Legends are often defined by their consistency and monumental performances, Virat Kohli has been a name synonymous with excellence. However, even the most celebrated cricketers face phases where the runs dry up, and the once-familiar crease feels like uncharted territory. This is precisely where Virat Kohli finds himself in the current Test series against New Zealand. With scores of 0 and 70 in the first Test, followed by a dismal 1 and 17 in the second, Kohli’s bat has been unusually silent, prompting concerns and analyses from all quarters.
Former India wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik, known for his insightful cricketing commentary, has recently shared his thoughts on Kohli’s form slump. Karthik pointed out a recurring pattern in Kohli’s dismissals, particularly against spinners, which has become a point of concern. “Virat Kohli has not had it easy, the series has not been good to him, three out of four innings, he has disappointed,” Karthik remarked during a discussion on Cricbuzz. This observation isn’t just about numbers; it’s about understanding the psychological and technical challenges Virat Kohli faces against the turning ball.
Karthik’s analysis delves deeper into Kohli’s game against spin, a format where India traditionally plays on pitches aiding spinners. “India likes to play on pitches that aid spin, what is his gameplan?” Karthik questioned, highlighting the need for Virat Kohli to adapt or refine his strategy. The suggestion that Virat Kohli might benefit from returning to domestic cricket to work on these issues underlines the gravity of the situation. Domestic cricket, with its varied conditions and less pressure, could serve as the perfect laboratory for Kohli to experiment and rebuild his technique against spin.
“Virat Kohli has not had it easy, the series has not been good to him, three out of four innings, he has disappointed. It’s obviously a recurring partner where spinners have troubled him, and I think he will go and figure out what he needs to do to come out stronger. He is a man, who is searching for answers. When you reach that level of genius and super stardom, you will be thrown challenges and here is another challenge. India likes to play on pitches that aids spin, what is his gameplan?” said Dinesh Karthik while speaking to Cricbuzz.
“We all know what he is capable [of], this series was not meant to be. Like the fans have been saying, he has not done it for a long time and that we cannot run away from. We don’t want to sugarcoat it because we want to be as objective in assessing any player, any performance, at the moment Virat Kohli’s Test record in the last 2-3 years, has not been great against spin,” said Karthik.
“What we needs to do, is probably go back to domestic cricket and focus on what needs to be done with the current rules of DRS. There is no doubt the left-arm spinners pose a big threat,” he added.
The call for Kohli to revisit domestic cricket isn’t just about facing more balls or getting more practice; it’s about rediscovering the nuances of the game that made him a global icon. Kohli’s journey in domestic cricket, particularly in the Ranji Trophy, has been illustrious, with significant runs and averages that set the stage for his international exploits. However, as Karthik implies, returning to this level might help Kohli reset, perhaps even rediscover the joy of batting without the weight of international expectations.
Kohli’s last Test century came in July 2023, a fact that has not gone unnoticed by fans and critics alike. While Kohli’s overall statistics remain impressive, his recent form, especially against spin, paints a different picture. Karthik’s advice, therefore, isn’t just about fixing a technical flaw but about addressing a mental block that might have crept in, given Kohli’s high standards and the public’s expectations.
In conclusion, Virat Kohli’s current phase in Test cricket, marked by inconsistency and a visible struggle against spin, presents a challenge that could define his legacy further. Dinesh Karthik’s suggestion for Kohli to return to domestic cricket is not merely about practice but about introspection, adaptation, and perhaps, reinvention. For fans and cricket analysts alike, this period is a reminder that even the greatest need to sometimes step back to move forward. Kohli’s journey back to form, if it involves a stint in domestic cricket, will be watched with bated breath, hoping to see the return of the batsman who once made scoring runs look effortless.
