Once revered for his refusal to budge from the crease through unmatched skill and sheer willpower, Virat Kohli touches down in Australia amidst a form slump that has left fans questioning whether he’s lost his competitive edge. Watch every ball of Australia v India LIVE & ad-break free during play in 4K on Kayo | New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited time offer > The 36-year-old has averaged 20.
62 across his ten most recent Test innings, with uncharacteristic dismissals during the recent home series against New Zealand suggesting the mental side of his game was on the decline. After being bowled by a low full toss from spinner Mitchell Santner in Pune, Kohli ran himself out at Wankhede Stadium after attempting a suicidal single on the final over of the day. During his prime, he would have never thrown his wicket away in such wasteful fashion.
The right-hander’s Test numbers have been on the decline since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic; he has averaged 31.68 since 2020, while that figure dips to 27.83 when excluding draws.
His failure to contribute to wins during that period is even more concerning, not scoring a century in a Test victory for over five years. Any other player in the Indian team would have been dropped following such a slump – just ask Ajinkya Rahane. Virat Kohli’s Test batting average by year 2020 – 19.
33 2021 – 28.21 2022 – 26.50 2023 – 55.
91 2024 – 22.27 Kohli’s mediocrity hasn’t gone unnoticed – national coach Ga.
