Virat Kohli, India’s premier batter and former captain, has faced criticism for his patchy form in Test cricket over the past five years. Despite this, former Indian legend Sunil Gavaskar remains confident in Kohli’s ability to dominate the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25.
Virat Kohli’s recent struggles in test cricket
Kohli’s performances in the longest format of the game have been underwhelming since 2020. Over 36 matches, he has amassed 1,961 runs at a below-par average of 32.14, including three hundreds and nine fifties. The dip in form has been glaring for a player of his stature, who once dominated bowlers across conditions with ease.
The series against New Zealand prior to the BGT had added to the pressure, with Kohli managing only 93 runs in three matches. However, his unbeaten 100 in the second innings of the first Test in Perth raised hopes of a resurgence. Unfortunately, he failed to capitalize on the momentum in Adelaide, scoring just 7 and 11 in two innings. His dismissals exposed lingering vulnerabilities, especially against deliveries targeting the off-stump corridor.
Sunil Gavaskar predicts Kohli’s century count by the end of AUS vs IND series
Gavaskar, speaking on Star Sports’ Game Plan, highlighted the significance of the upcoming third Test in Brisbane, starting December 14. He pointed out that Kohli is on the cusp of joining an elite group of overseas batters, including Gavaskar himself and Sir Alastair Cook, who have scored centuries at five major Test venues in Australia.
He added that Kohli’s familiarity with conditions in Melbourne and Sydney, where he has previously scored centuries, could lead to an extraordinary turnaround. Gavaskar suggested that Kohli has a golden opportunity to script history by scoring hundreds in each of the remaining Tests.
“If he scores a century in Brisbane, it will be great. It’s an incentive, as you know you join a club of batters who have achieved this feat. After that, going forward he will play in Melbourne and Sydney, where he has scored centuries. So he can score centuries there as well. It means he can score four centuries in the series,” Gavaskar said.
A century in Brisbane could act as a catalyst for further brilliance in Melbourne and Sydney. Notably, Kohli has already scored seven Test centuries in Australia – three in Adelaide, two in Perth, and one each in Melbourne and Sydney – underscoring his ability to thrive in challenging Australian conditions.
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Lessons from failure: A path to redemption
Reflecting on Kohli’s modest returns in Adelaide, Gavaskar drew a comparison with Sir Don Bradman, emphasizing that even the greatest batters have off matches. “Bradman too never had a series where he scored runs in all Test matches. You fail in an odd Test match. I hope that the failure in Adelaide will be compensated in the upcoming three Tests,” the 75-year-old remarked.
He further dissected Kohli’s struggles against Australia’s disciplined bowling attack, particularly their persistent targeting of the off-stump line. Gavaskar advised Kohli to adopt a slightly more cautious approach to counter their tactics.
“With the slight problem he is having around the off-stump, which is the case for every batter, but the line and length Australia stick to against him, if he plays that slightly carefully, runs will definitely be scored,” Gavaskar concluded.
Kohli’s dismissals in the series so far have come from edges to slips and the keeper, highlighting a recurring issue with his judgment outside the off-stump. Adjusting his technique could be the key to unlocking a string of big scores in the remaining Tests.
India’s stakes in the Brisbane test against Australia
With the series tied 1-1, the third Test at the Gabba is critical for both teams. Following a ten-wicket loss in Adelaide, the Rohit Sharma-led Indian team will be eager to bounce back. The Gabba, known as Australia’s fortress, presents a daunting challenge, but Kohli’s form could be the deciding factor. India’s batting unit, which includes several experienced players, will look to Kohli for inspiration. A century at Brisbane could not only cement Kohli’s status as one of the game’s greats but also boost India’s chances of reclaiming the series lead.