Virat Kohli has been among India’s most iconic cricketers for over 15 years. From making his debut in 2008 to becoming the backbone of Indian cricket, his performances have been a source of pride for fans. However, like all great athletes, Kohli has faced ups and downs in his career. His struggles with form, starting in 2020, left even his biggest supporters worried. Yet, his resilience and ability to bounce back have inspired millions.
Kohli’s career had been on an upward trajectory since his ODI debut in 2008 and Test debut in 2011. From 2008 to 2019, he consistently dominated bowlers worldwide. During this period, his bat seemed unstoppable, scoring centuries with ease and maintaining an extraordinary average across formats. However, the year 2020 marked the beginning of a slump that many believe was one of the toughest phases of his career.
International cricket saw significant disruptions in 2020, affected by the pandemic. Kohli’s performance in Test matches took a hit, with his average falling below 40 for the first time since his debut year. Playing only three Tests, he scored a mere 74 runs at an average of 19.33, a stark contrast to his usual standards. While his ODI performance in 2020 remained steady, averaging over 40, the sharp decline in Test cricket became a major talking point.
The following years, 2021 and 2022, didn’t bring much relief. In Test cricket, his form continued to waver. Kohli scored 536 runs in 2021 with an average of 28.21 and 265 runs in 2022 at an average of 26.50. His ODI stats also suffered in 2022, managing only 302 runs in 11 matches at an average of 27.45. These performances led to growing concerns about his future in international cricket. Fans, who had always celebrated his achievements, now found themselves hoping for his return to form.
Then came 2023, a year that reminded everyone of Kohli’s greatness. He made a strong comeback, scoring 671 runs in Test cricket at an average of 55.91. In ODIs, he was even more impressive, accumulating 1377 runs in 27 matches at a staggering average of 72.47. This included match-winning performances in the ODI World Cup, where he played a key role in India’s journey to the finals. His consistency and determination silenced critics and reignited the faith of his supporters.
In 2024, while Kohli struggled to maintain his 2023 momentum, he managed to deliver some memorable performances. One such innings was in the T20 World Cup final against South Africa. With most Indian batsmen faltering, Kohli held his ground, scoring a vital 76 runs and helping India post a competitive total. Despite an overall challenging year, this knock stood out as a reminder of his ability to perform under pressure.
Looking ahead to 2025, fans are optimistic about Kohli’s performance in the ICC Champions Trophy, set to begin on February 19. Known for his exceptional record in the tournament, Kohli has scored 529 runs, the most by any active player in the world. His past success in the Champions Trophy has raised expectations, with supporters hoping he can once again lead India to victory.
Virat Kohli’s journey is a testament to his resilience and passion for the game. While he has faced form slumps and criticism, his comebacks have always been spectacular. As he prepares for the challenges of 2025, one thing remains certain—Virat Kohli’s determination will continue to inspire cricket lovers around the world.
