Virat Kohli, once India’s most dependable batsman, has been struggling to find his rhythm in recent Test matches. Despite his poor form, the Indian team management continues to give him chances to play, raising questions about whether it’s time for the Indian cricket board to take a tougher stance. Comparisons are being drawn to Babar Azam, Pakistan’s star player, who was recently rested due to his lack of runs. Should Kohli be given a similar break?
A String of Low Scores
In his last seven Test innings, Kohli has managed just one half-century, with scores like 6, 17, 47, 29, 0, 70, and 1 run. Against Bangladesh at home, where fans expected him to dominate, Kohli failed to perform, scoring just 99 runs in four innings. In the current series against New Zealand, his struggles have continued, including a first-innings duck in Pune and just one run in the second innings. These numbers are far from what is expected of a batsman of his stature.
Trouble with Spin Bowling
One of the more alarming aspects of Kohli’s recent performances has been his vulnerability to spin. Traditionally, Kohli has been a strong player against spin bowlers, but in his recent outings, he has been consistently dismissed by them. This raises concerns not just about his form but also about whether his technique has faltered in some way. Ravi Shastri even called Kohli’s dismissal for 1 run in Pune “the worst of his career.”
With the Indian team scheduled to play a challenging Test series in Australia next month, Kohli’s form has become a growing concern. His last Test century came 596 days ago in 2019, also against Bangladesh, and since then, his performances have been inconsistent.
Babar Azam: A Similar Case?
The situation with Babar Azam offers a potential comparison. Babar, like Kohli, has been a key figure for his team but struggled to deliver in his last 18 Test innings, not even reaching a half-century. The Pakistan cricket board decided to drop Babar for the remaining two matches of the ongoing series against England, citing “rest.” It was a diplomatic way of handling a player in bad form, and it has led to speculation that India might consider the same route for Kohli.
Is It Time to Rest Kohli?
While Babar Azam’s removal was framed as a way to give him rest, it was clear that his ongoing struggles were the primary reason. Given the similarities between their situations, many are wondering why India isn’t considering giving Kohli a break, especially before a crucial series like the upcoming Australia tour.
For years, Kohli has been the backbone of the Indian cricket team. But even the best players go through rough patches. With his current form affecting India’s chances in key matches, it might be time for the Indian selectors to give him a breather.
