Chennai, September 27, 2024 — Indian cricket superstar Virat Kohli faced criticism following his disappointing performance in the first Test against Bangladesh in Chennai, where he managed to score only 23 runs. Kohli’s innings consisted of 6 and 17 runs in a match that raised concerns about his current form.
In the first innings, Kohli fell victim to Hasan Mahmud’s outside off-stump delivery, while in the second, he was dismissed LBW by spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz. This lackluster display led fans to express their worries, with one asking former cricketer Dinesh Karthik whether Kohli needs to reassess his batting techniques.
Karthik, however, defended Kohli, stating, “Why? Two innings, he has gotten out, sir? It’s Virat Kohli, he is completely okay. One Test doesn’t change anything about his life. He is a champion. Big matches, who do you want? Virat Kohli! He is the king.”
Kohli’s Recent Struggles in Test Cricket
Since 2021, Kohli’s Test performance has been underwhelming, with just 499 runs in 1094 balls and an average of 27.72. In 2024 alone, he has played 15 matches, scored 319 runs across 17 innings, and maintained a dismal average of 18.76, highlighting a significant drop in form with only one half-century.
Kohli’s Test average now stands at its lowest in eight years. Across 114 Tests, he has amassed 8,871 runs at an average of 48.74, including 29 centuries and 30 fifties. The last time his average dipped below this mark was in November 2016.
Looking Ahead
As Kohli navigates this challenging period, fans and analysts alike will be keenly watching how he responds in upcoming matches. With a history of bouncing back, the cricketing world remains hopeful that Kohli will regain his form and once again become the powerhouse batsman India relies on.
