New Delhi – Virat Kohli, known for his incredible skill and powerful batting, has been in a challenging phase, struggling particularly against spin bowling. As one of India’s greatest batsmen, Kohli’s difficulty in facing spin bowlers is raising concerns among fans and cricket experts. Recently, his form has declined, especially when facing left-arm spinners in home conditions.
A Look at the Decline in Kohli’s Performance
In recent matches, Kohli has faced difficulties in scoring against spin, impacting his overall performance. During India’s recent matches against Bangladesh, Kohli managed only 99 runs in four innings with scores of 6, 17, 47, and 29. This struggle continued against New Zealand, where he managed just 71 runs in three innings, including a rare duck. His total of 170 runs across the last seven innings highlights the extent of this slump.
Kohli’s past records show he has handled spin with ease, but a noticeable change has been observed in his approach over the last few years. His average against spin has fallen considerably, and his consistency in Test matches at home is not as strong as it once was.
Spin Bowling: Kohli’s Achilles Heel?
Kohli’s performance against spin bowlers, particularly left-arm spinners, has become a point of concern. Since 2021, he has struggled to tackle left-arm spinners in Test matches, averaging only 28.78 in 21 innings. During this time, he has been dismissed by left-arm spinners nine times, a statistic that has fans and experts worried about his diminishing confidence against spin.
The figures from his earlier career tell a different story. From 2012 to 2021, Kohli played 54 Test innings at home and scored a remarkable 1,866 runs against spin at an average of 74.64, losing his wicket to spin only 25 times. However, in the past two years, he has scored just 573 runs in 22 innings against spin, and his average has fallen to 30.2. This stark contrast shows that as Kohli’s career progresses, his effectiveness against spin is under increasing scrutiny.
Possible Causes Behind the Struggles
Several factors could be contributing to Kohli’s current challenges. Technical adjustments, changes in batting stance, or even a mental block against spin could be influencing his game. Some analysts suggest that Kohli may need to refine his approach against spinners, especially given how visiting spinners now target him as a vulnerable player.
The stress of staying in form and delivering consistently could also play a part in his struggle. Kohli’s disappointment was evident during the match in Pune, where he visibly expressed frustration after being bowled out by a full toss – a rare sight for a batsman of his skill.
Can Kohli Bounce Back?
The good news for Kohli’s fans is that he has overcome challenging phases before. His tenacity and ability to adapt have always been his strengths. Analysts believe that Kohli has the skill to analyze his current issues and make the necessary adjustments. A few solid performances against spin could bring back his confidence and help him rediscover his form.
While Kohli’s recent stats are unusual, his talent and determination have allowed him to succeed for years. Fans eagerly hope that this phase is a temporary setback and that Kohli will soon return to dominating the field – including facing his challenge with spin bowling.
