As Virat Kohli celebrates his 36th birthday, the cricket world is abuzz with speculation. Known as one of the best batsmen of his generation, Kohli now faces the same challenge that other cricketing legends faced: maintaining form and breaking records as he moves into the later stages of his career. Kohli’s career, much like that of legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Ricky Ponting, has reached a point where age and expectations have become heavy factors.
However, Kohli brings something different to the table: exceptional fitness. Even at 36, his energy and endurance rival players much younger, making many wonder if he can sustain his performance beyond what is typical for players his age. But can his fitness alone keep him competitive at the highest level, especially as India gears up for a high-stakes series against Australia?
Kohli’s Career in Two Phases: A Look at the Numbers
When examining Kohli’s Test career, two distinct phases stand out. From 2011 to 2019, he scored 27 centuries in 84 Tests, displaying the consistent dominance that placed him among the cricketing elite. However, from 2020 to now, Kohli has managed only two centuries in 33 matches, leading to widespread debate about whether his best years are behind him.
In his last 60 innings, those two centuries come with an interesting perspective: during a five-inning stretch from March 2023 to July 2023, Kohli showed flashes of his old form by scoring two centuries. Yet, excluding those, there’s been a century drought across 55 innings, a detail that worries fans and selectors alike as he heads to Australia.
The Challenge of Age: Following the Path of Other Greats
Many legendary batsmen have struggled to maintain form in their late 30s. The cricket world has seen similar dips from greats like Sir Vivian Richards, Sachin Tendulkar, and Rahul Dravid. The natural decline with age often leads players to consider retirement, as Dravid and Ponting did, recognizing when it was time to step back. Richards and Tendulkar, on the other hand, stretched their careers, leading to varying opinions on their final performances.
Kohli now stands at a similar crossroad. While some believe his recent performance slump mirrors the struggles seen in the last years of other greats, others think Kohli’s exceptional fitness might give him an edge to extend his career effectively. His physical strength and mental tenacity are unmatched, and fans hope these qualities might help him defy the odds.
What the Australia Tour Means for Kohli’s Career
For Kohli, the upcoming Test series in Australia is more than just another tour. The performance he delivers in these five matches will likely set the tone for the next phase of his career. If he can score three centuries or more, he will not only silence his critics but also regain the faith of fans and selectors who view him as essential to India’s Test squad.
On the other hand, if the team underperforms or if Kohli’s own form remains inconsistent, it could signal a critical turning point. The selectors may start rethinking their long-term plans, potentially bringing in younger talent for future series. In this scenario, Kohli’s legendary status could face scrutiny, and his position in the team might no longer be as secure as it once was.
Kohli’s Unique Mindset: Fighting Pressure with Positivity
Kohli’s career has never been free from challenges. After his infamous struggles in the 2014 England tour, he returned stronger and more determined, proving himself as a top batsman. His resilience and positivity have often been his driving forces, helping him rise above moments of doubt. Kohli has never let criticism affect his self-belief and has always viewed challenges as opportunities to grow.
This mental strength will play a crucial role as he faces yet another test in Australia. Kohli has always thrived under pressure, and the upcoming series could provide him with the platform to demonstrate his grit once again. Known for his focus on training and self-improvement, he may be one of the few players capable of turning things around even when the odds are stacked against him.
The “Now or Never” Moment
Many believe this series against Australia is Kohli’s “now or never” moment. With questions surrounding his future, the tour could mark the beginning of a final, successful chapter in his cricket journey—or it could be the start of a natural decline seen in other legends before him. Kohli’s career has always been about setting new records and breaking boundaries, but as he competes against age and critics, the Australia series could be his defining moment.
If Kohli can regain form and lead India to a strong series win, he will likely remain a cornerstone of India’s Test squad heading into future tours. However, if his performance remains lackluster, Kohli and the selectors may have tough decisions to make. In either case, Kohli’s journey is far from ordinary, and his story will continue to inspire fans regardless of the outcome.
