Aakash Chopra Critiques Virat Kohli’s Recent Test Form
Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has voiced concerns over Virat Kohli’s disappointing performances in Test cricket over the past five years, particularly following India’s recent loss to New Zealand in a home Test series—a first for the team. Despite showing flashes of brilliance, Kohli’s consistency has significantly dwindled, failing to meet the lofty standards expected of him. This inconsistency has raised eyebrows among fans and analysts alike.
Chopra highlighted Kohli’s underwhelming statistics from the recent series against the Kiwis, where he has scored just 88 runs in four innings, with a notable 70 runs coming in the second innings of the first Test in Bengaluru. The former opener delved deeper into Kohli’s overall performance over the last five years, revealing that he has managed only two centuries in Test cricket during this period, both of which came in 2023. However, Chopra pointed out that one of these centuries was scored on a flat pitch against Australia, which he argued should be evaluated with caution.
A Closer Look at Kohli’s Test Statistics
“Is Virat Kohli’s Test form a concern? Only two hundred runs have been scored by him in the previous five years. It’s a concern if you see his numbers for the last five years, and that was before the start of this Test match,” Chopra explained in his recent YouTube analysis. He elaborated on Kohli’s performance across various years, noting that in 2020, he played just six innings with an average of 19. In 2021, he fared only slightly better, participating in 19 innings with an average of 28 and no centuries to his name.
In 2022, Kohli’s struggles continued, as he again failed to score a century in 11 innings, averaging 26. Although he scored two centuries in 2023, Chopra expressed skepticism, stating that one of these innings came in a drawn match on a flat Ahmedabad pitch, which diminishes its significance. Furthermore, the analysis highlighted that Kohli’s average in 2023 was 55, but with only modest contributions in the current year, concerns about his ongoing form continue to mount.
The Road Ahead: Upcoming Challenges for Kohli
Looking at 2024, Kohli’s performance remains a point of concern. In 10 innings, he has managed only 245 runs at a meager average of 27.22, with just a single half-century. As the Border-Gavaskar Trophy approaches, Kohli’s lack of form becomes increasingly troubling for the Indian team, as they rely heavily on his experience and prowess in the longest format of the game.
Historically, Kohli has been a formidable opponent for Australia, maintaining an impressive average of 54.08 in Test matches played in the country. There is still a final Test match against New Zealand where Kohli has an opportunity to regain his rhythm. If he can produce a significant innings, it could bolster his confidence and readiness for the challenges that lie ahead in Australia.
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As the cricketing world watches closely, the focus will be on whether Kohli can navigate this challenging phase and reclaim his spot as one of the leading batsmen in Test cricket. The upcoming match presents not just a chance for runs but also an opportunity to silence the critics and reinstate his stature as a key player for India.
