Virat Kohli's Bucket List: A Glimpse into the Next Chapter of His Career

Virat Kohli, the face of Indian cricket, turns 36 today amid a period of self-reflection. Once a prolific run-scorer, Kohli is currently navigating a lean patch, with runs drying up in Test cricket, which has raised doubts about his future in the longest format. Heading to Australia for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Kohli is under immense pressure to rediscover his form, and 2024 could be a defining year for his career.

Despite this challenging phase, Kohli’s legacy remains unshaken. His performances in Australia, from the twin centuries in Adelaide in 2014 to his iconic knock in the 2022 T20 World Cup, have made Down Under a place where he has consistently shone. However, Kohli is now facing the daunting task of silencing his critics and rediscovering his old magic, particularly as he has yet to score a century in Test cricket this year.

The Year 2024: A Mixed Bag for Kohli

2024 started with Kohli showing glimpses of his old self in the Cape Town Test against South Africa, where he scored valuable runs on a challenging pitch. After missing the England series to welcome his second child, Kohli returned to form in the IPL, amassing 741 runs at an average of 61.75 and a strike rate of 154.70. His performance in the T20 World Cup was crucial, as he scored a vital 76 runs in the final to help India claim the title. Following the win, Kohli announced his retirement from T20 internationals, which many thought would reinvigorate his focus on Tests and ODIs.

However, recent struggles in Test series against Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and New Zealand have brought Kohli’s vulnerability to the forefront. He has faced difficulty against both moving and turning deliveries, and his trademark flaw of fishing outside the off stump has resurfaced. With mounting pressure on him, Kohli must now refocus and address his game.

Kohli's Bucket List for Career Redemption

Given the current challenges Kohli faces, the following goals could be pivotal for him to regain his form and achieve the redemption fans and selectors expect:

1. Revive his form in Australia: The upcoming five-Test series in Australia is Kohli's perfect stage for a comeback. Australia has been one of Kohli's favourite venues, and with India needing a 4-0 win to qualify for the World Test Championship final, Kohli's contribution will be vital to this ambitious goal.

2. Surpass Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 100 centuries: While Kohli was once on track to overtake Tendulkar’s record, his 81st century now seems a far cry from the milestone. To chase down this record, Kohli must rediscover his form in Australia and beyond, making 2024 a crucial year in his pursuit of this iconic achievement.

3. Conquer the English pitches: With England potentially being Kohli’s last tour to the country, the 2025 series presents an opportunity to stamp his authority on English conditions, especially with key bowlers like James Anderson and Stuart Broad no longer in the fray.

4. Win the Champions Trophy: India last won the Champions Trophy in 2013, and Kohli has a chance to correct the heartbreak of the 2017 final loss to Pakistan. A Champions Trophy victory in 2025 could be the perfect culmination of Kohli's limited-overs career.

5. Win the IPL with RCB: Kohli’s journey with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) has been one of brilliance and heartbreak. Despite his individual success, RCB has never won the IPL, and this remains a key goal for Kohli. With the 2025 IPL season approaching, the prospect of winning the elusive title would be a fitting conclusion to his IPL journey.

Kohli’s future in international cricket hinges on how he handles the pressure and adapts to the evolving demands of modern cricket. The next few years will undoubtedly shape the final chapters of his illustrious career. Whether Kohli can achieve all these goals remains to be seen, but his legacy is far from over, and his journey toward redemption is just beginning.