Virat Kohli is undoubtedly one of the greatest cricketers of our time. His exceptional batting skills, fierce determination, and unwavering passion for the game have earned him a special place in the hearts of cricket fans all over the world. However, even the best of players go through a rough patch in their career, and Kohli is no exception.
From December 2019 to February 2023, Kohli played 23 Tests and surprisingly, did not score a single hundred. This is a rare occurrence for a player of his caliber, who has a staggering 70 international centuries to his name. But what is even more surprising is that he managed to cross the 50-run mark only six times during this period. This has raised concerns among fans and experts alike, with many questioning Kohli’s form and ability to perform under pressure.
Recently, former Indian spinner Pragyan Ojha made a statement that has sparked a debate in the cricketing world. He said, “Even scoring 50 or 60 runs looks like a failure for Virat Kohli.” This statement has been met with mixed reactions, with some agreeing with Ojha and others defending Kohli’s performance. But what is the truth behind this statement?
Firstly, it is important to understand that Kohli is not just any ordinary player. He is the captain of the Indian cricket team, and with that comes immense pressure and expectations. Every time he walks out to bat, he carries the weight of a billion hopes on his shoulders. This is not an easy task, and it takes a toll on even the best of players. Kohli has been performing at the highest level for over a decade now, and it is only natural for him to have a dip in form at some point.
Secondly, Kohli has set such high standards for himself that anything less than a hundred seems like a failure to him. He has raised the bar for himself with his consistent performances and has become a benchmark for other players. This is a testament to his dedication and hard work, but it also puts immense pressure on him to perform every time he steps onto the field.
Moreover, Kohli’s recent form can also be attributed to the tough competition in international cricket. With the rise of new talents and the emergence of strong teams, the competition has become tougher than ever. Bowlers have studied Kohli’s game and have come up with strategies to dismiss him early. This has made it challenging for Kohli to score big runs consistently.
But despite all these challenges, Kohli has managed to cross the 50-run mark six times in 23 Tests. This is no small feat and shows that he is still a force to be reckoned with. It is also important to note that Kohli has been performing exceptionally well in limited-overs cricket during this period. He has scored five centuries and 14 half-centuries in 37 ODIs and T20Is combined. This shows that Kohli is still a dominant force in the shorter formats of the game.
It is also worth mentioning that Kohli has been going through a lot of personal changes during this period. He got married in 2017 and became a father in 2020. These are major life events that can affect a person’s mental and emotional state. It is possible that these changes have affected Kohli’s focus and concentration on the field.
But despite all the challenges and setbacks, Kohli remains one of the best batsmen in the world. He has proven time and again that he has the ability to bounce back from a rough patch and come back stronger. We have seen this in the past when he went through a similar phase in 2014 and came back with a bang, scoring four centuries in four consecutive Tests.
In conclusion, it is unfair to label Kohli’s performance as a failure just because he has not scored a hundred in 23 Tests. He is a human being, and like all of us, he goes through ups and downs in life. It is important to support and encourage him during this phase, rather than criticizing him. As fans, we should have faith in his abilities and trust that he will come back stronger. After all, even the greatest of players have their off days, but it is their determination and resilience that sets them apart. Let us continue to support and cheer for Virat Kohli, the champion that he is.
