Virat Kohli Faces Scrutiny Amid Form Dip Ahead of New Zealand Series
There is no doubt about India’s dominant form in Test cricket throughout 2024, having secured victories in seven out of their eight matches. With an upcoming three-match home series against New Zealand, India looks poised to further bolster their stats. However, much of the attention has shifted to the performance of star batter Virat Kohli, who has struggled to deliver consistent results in the longest format. Since his last Test century in July 2023 against South Africa, Kohli has only managed one 50-plus score in his previous eight innings.
India’s head coach, Gautam Gambhir, addressed the ongoing concerns surrounding Kohli’s form, expressing his firm belief in the batter’s abilities. “My thoughts about Virat have always been very clear—he is a world-class cricketer,” Gambhir said. From the moment of his debut until now, he has always had a strong desire to run. That hunger is what makes him a great player, and I am sure he will be eager to get runs in this series and the upcoming matches against Australia.”
Gambhir stressed that the judgment of players should not be based on a game-by-game basis. He emphasized the importance of looking at the overall performance of the team rather than focusing on individual setbacks. “You can’t judge players after every game,” he said. It’s a sport, and part of that is failing. What’s important is that the team achieves the desired results, and individuals do what’s needed to get us there.”
My Job Is to Back the Players: Gambhir
The India head coach also reiterated his commitment to supporting the players, emphasizing the team’s collective focus on upcoming challenges. “Everyone doesn’t have the best days every day,” Gambhir explained. “The vibe we have is to back our players. My job is to support them and pick the best XI, not to drop players. I’m confident that everyone is hungry to perform, especially with eight consecutive Test matches coming up.”
The first Test of the series is set to begin on October 16, 2024. Despite Gambhir’s confidence in Kohli’s abilities, the cricketing world will be closely watching how the 35-year-old performs against New Zealand. The pressure is certainly on for Kohli to regain his rhythm and deliver the kind of innings fans have come to expect from him.
As Kohli prepares for the series, the conversation about his recent form will undoubtedly continue. But Gambhir remains optimistic, believing that Kohli’s experience and hunger will ultimately help him bounce back in style. Only time will tell how Kohli fares in this critical series, but one thing is certain—his every move will be closely monitored by fans and pundits alike.
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Kohli’s performance in the upcoming matches will also be critical for India as they prepare for their next challenge—an intense tour of Australia. With eight Tests ahead, Kohli has ample opportunities to silence critics and prove his value in red-ball cricket once again.
The series against New Zealand will not only test Kohli but also India’s overall mettle as they face a determined Kiwi side. For Kohli, this series represents more than just scoring runs—it’s about reclaiming his dominance in the Test arena.
