Archer Exposes Kohli's Weakness in First ODI
Jofra Archer used a familiar ploy to trap Virat Kohli lbw for just five runs in the first ODI against England, exposing a recurring technical issue.
Virat Kohli's return to international cricket after winning IPL 2025 with RCB ended in disappointment as Jofra Archer dismissed him for just five runs in the first ODI at Edgbaston. Kohli, expected to steer India's chase of 259, fell lbw to a fuller-length delivery after missing an attempted flick. Archer brought back memories of past struggles by exploiting a known weakness.
This dismissal mirrored previous instances against Trent Boult in the 2019 World Cup semi-final and Xavier Bartlett in an ODI last year. In both cases, the bowlers set up Kohli with away swing before bringing the ball back in, inducing an ill-judged flick. Archer, who bowled four consecutive overs, was brought back for one more when Kohli came to bat and executed the plan perfectly.
The pattern highlights a technical vulnerability that bowlers continue to target. Kohli's tendency to play across the line on full deliveries has cost him before, and Archer's disciplined bowling proved decisive. India now trail 1-0 in the three-match series.