What is actually going wrong for Virat Kohli in Test cricket? Check details

Virat Kohli, along with other key Indian batters, endured a forgettable tour of Australia, with struggles at the crease throughout the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Although Kohli managed to score a century in the second innings of the opening Test in Perth, he failed to surpass the 50-run mark in the remaining matches. His vulnerability against deliveries outside the off stump became a recurring issue, with eight of his nine dismissals in the series coming while attempting to play balls in that channel. Over the course of nine innings, the 36-year-old Kohli amassed just 190 runs at an underwhelming average of 23.75. This lack of consistency highlighted the challenges that the Indian top order faced during the series, and Kohli’s performance, in particular, became a focal point of criticism.

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan weighed in on the issue, attributing the poor form of India’s batters, including Kohli, to their lack of domestic cricket exposure. Pathan questioned whether senior players like Kohli and others should continue to hold their spots in the team given their disappointing performances. He suggested that returning to domestic cricket might help players rediscover their form and rhythm. This led to further debates on the importance of playing in domestic competitions to stay sharp, especially for senior players facing challenges in international cricket.

"Many players had the opportunity to play domestic cricket, but they did not play. Why is that happening? Because the culture has changed. We have to change the culture. We have to improve things for Indian cricket as a team. Tell me, when was the last time Virat Kohli played domestic cricket? When did it happen? Even the great Sachin Tendulkar played Ranji Trophy even when it wasn’t required of him, only because he wanted to spend that much time—four or five days—on the pitch,” said former Indian pacer Irfan Pathan.

Time to shift the spotlight! 🌟 #IrfanPathan calls for an end to the superstar culture, emphasizing the importance of building a strong team-first mentality in Indian cricket💬🇮🇳#AUSvINDOnStar #ToughestRivalry #WTC #WorldTestChampionship pic.twitter.com/YQ6TKJUXe4

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) January 5, 2025

Virat Kohli's performance in the red-ball format has seen a noticeable decline over the past few years. Since 2019, the right-handed batter has managed to score just three centuries, a stark contrast to his earlier consistency. His slump in Test cricket is evident from the drop in his average, which has plummeted from 54.97 in 2019 to 46.85 in 2025. This significant dip highlights the challenges Kohli has faced in maintaining his once-dominant form in the longest format of the game.

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan pointed out Kohli's recurring issues, specifically his tendency to make the same mistakes repeatedly. Pathan was critical of the veteran's approach, suggesting that his inability to adjust to the changing demands of Test cricket has played a part in his struggles. The constant failure to address these technical shortcomings, particularly his vulnerability to deliveries outside the off-stump, has contributed to his lack of consistency. Pathan’s comments reflect the growing concern about Kohli’s form, with many questioning whether the veteran can return to his best in red-ball cricket or whether a different approach is needed to regain his lost touch.

“For the Indian team in 2024, in the first innings where you basically set up the match, Virat Kohli’s average is 15. And if you consider his average over the last five years, it’s not even 30. Does the Indian team deserve its senior player? Instead, give a youngster a chance. Tell him to get ready. He will also give an average of 25-30. This is about the team, not the individuals,” Pathan added.