Virat Kohli, once the undisputed king of world cricket, has faced increasing scrutiny over the past few years, particularly in the longest format of the game. Despite a decent 2023, the Indian batting superstar has struggled to maintain the dominant form that made him one of the best in the world. Since 2020, Kohli has scored just three centuries in Test cricket, a stark contrast to the prolific run machine he was earlier in his career. The latest series against Australia has once again raised questions about his place in the team, as he continues to battle his weaknesses, particularly outside the off stump.
The Struggles of Virat Kohli
Kohli’s recent record in Tests has been underwhelming. While he has managed to score sporadically, his consistency has been lacking. In the ongoing India vs Australia series, Kohli has scored 167 runs in eight innings at an average of 27, which is far below the standards he once set for himself. His struggles are evident when compared to his previous feats; the Virat Kohli who used to score centuries with ease is now facing a drought, one that has stretched across multiple series.
A major concern is Kohli’s vulnerability outside the off stump, where he has been dismissed behind the wickets six times in this series alone. His inability to counter this weakness has been a constant issue, especially against quality seam bowling. In 2024, Kohli’s struggles have continued, with only 417 runs from 10 Tests at an average of 24—figures that are uncharacteristically low for a player of his caliber.
Rohit Sharma’s Struggles & Kohli’s Position in the Team
While much of the focus has been on India’s Test captain Rohit Sharma, whose poor form has led to questions about his future, Kohli isn’t entirely out of the firing line. Rohit has managed just 31 runs in the series against Australia at an abysmal average of 6, and fans have started speculating about his imminent retirement from the format. But Kohli, too, is under the microscope. While his performances haven’t been as poor as Rohit’s, the pressure is mounting on the former captain to rediscover his form.
In fact, there are increasing calls for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to prepare an “exit plan” for Kohli, as he approaches the twilight years of his Test career. Kohli retired from T20 internationals in 2022, and there’s growing speculation that he might follow suit in Test cricket as well.
Atul Wassan’s Call for an Exit Plan
Former India cricketer Atul Wassan has voiced his opinion on Kohli’s future in the team, suggesting that the BCCI should prepare for a succession plan. “Virat has got runs, but he also knows what’s happening. They are very sorted mentally. A player always thinks that ‘my best is around the corner’. I’ll do it just now. It’s such a long spell; it’s hurting the team, and there is questioning, saying you should be dropped. A lynch mob comes after you,” Wassan said in an interview with ANI.
Wassan emphasized the importance of having a clear plan for Kohli’s eventual exit, both for the sake of the team and the cricketing structure. “They also know what is going on. I think an exit plan, like a succession policy, must be clear. It’s not fair on the management, the team, and the cricketing structure. We don’t know what’s there in your mind,” Wassan added.
The Future of Virat Kohli in Test Cricket
The question of Virat Kohli’s future in Test cricket is now a topic of heated debate. With his recent struggles, particularly his technical flaws against the moving ball and his inability to score consistently, Kohli’s place in the team is under serious examination. Despite his immense legacy, which includes over 70 international centuries, his form in the longest format since 2020 has not lived up to expectations.
While it is clear that Kohli remains a player of exceptional ability, his current form and the pressure on him to perform have sparked discussions on his potential retirement. Whether he can rediscover his old form or whether the BCCI will soon need to make tough decisions regarding his future will be key talking points in Indian cricket in the months to come.
As India moves forward, the transition in leadership and players is inevitable, and Kohli’s eventual departure from Test cricket may soon become a reality. However, only time will tell if he can overcome his technical issues and end his Test career on a high note, or if he will quietly step aside as part of a changing of the guard in Indian cricket.
