Virat Kohli's Test Form Raises Concerns Following Series Loss to New Zealand

Virat Kohli's recent struggles in Test cricket have come under scrutiny following India's disappointing series defeat to New Zealand. The batting icon has had a challenging time, particularly against spin bowlers, and has failed to find his rhythm on turning tracks, scoring just 9 and 17 in Pune against Mitchell Santner. This lack of form has coincided with a broader decline in his red-ball performance since the COVID-19 pandemic, during which he has managed only two Test centuries in the last four years.

Kohli's recent record shows that spinners have become a significant challenge for him, with 21 of his dismissals since 2021 attributed to spin bowling. Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra has voiced concerns regarding Kohli's batting stats, suggesting that his current form poses a risk to the team's performance.

"Is Virat Kohli's Test form a concern?" Chopra questioned on his YouTube channel. "He has scored only two centuries in the last five years, and that’s before the start of this Test match. In 2020, Kohli averaged just 19 across six innings. His average improved slightly in 2021 to 28, but he didn't score a century that year."

In the last ten innings, Kohli has only managed one half-century, which has adversely affected India’s results in the ongoing series against New Zealand. Chopra emphasized the importance of Kohli and fellow senior player Rohit Sharma in providing stability to the team, especially with many younger players around them lacking experience.

Chopra further remarked that the younger Indian batters have adopted an aggressive style of play, making Kohli's role even more vital. He highlighted the need for Kohli to not only score heavily but also to bat for extended periods, providing a calming influence in the batting order.

"All these young players are keen on playing big shots and pursuing their style," Chopra explained. "In this scenario, Kohli’s ability to anchor the innings and bat for two to two-and-a-half sessions becomes essential. He must be the pivot around which the team's batting revolves, and it will be problematic if he isn’t able to fulfill that role."

As Kohli faces these challenges, both he and the Indian team will look to rebound and regain their form in upcoming matches.