Indiaof an impressive 12-year home unbeaten streak It broke on Saturday (October 26). New Zealand A 113-run victory in Pune secured a historic 2-0 series win. It marked India’s first home series defeat since 2012 and New Zealand’s first Test series win in India. The Rohit SharmaDefeated by eight wickets in the first Test in Bengaluru, the leading side were bowled out by 301 runs in the second match and faced a daunting chase on a tough Pune surface.
Virat Kohli’s ongoing struggle in Test cricket
Virat KohliHe continued his dismal form in the Pune Test, one of India’s greatest Test knocks, losing by a low full toss. Mitchell Santner for a low score and then dismissed lbw by the same bowler. His recent struggles have not gone unnoticed, with debate surrounding his form and position in the Test squad gaining momentum. Kohli’s Test stats since 2020 highlight a marked decline from his previous career highs. His batting average took a significant hit and he particularly struggled against spin – especially on home soil, a stark contrast to his earlier reputation as one of the world’s best batsmen against spin.
Statistical comparison: before 2020 and after 2020
Kohli’s career in Test cricket can be divided into two distinct phases: his exceptional form up until 2020 and his marked decline since then. By the end of 2019, Kohli had played 84 Test matches and scored 7,202 runs at an impressive average of 54.97. His record during this period boasted a record of 27 centuries and 22 half-centuries, making him one of the most reliable and prolific batsmen in the world. However, as of 2020, Kohli’s average has dropped to 32.73 in 33 matches and he has amassed a total of 1,833 runs with just two centuries and nine half-centuries to his name. A sharp drop from a 50+ average to just above 32 indicates a clear decline in his batting prowess.
| Period | Matches | Innings | Escape | Medium | Hundreds | Fifties | High score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Before 2020 | 84 | 141 | 7,202 | 54.97 | 27 | 22 | 254 |
| After 2020 | 33 | 58 | 1,833 | 32.73 | 2 | 9 | 186 |
Struggles with spin and form decline at home
Kohli’s form against spin has also noticeably deteriorated since 2020, especially on his once dominant home soil. From 2013 to 2019, Kohli mastered the spin in India, scoring a remarkable average of 72.45. Conversely, since 2020, his average at home has fallen to 32.86, largely due to his struggles with spin bowling. Since 2020, 23 of his 55 dismissals have been against spinners. His weakness is more pronounced against left-arm spinners, who have dismissed him 11 times at an average of 22.70. This issue is further highlighted by the fact that his previous comfort with spin bowling has waned markedly, although he fell 14 times to right-arm spin, dropping to a slightly better average of 41.84.
| Period | Average in India | Dismissals by Spin | Dismissal with Left Arm Spin | Dismissals with Right Arm Spin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Before 2020 | 72.45 | 38 | Rare | Down |
| After 2020 | 32.86 | 25 | 11 | 14 |
Also READ: Statistical breakdown: Virat Kohli’s struggles against spinners since 2020
2024: Year of continuous struggle
Kohli’s struggles continued in the current year as he managed just 245 runs in ten innings at an average of 27.22 with just one half-century. His dismissal of Mitchell Santner in a low full toss in the Pune Test shows his lack of touch. This ongoing slump has extended his slump, fueling concerns about his ability to regain form and continue to contribute at international level.
| year | Matches | Innings | Escape | Medium | Half a century | High score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 5 | 10 | 245 | 27.22 | 1 | 70 |
What’s next for Kohli and Team India?
Kohli’s once reliable form has become increasingly unreliable, making his place in the Indian Test team a moot point. Young players who want a place in the squad appear with skill and stamina. Kohli’s slump and inability to deliver impactful innings has left room for question marks around his selection, especially in high-stakes scenarios.
With India on the brink of a series defeat, Kohli’s form will be crucial to salvage a draw in the second Test. India face a tough chase and any significant contribution from Kohli could change the outcome of the game. However, if his struggles continue, the management may have to consider alternatives as India prepare for the upcoming series. Kohli’s form has raised critical questions about the balance between experience and current performance, making future innings pivotal for both his career and India’s fortunes.
