Virat Kohli, one of cricket’s modern-day greats, has long been regarded as a batsman with an almost impregnable technique, capable of dominating any bowling attack in the world. However, questions about his ability to tackle spin bowling, particularly in white-ball formats, have persisted over the years. Critics and analysts have often pointed to specific moments in his illustrious career where spinners have troubled him, sparking debates about whether spin is a genuine chink in his otherwise formidable armor. With the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season in full swing, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) spin-bowling coach Malolan Rangarajan recently addressed these concerns, offering a fresh perspective on Kohli’s game against spin. This article delves into the narrative surrounding Kohli’s supposed weakness, examines his recent performances, and analyzes Rangarajan’s comments to provide a comprehensive view of the situation.
The Perception of Kohli’s Weakness Against Spin
For years, left-arm spin and leg-spin have been highlighted as potential vulnerabilities in Kohli’s batting arsenal. Data from recent seasons, particularly since 2024, seems to lend credence to this perception. In One Day Internationals (ODIs), Kohli has struggled against leg-spin, averaging a mere 12.00 and getting dismissed six times in seven innings against this bowling type. In the IPL 2025 opener against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Kohli scored only 15 runs off 9 balls against Varun Chakravarthy and 9 runs off 11 balls against Sunil Narine, indicating a cautious approach against spin even on a relatively pace-friendly surface. Moreover, seven out of his last eight dismissals in the 50-over format have come against spinners, further fueling the narrative that spin bowling poses a significant challenge for him.
This perception isn’t new. As early as IPL 2023, Kohli’s strike rate against left-arm spin was a modest 119.79, a stark contrast to his overall dominance.
Kohli’s Recent Performances: A Turnaround?
Despite these statistics, Kohli’s performance in IPL 2025 tells a different story. Since IPL 2024, he has significantly improved his game against spin, striking at around 136 in the middle overs while maintaining an impressive average of 56.2. This improvement is particularly notable given the introduction of the Impact Player rule, which has allowed teams to strategize better against specific batsmen. In the IPL 2025 opener against KKR, Kohli remained unbeaten on 59, anchoring RCB to a seven-wicket victory with 22 balls to spare. Against Chennai Super Kings (CSK), he scored 31 off 30 balls, surviving a fiery spell from spinners like Noor Ahmad, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Ravindra Jadeja, and even hit a six and a four off consecutive balls after being struck on the helmet by a bouncer.
Kohli’s resilience was further showcased in a high-octane India-Pakistan clash during the ICC Champions Trophy, where he hammered his 82nd international century, silencing critics who questioned his form after a disappointing 2024 season. These performances indicate that while spinners may have troubled him in specific phases, Kohli’s adaptability and mental fortitude allow him to overcome these challenges when it matters most.
RCB Coach Malolan Rangarajan’s Perspective
RCB’s spin-bowling coach Malolan Rangarajan has been vocal in dismissing the notion that Kohli has a significant weakness against spin. Speaking ahead of RCB’s match against Delhi Capitals in IPL 2025, Rangarajan called Kohli a “genius” who doesn’t require major technical adjustments to counter spin bowling. “He’s batted for 20-25 years. He’s a genius. He just has to decide what he wants to do and how he wants to take down a particular bowler,” Rangarajan stated, emphasizing Kohli’s experience and ability to adapt under pressure. He further noted that Kohli’s improved strike rate against spin in IPL 2024 wasn’t an isolated achievement but part of a collective team effort to address batting shortcomings from the previous season.
Rangarajan’s comments align with sentiments expressed by other RCB coaches. Batting coach Dinesh Karthik, ahead of the CSK clash, revealed that Kohli was actively working on adding new shots to his repertoire, showcasing his relentless drive to evolve. Karthik dismissed concerns about Kohli’s spin-playing ability, citing his performances in high-pressure tournaments like the T20 World Cup and ICC Champions Trophy as evidence of his capability. Former RCB coach Mike Hesson also weighed in, suggesting that Kohli’s recent ODI form, particularly his century against Pakistan, could translate into success in other formats, including Test cricket, where he has struggled recently.
Technical Insights and Kohli’s Approach
Kohli’s approach against spin is rooted in his impeccable technique and rhythm rather than brute force. Unlike some modern T20 batsmen who rely on power-hitting, Kohli often looks to find gaps and manipulate the field against spinners. This was evident in his IPL 2025 performances, where he used the spinners’ pace to guide the ball into gaps rather than attempting risky lofted shots. However, critics argue that this conservative approach sometimes hampers his strike rate, especially in the middle overs when aggressive scoring is crucial.
Posts on X from users like @beastieboy07 highlight Kohli’s growing ability to play shots like the slog sweep, which he executes based on the length of the delivery rather than the spin’s direction. This adaptability has made him “doubly dangerous” against spin, as it reduces his reliance on reading the bowler’s variations.
The Mental Aspect: Kohli’s Competitive Edge
Kohli’s competitive spirit is one of his greatest assets, but it can also be a double-edged sword. Former RCB teammate AB de Villiers noted that Kohli’s tendency to engage in on-field battles, while a strength, can sometimes distract him when he’s out of form. “He gets involved with the battle on the field. That is one of his biggest strengths and it can also be a weakness,” de Villiers said, suggesting that Kohli performs best when he focuses on resetting his mind after every ball. This mental reset has been crucial in his recent successes, allowing him to overcome challenging situations against spinners.
Kohli’s intensity was on full display during the CSK match, where he responded to a bouncer hitting his helmet with a six and a four, signaling his intent to dominate despite the pressure. Such moments underscore his ability to rise above adversity, whether it’s a hostile crowd, a fiery bowler, or a spinning track.
What Lies Ahead for Kohli?
As IPL 2025 progresses, Kohli’s ability to tackle spin will remain under scrutiny, especially on spin-friendly surfaces like Chepauk. RCB’s upcoming matches against teams with strong spin attacks, such as CSK and Rajasthan Royals, will test his adaptability further. However, with coaches like Rangarajan and Karthik backing his approach, and his recent performances showing marked improvement, Kohli appears well-equipped to silence his doubters.
The broader context of Kohli’s career also suggests that his struggles against spin are more a phase than a permanent flaw. His 82nd international century in the Champions Trophy and his consistent performances in IPL 2025 demonstrate that he remains a force to be reckoned with. As former coach Mike Hesson noted, form and confidence are interlinked for Kohli, and his recent successes could pave the way for a resurgence in Test cricket, where he has averaged just 23.15 since 2024.
In Summary
The narrative of Virat Kohli having a weakness against spin is a complex one, rooted in statistical dips but countered by his adaptability and mental resilience. RCB’s spin-bowling coach Malolan Rangarajan’s assertion that Kohli is a “genius” who doesn’t need extra practice against spin reflects the confidence within the RCB camp. While data highlights specific struggles, particularly against leg-spin and left-arm spin, Kohli’s recent performances in IPL 2025 and international cricket suggest that he is addressing these challenges effectively. As he continues to evolve, Kohli’s ability to adapt to spin bowling will likely remain a testament to his greatness, proving once again why he is one of cricket’s all-time greats.
