed at fine-tuning the senior team’s preparations for Australia’s formidable bowling attack, brought mixed results for India’s batting lineup on Day 1.

In a concerning development, Virat Kohli’s ongoing struggle for consistency surfaced again as the star batter managed only 15 runs before being dismissed by Mukesh Kumar. Kohli began his innings with characteristic poise, showcasing a signature cover drive that hinted at his brilliance. However, his stay at the crease was cut short after edging a sharp delivery to second slip, leaving fans and analysts questioning his readiness to face the likes of Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc in the main series.

Adding to the worries, India’s explosive wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant, who played a pivotal role in the recent whitewash of New Zealand, also failed to make an impact. Pant, known for his fearless strokeplay, was dismissed cheaply, raising concerns about the middle order’s ability to counter Australia’s pace-heavy attack.

The practice match was designed to pit the senior team against India A’s promising talents, many of whom have been honing their skills in Australian conditions. The decision by the BCCI to host the match in private has drawn mixed reactions, with fans expressing disappointment at being excluded from witnessing the team’s preparations.

Despite the setbacks, India’s management remains focused on extracting key lessons from the warm-up game. With Australia boasting a lethal trio of Cummins, Starc, and Hazlewood, replicating similar challenges through India A’s bowling unit is seen as a vital step toward acclimatizing to Australian pitches.

Mukesh Kumar, one of India A’s standout performers, made a strong case for himself by removing Kohli. His disciplined line and length troubled several senior batters, emphasizing the depth of India’s talent pool.

As the match progresses, the focus will shift to how India’s batters adjust to the conditions and whether the bowlers can exploit the bounce and pace at WACA. For now, the spotlight remains on Kohli and Pant, whose form will be crucial in determining India’s chances in the marquee series ahead.