Virat Kohli vs. Sachin Tendulkar: A Look at Their Struggles
The careers of Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar are often compared, not just for their successes but also for their struggles during lean patches. As Kohli approaches the twilight of his career, the question arises: whose fall from grace has been more painful to witness?
The Fall of the Titans
Every athlete faces a moment when their once-unstoppable momentum begins to falter. For Kohli, that moment seems to have arrived as he nears 36. His once-reliable scoring ability has diminished, and he finds himself at a career crossroads, grappling with a decline in form that has seen him score only two half-centuries in 23 innings this year, with a best of 76 against South Africa and another in the T20 World Cup final. This stark drop raises questions about his future as he tries to recapture his former brilliance.
Tendulkar's struggles, too, were evident during his illustrious 24-year career. He experienced significant slumps, particularly between 2005 and early 2007, when he battled a series of challenges including injuries and a puzzling drop in form. During this period, his Test average dipped below 50, showcasing a stark contrast to the dominance he had previously exhibited.
Comparing Their Struggles
While both legends have faced difficult times, the nature of their declines varies. Tendulkar’s two notable downturns occurred when he faced the “thirty-three curse” and later in his career post-2011. Despite these difficulties, Tendulkar's performances, even during his struggles, seemed more convincing than Kohli's recent outings, which have lasted over four years.
From 2011 to 2019, Kohli was a formidable force, accumulating 7,202 runs in 84 Tests. However, since 2020, he has managed only 1,833 runs in 33 matches, a significant decline that raises concerns about his ability to adapt. Tendulkar, on the other hand, often reinvented his game; he adjusted his technique, introduced new shots, and modified his approach to deal with aging and injury. This adaptability has been less evident in Kohli’s game.
The Differences in Approach
Tendulkar often demonstrated resilience by finding new ways to score, even when faced with daunting bowling attacks. His ability to bounce back from tough series—like his historic innings in Sydney in 2004, where he scored 241*—showed his mastery and determination. In contrast, Kohli appears to be sticking rigidly to his established methods, which may no longer serve him well. His dismissals, particularly against spinners, echo a growing frustration that suggests a disconnect between his mind and body.
The Mental Aspect of Their Declines
Both players exhibit visible signs of frustration during their struggles, though Kohli's current body language appears more pained. His reactions to being dismissed, particularly against bowlers like Mitchell Santner, evoke memories of Tendulkar's own moments of despair against fierce competition. Kohli’s uncharacteristic dismissals reflect a mental battle that he seems to be losing, while Tendulkar managed to maintain his composure even during tough times.
Legacy and Performance
Kohli may have established himself as a superior white-ball batter, yet the mastery Tendulkar displayed, especially in Tests, is often deemed unparalleled. While both have faced formidable bowling attacks, Kohli's recent statistics suggest a sharper decline than what Tendulkar experienced in his later years.
When Tendulkar was nearing 36, he delivered some of his most memorable performances, scoring crucial centuries in critical matches. In contrast, Kohli is struggling to regain his form as India gears up for challenging Test series against Australia and England.
