Over a year since last ton: Virat Kohli experiencing another rough patch in Test cricket?

Virat Kohli, regarded as the master run-scoer in world cricket, has become a shadow of his former self in the ongoing Test season. Playing at home after a stretch of 18 months, Kohli has been seen struggling against Bangladesh at Chepauk. The former skipper registered sub par scores of 6 and 17 in respective innings. Following his infamous pattern, Kohli handed his wicket to a fairly new pacer Hasan Mahmud, as he nudged an outside off delivery in the first innings. In the subsequent knock, Kohli couldn’t hold his own against the spin trap of Mehidy Hasan Miraz. Kohli’s struggle against spin was visible in the white-ball series in Sri Lanka last month. However, now relieved from his T20I duties, Kohli is expected to perform clinical knocks in red-ball, which has not been noted so far in the ongoing WTC cycle.

Virat Kohli struggling against Bangladesh at Chepauk 

In the ongoing India vs Bangladesh Test in Chennai, Kohli's batting has once again raised concerns. Dismissed cheaply in both innings, his failure to convert the starts into meaningful scores highlights his continued struggle. Against Bangladesh, a side that has never won a Test clash against India, came close to threatening the hosts in Chennai as Hasan Mahmud rattled through the line up on the first day in an attack that claimed Kohli along with Rohit Sharma in the very first session.

In the first innings of the Chennai Test, Kohli walked in after India had already lost two quick wickets. This was a scenario suitable for the Fab 4 batter to stabilize the Indian innings and keep the runs ticking. However, Kohli's stay at the crease was brief and uneventful, as he was dismissed for just 6 runs. A loose shot outside the off-stump, a recognised pattern by now, saw him edge the ball to the slips, leaving India in deeper trouble.

The second innings fared no better. Chasing a relatively modest target, Kohli once again failed to deliver, falling to the Bangladesh spinners for a low score. His inability to handle the slow bowlers on a pitch that did not offer significant turn has been a recurring theme in his recent struggles. This is particularly alarming, as Kohli was once known for his impeccable technique and ability to handle all types of bowling, both pace and spin.

Kohli's combined score across both innings in Chennai, not even 20 collectively, is a testament to the fact that Kohli has kicked off another low phase in red-ball cricket. The fans remember how Kohli spent 3 years without a single century in the format. Now, with his last ton witnessed in July 2023, Kohli has spent over a year without a century in the ongoing WTC cycle.

Decline in the form of Virat Kohli in the current WTC cycle

The decline in Kohli's Test form is not a new phenomenon. Over the past few years, his performance in the longest format of the game has been on a downward trajectory. Since his last century in Test cricket, which came in November 2019 against Bangladesh in Kolkata, Kohli has endured a century drought that now spans nearly five years. For a player who once churned out centuries with regularity, this is a staggering drop in output.

In 2023, Kohli's average in Test cricket hovered in the mid-30s, far below his career average, which once touched the mid-50s. His inability to convert starts into big scores has become a defining feature of his recent Test performances. While he has shown glimpses of his old form with the odd half-century here and there  the consistency that once made him the backbone of India's batting lineup has disappeared.

Kohli's struggles are compounded by his role in the team. As a senior player and former captain, much is expected of him, particularly in high-pressure situations. However, his inability to deliver when it matters most has left a significant void in India's middle order. With younger players like Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal stepping up, there is a growing sense that Kohli's place in the team is under threat.

Virat Kohli lagging behind in the league of Fab 4

There was a time when Virat Kohli was considered the best batter among the famed Fab Four, the group of elite Test cricketers comprising Kohli, Joe Root, Steve Smith, and Kane Williamson. Between 2016 and 2019, Kohli outscored his peers in almost every metric. His conversion rate from fifties to centuries was unmatched, and he consistently led the run-scoring charts.

However, the last few years have seen a dramatic shift in this narrative. While Kohli has struggled, his contemporaries have continued to thrive. Joe Root, in particular, has had a stellar run in Test cricket, scoring centuries at will and piling up runs across formats. Root's average during this period has remained high, and he has frequently been England's savior in challenging conditions.

Steve Smith, despite a brief slump, has returned to form and continues to be one of the most consistent Test batsmen in the world. His ability to score runs in difficult situations has kept him at the top of the rankings, while Kohli has slipped down the pecking order. Kane Williamson, too, has been a steady performer, especially in Test cricket, where his technique and temperament have made him one of the most reliable batsmen in the world.

In contrast, Kohli's decline has been alarming. Once the benchmark for consistency and run-scoring, he now finds himself trailing far behind Root, Smith, and Williamson. His inability to contribute significantly in Test matches has hurt India's chances, particularly in overseas tours, where he was once India's most reliable batsman.

Can team India look beyond Virat Kohli in Tests?

Kohli's form, or lack thereof, has had a ripple effect on the Indian team, amplified by the fact that skipper Rohit Sharma is facing a similar fate in the format right now. As one of the senior-most players, his performances set the tone for the rest of the batting lineup. However, his recent struggles have put additional pressure on the younger players, who are still finding their feet in international cricket. Kohli's inability to anchor the innings has left India vulnerable, particularly in tough conditions where a stable middle-order presence is crucial.

Moreover, his lack of runs has raised questions about his place in the team. While Kohli has been given a long rope, thanks to his past contributions, there is a growing sense that time may be running out for the former captain. With India looking to build a team for the future, the selectors may soon be forced to make some tough decisions regarding Kohli's role in the Test squad.