Virat Kohli, once hailed as one of the greatest Test batters of his generation, is facing a challenging phase in the longest format of the game. His return to the Ranji Trophy after a 12-year hiatus reflects his recent struggles in Test cricket, with his place in India’s squad for the England tour now under serious doubt.
At the end of 2019, Kohli had amassed an impressive 7202 Test runs at an average of 54.97, with 27 centuries. Many believed he was on track to surpass Sachin Tendulkar’s record. However, the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 marked the beginning of an unexpected decline. In the last five years, his Test average has dropped significantly to 46.9, with only 2028 runs at a modest average of 30.72. Comparatively, his fellow Fab Four contemporaries—Joe Root, Kane Williamson, and Steve Smith—have outperformed him, leaving him far behind in the race for Test supremacy.
Kohli’s struggles stem from multiple factors. Statistically, his performance against spin has deteriorated significantly, with his average against spinners falling from 57.2 (2011-2019) to 31.5 (2020-2025). His backfoot game has also weakened, limiting his scoring options. Unlike in his prime, where he confidently played square cuts, punches, and uppercuts, his reliance on the cover drive and flick has made him more predictable.
Another crucial factor has been the decline in ODI cricket, a format that played a vital role in keeping Kohli in rhythm. The reduction in ODIs since 2020 has seemingly impacted his batting flow, as evident in 2023, when an increase in ODI matches coincided with a brief resurgence in his Test form. However, his frequent breaks from cricket—though personally justified—came at a time when consistency was needed to regain his form in Tests.
Despite these setbacks, Kohli is making efforts to regain his touch. His recent training sessions focusing on his backfoot game indicate his commitment to addressing technical flaws. However, unless he stages a significant comeback soon, his Test career may be remembered as one of immense potential that remained partially unfulfilled.
