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Former India captain Virat Kohli, known as one of the finest batters in cricket history, finds himself at a crossroads in Test cricket. Despite showcasing glimpses of brilliance, including a century in the recent Perth Test against Australia, questions surrounding his consistency in the longer format of the game refuse to fade. Adding to the scrutiny, West Indies fast-bowling legend Andy Roberts has expressed doubts about Kohli’s potential for a complete revival.
A Century Amid Criticism
Kohli’s 81st international century in Perth was a crucial response to critics who questioned his form, including former Australian captain Ricky Ponting. Ahead of the series, Ponting pointed out Kohli’s prolonged lean patch in Tests, noting that he had managed just two centuries in the last five years. This was seen as a rare underachievement for a player of his caliber. Kohli silenced some of these critics by scoring his first Test century in 16 months and helping India secure a record 295-run victory in the series opener of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Roberts’ Candid Assessment
However, Roberts was quick to bring attention to the larger picture. In an interview with Mid Day, the West Indies legend, while acknowledging Kohli as “one of the best batsmen of all time,” expressed disappointment in the batter’s five-year struggle in Test cricket.
“I don’t know if there will be a revival after the Adelaide defeat, but get your batting right. One of your best batsmen of all time has been struggling for the last five years,” said Roberts. He suggested that Kohli’s struggles could be attributed to a lack of focus on the traditional format, which requires unwavering dedication.
“You will get runs and score heavily in Test cricket only when you are fully focused on the longer form. The standard of Test cricket is not the same. The top batsmen look as if they are struggling,” Roberts added.
When asked if Kohli’s focus on T20 cricket had impacted his Test form, Roberts laughed and replied, “I will leave that for the pundits.”
Five Years of Lean Form
A look at Kohli’s Test performances over the past five years paints a concerning picture. Since the start of 2020, he has scored 1961 runs in 64 innings at an average of 32.14—markedly below his career average of over 48. During this period, he has managed just three centuries and nine half-centuries.
Among the “Fab Four” of cricket, which includes Kane Williamson, Steve Smith, Joe Root, and Kohli, the Indian batter has the lowest batting average since 2020. Williamson, in contrast, leads the chart with stellar performances. Kohli’s numbers place him ahead of only Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane among India’s top-order batters in this period, both of whom faced exclusions due to poor form in 2023.
The Challenge Ahead
Despite the century in Perth, Kohli’s path to redemption in Test cricket remains steep. His dwindling numbers suggest the need for a recalibrated approach, one that prioritizes focus on the format. Kohli’s immense talent and mental toughness have helped him overcome slumps in the past, but the unique demands of Test cricket might require him to reinvent his strategy.
Andy Roberts’ critique might serve as a wake-up call, urging Kohli to reflect on his priorities and commit to regaining his once-dominant form in Tests. With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in progress and critical series looming, Kohli’s ability to rise above these challenges could define the twilight of his illustrious career.
Conclusion
Virat Kohli’s struggles in Test cricket over the last five years have been a rare blemish in an otherwise stellar career. While his century in Perth rekindled hopes, the road ahead is fraught with challenges. Andy Roberts’ candid remarks highlight the importance of focus and adaptation for Kohli to revive his Test career. As the cricketing world watches closely, one question looms large: Can Kohli rise above the odds and reclaim his place among Test cricket’s elite?
