Life is like a roller coaster, and one must accept it. Regardless of how gifted, talented, or hardworking you are in your field, there will come a time when you’ll feel cornered. It is in those moments that your resilience will be tested to see if you can rise above the challenges.
One could say that Virat Kohli is experiencing a lean phase, although some might contend that he is scoring runs in the shorter formats of the game. However, when it comes to the most challenging format, Test match cricket, runs are not flowing from his bat as they used to in the past.
King Kohli’s performance in the test series against Bangladesh and New Zealand suggested that he appeared somewhat cautious.
His statistics from the last five test matches are below par by his high standards, and as a result of his recent decline, his test average has fallen to 47.83, which was previously over 50—the benchmark for any great batsman.
Are we witnessing the decline of Kohli, or can we assert that history has demonstrated over the years that as batsmen age, their reflexes tend to slow down? While their talent remains intact, batting for extended periods becomes more challenging. However, given Kohli’s level of fitness, it’s hard to question his agility.
He continues to run vigorously between the wickets, and his style of play is more physical. He seldom attempts adventurous shots and is quite hesitant to play aerial strokes, hitting the ball primarily along the ground. However, despite these attributes, he has a weakness outside the off stump that bowlers are taking advantage of.
However, despite all the comments made about Kohli, he is an exceptional player who should not be overlooked. Considering that he is a determined competitor and his upcoming challenge is against the formidable Australia—against whom he has an impressive record in their home conditions—he ought to set a personal goal to prove that he still has what it takes. He still has a couple of years left to contribute significantly to his country.
Having said that, the following ”could” be what the great batter can do to rediscover lost touch:
Setting a goal to get back his test average to 50 in BGT
Twenty-one years ago, a remarkable player named Brian Lara encountered similar challenges to those Virat is currently experiencing, enduring lean phases that caused his average to drop to 47, just as Virat’s average has recently declined. Many believed Lara had seen his better days, but he set a goal during the series against Sri Lanka in 2001 by publicly declaring his desire to restore his test average to 50.
To achieve this, he had to perform exceptionally well, and he succeeded in reclaiming what he sought, demonstrating that Lara was far from finished. Virat also has the ability to replicate the feats that Lara achieved against Sri Lanka, so he should aim to restore his test average to 50 in the upcoming series against Australia.
Taking a cue from Sachin’s 241* at SCG in January 2003
Virat is undoubtedly a great player and has nothing to prove to anyone. However, regardless of one’s greatness, it can be beneficial to seek guidance from someone who has faced similar challenges in the past.
A pertinent example for Virat would be Sachin Tendulkar’s patient innings of 241 against Australia at SCG in 2003, during which the little master refrained himself from playing any shots on the offside. This was a strategic decision, as the Australian bowlers had previously exploited his weakness on that side earlier in the series, leading to him getting out caught behind the stumps. Virat should also avoid playing offside to wide deliveries for a while to regain his form. Once he returns to his previous level, we all know he has the ability to dominate any bowling attack.
Virat loves playing Australia- doesn’t he?
Kohli has consistently elevated his performance when facing Australia. Historically, he has appreciated the aggressive style with which Australia approaches the game and has always aimed to enhance his own play against them. In 25 Test matches against Australia, Virat has accumulated 2,042 runs at an average of 47.48, including eight centuries, which is an impressive achievement against a team like Australia. This record may provide him with additional motivation to overcome the slump he is currently experiencing.
What next for Virat Kohli
At 36, this could be his final test series in Australia, so he needs to concentrate even more on performing well to remind all Australians that he hasn’t lost his skill and is still the same run machine they witnessed scoring numerous runs in the past down under.
To conclude, one reckons Virat Kohli has provided us with countless cherished memories across all formats of cricket and has been a tremendous asset to Indian cricket.
The upcoming Border Gavaskar Trophy will present one of his toughest challenges, as he is currently experiencing a slump, and the Australians will not offer him any leniency. The contest between him and the bowlers promises to be captivating, and it is often said that when the going gets tough, the tough get going.
Virat Kohli is a toughie and let’s hope the great batsman will step up and delight his many fans by going on a scoring rampage.
