Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], September 20 (ANI): India’s cricket maestro Virat Kohli’s ongoing battle with spinners in Asia has persisted since 2021, as evidenced by his recent performance in the opening Test against Sri Lanka in Chennai. This match was another instance where Kohli struggled to find his form against spin bowling.

In both innings of the Test, Kohli’s scores were below par, managing just 6 runs in the first innings and 17 in the second. In the first innings, Kohli was dismissed after chasing an outside off-stump delivery from Hasan Mahmud. The second innings saw him falling prey to spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who trapped him in front of the stumps.

A critical moment followed Kohli’s second-innings dismissal. The Ultraedge replay revealed a spike when the bat made contact with the ball, indicating that Kohli would have been ruled not out if he had opted for a review. However, Kohli chose not to use the DRS, leading to his early departure with a score of 17.

This dismissal further highlights Kohli’s struggles against spin in Asia. Since 2021, in Test matches, Kohli has amassed 499 runs from 1,094 balls, being dismissed 18 times. His average during this period is a modest 27.72, with a strike rate of 45.61.

Kohli’s overall form across all formats this year has also been concerning. In 2024, across 15 matches and 17 innings, he has scored only 319 runs at an average of 18.76. He has managed just one half-century, with his highest score being 76 during the T20 World Cup final against South Africa.

In the Test arena, Kohli’s average has dipped to an eight-year low. Over his career spanning 114 Tests, he has scored 8,871 runs in 193 innings at an average of 48.74, including 29 centuries and 30 fifties. The last time his average was lower than this was in November 2016 when it stood at 48.28.

The decade of the 2020s has not been kind to Kohli in Test cricket. Since the beginning of 2020, he has played 30 Tests and scored only 1,669 runs at an average of 32.72, with two centuries and eight fifties from 52 innings. His highest score in this period is 186.

During the current ICC World Test Championship cycle (2023-25), Kohli has shown glimpses of his brilliance. In five Tests and eight innings, he has scored 392 runs at an average of 49.00, including a century and two fifties. His top score in this period is 121.

As India continues its quest for their first World Test Championship title, much depends on Kohli regaining his peak form. The upcoming series against New Zealand and Australia will be crucial for both Kohli and India’s aspirations. (ANI)