Virat Kohli, one of India’s most celebrated batsmen, is now facing questions about his Test career as his batting form, especially against spin, has declined in recent years. Once known for dominating spinners on home turf, Kohli’s struggles have raised concerns. With his performance graph dipping steadily since 2021, cricket experts and fans are beginning to wonder: should Virat Kohli consider stepping away from Test cricket?
Recent Form: A Challenging Phase for Kohli
In the Pune Test, Kohli managed to score only 1 run off 9 balls in the first innings, a performance that fueled criticism. What’s worrying is not just the low score but the way he got out—playing a shot not typical of his style and falling to a left-arm spinner. This trend, where Kohli appears uncomfortable against spin, is a far cry from his previous prowess, especially on Indian pitches.
Former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar pointed out that Kohli’s shot selection was one of his poorest, something unexpected from a player of his experience. The former captain, renowned for his resilience and technical prowess, now seems caught off guard, particularly by spinners on pitches that once brought out his best.
Kohli vs Spin: The Numbers Reveal a Shift
The statistics tell a striking story of how Kohli’s performance against spin on Indian soil has shifted. Between 2012 and 2020, Kohli averaged 74.64 against spinners at home, scoring 1,866 runs across 54 innings and being dismissed by spin just 25 times. Notably, left-arm spinners only claimed his wicket 5 times in those 8 years. His ability to read and handle spin was seen as a strength, giving him the upper hand against even the most skilled spinners.
However, post-2021, Kohli’s performance against spin has taken a noticeable hit. In 22 innings on home ground since then, he has averaged just 30.2, with spinners dismissing him 19 times, 9 of which were by left-arm spinners. This decline highlights an evident struggle against a style he once mastered, causing fans to worry about whether Kohli can regain his former confidence in Tests.
The Impact of Consistent Dismissals by Spin
One of the key factors causing concern is how left-arm spinners have consistently troubled Kohli. These dismissals are not just occasional lapses but indicate a deeper issue with his timing and shot selection. It seems as though Kohli is getting caught off guard more frequently by the spin-friendly conditions on home pitches, which were once his fortress.
Being unable to perform reliably at home raises questions about his role in the Test squad. This decline is surprising, especially for a player who has dominated the Test format for years and carried the Indian team through challenging series.
Kohli’s Next Move: Time for Reflection?
For a player like Kohli, who has contributed immensely to Indian cricket, the current phase is surely frustrating. As he navigates through this slump, he may need to rethink his strategy in Tests, perhaps considering a focus on limited-overs formats where his recent performances have been more stable. While stepping away from Tests is a big decision, it could give him time to refine his technique or explore other opportunities in cricket.
The discussion around Kohli’s future in Tests reflects his iconic status and high expectations from fans and experts alike.
