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Cricket (Sport)

Virat Kohli's Red-Ball Form: A Cause for Concern for Team India

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The recent loss of India's Test series to New Zealand has sparked concerns about the form of batting maestro Virat Kohli, who has struggled against spinners and failed to read the length on multiple occasions. Kohli's lack of success in red-ball cricket has been particularly evident since the post-COVID era, with the former India captain scoring only two Test centuries in the past four years. As the team's reliance on the young and inexperienced players grows, the need for Kohli's stability and contributions becomes even more crucial. Former opener Aakash Chopra has pointed out Kohli's struggles, citing his batting numbers since 2020, which show a concerning decline in form.

Key Takeaways:

  • Virat Kohli has struggled against spinners in Test cricket, getting dismissed 21 times since 2021.
  • Kohli's form has dipped since the post-COVID era, with only two Test centuries in the past four years.
  • Kohli's average in 2020 was 19, while in 2021 it was 28, with no century in both years.
  • In 2022, Kohli played 11 innings with an average of 26, with no century.
  • In 2023, Kohli scored two centuries, but one was on a flat track in a drawn game in Ahmedabad.
  • Kohli's current average of 32 in eight innings has also raised concerns about his form.
  • Former opener Aakash Chopra feels that India needs seniors Rohit and Kohli to score big, as other players lack experience.
  • Chopra believes Kohli's stability and contributions are crucial for the team, particularly with the young and inexperienced players.

Statistics:

  • Virat Kohli has been dismissed 21 times by spinners since 2021.
  • Kohli has scored no centuries in 2020, 2021, and 2022.
  • Kohli's average in 2020 was 19, in 2021 was 28, in 2022 was 26, and in 2023 was 55 (one century was on a flat track in a drawn game).
  • Kohli's current average in 2023 is 32 in eight innings.

Sources:

  • "Virat Kohli's lacklustre form in red-ball cricket has been scrutinised after India's Test series loss against New Zealand." - Hindustan Times, Oct. 27
  • Aakash Chopra's YouTube channel, discussing Kohli's form and concerns for Team India.
  • Hindustan Times, Oct. 27 - Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission.

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