Virat Kohli’s recent slump in form has dominated headlines in 2024, leaving cricket fans and experts alike questioning the future of one of India’s finest batsmen. With just 250 runs in six Tests this year, averaging a mere 22.72, Kohli’s performance has been a significant departure from his stellar career average of 47.83 in the longest format. The drop in form, especially against spin bowling, has raised eyebrows, particularly after India’s humiliating 0-3 defeat against New Zealand on home soil.
Despite the slump, legendary cricketer Kapil Dev, former captain of India and 1983 World Cup winner, is optimistic about Kohli’s return to form. Speaking in an exclusive interview with Livemint during the inauguration of the Night Golf Festival in Greater Noida, Kapil Dev shared his thoughts on Kohli’s current challenge and his ability to bounce back from adversity.
Kohli’s Struggles: A Closer Look at His Recent Form
Virat Kohli, regarded as one of the modern greats of cricket, has not been immune to the occasional form dip. In 2024, Kohli’s struggle to perform consistently in Test cricket has been particularly evident. After playing six Tests this year, he has failed to reach his usual standards, managing just 250 runs and notching up only two half-centuries. This underperformance has sparked discussions, with many pointing to his difficulty in handling spin bowling, an issue that has haunted him since 2020. Out of his 57 Test dismissals in the past three years, 24 have come at the hands of spinners.
For Kohli, who has been a pillar for India in Test cricket, this slump is uncharacteristic. His inability to play spin with the same fluency as before has left many wondering whether the mental and technical aspects of his game need reworking. With India’s next big challenge—the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) against Australia—just around the corner, Kohli’s form, or lack thereof, is under intense scrutiny.
Kapil Dev’s Optimism: “Great Players Don’t Take Long”
While Kohli’s recent struggles have drawn attention, Kapil Dev remains confident that the star batsman will soon find his rhythm again. Kapil, in his interview, drew parallels between Kohli and other cricket legends who have faced similar rough patches in their careers.
“Nobody is a champion in cricket. Every day you can learn,” said Kapil Dev. “Virat Kohli is a sorted individual. He has faced difficult times before, and I have no doubt that he will come out of this phase stronger.”
Kapil cited examples of great players, including Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Sunil Gavaskar, all of whom went through slumps in their careers. However, as Kapil put it, the hallmark of great players is their ability to bounce back quickly. “Great players don’t take very long to regain form. They bounce back, and I believe Kohli will too.”
Kohli’s Record Against Australia: A Ray of Hope
Despite his recent struggles, Kohli has an impressive record against Australia, which could serve as a source of motivation. In 24 Tests against Australia, Kohli has scored 1,979 runs at an impressive average of 48.26, including eight centuries. Six of those centuries came on Australian soil, a testament to his ability to perform under pressure.
With the BGT series set to begin on November 22 in Perth, Kohli will have an opportunity to put his struggles behind him and prove his mettle once again. The Australian conditions, which typically favor aggressive batters, could provide Kohli with the ideal platform to rediscover his touch.
Kohli’s Comeback: A Matter of When, Not If
Kapil Dev’s belief in Kohli’s ability to return to form is unwavering. He reminded everyone that even the greatest players experience slumps. What sets the greats apart is their resilience and ability to make a swift comeback. Kohli’s track record, both in domestic and international cricket, suggests that his current struggles are likely temporary.
“We all know how talented Virat is. He has been one of the most consistent players for India. A bad patch is part of every player’s career, but it’s how quickly you overcome it that defines you,” Kapil added.
For fans and experts, the big question now is not whether Kohli will regain his form, but when. With the upcoming series against Australia, the stage is set for Kohli to silence his critics and remind the world of his greatness.
Conclusion: Kohli’s Journey from Slump to Comeback
While Virat Kohli’s current form may be a cause for concern, the cricketing world has seen enough of his brilliance to trust in his ability to bounce back. Kapil Dev’s perspective serves as a reminder that even the best have faced tough times but have managed to return stronger. Kohli’s record against Australia gives hope that the upcoming series could be the turning point in his career. With the right mindset, a bit of technical adjustment, and the backing of his fans, Kohli will likely be back to his best sooner rather than later.
In the world of cricket, as in any sport, form is temporary, but class is permanent. Virat Kohli’s class is undeniable, and his journey back to form could be just around the corner. Let’s hope that this upcoming series against Australia marks the beginning of Kohli’s next great chapter.
