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The upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) series against Australia could mark a defining moment for Virat Kohli, whose career has been iconic due to his achievements and contributions to Indian cricket. However, Kohli now finds himself under significant scrutiny after experiencing extended lean phases, particularly in Test cricket. His recent struggles against spin and inconsistencies with the bat have raised questions about his long-term future in the format, especially as younger talents emerge.
Virat Kohli’s struggle in the recent Test series
Kohli’s Test form has been especially concerning, with only two centuries in the past five years and a modest average of 22.72 in 2024. In the recent series against New Zealand and Bangladesh, his struggles were evident as he managed only 192 runs across five Tests, averaging just 21.33. Despite his current dip in form, Kohli’s career has been marked by resilience and the ability to stage comebacks. While his fitness and mental fortitude remain assets, the upcoming series will be a critical test of Kohli’s adaptability and technique, particularly against a challenging Australian bowling attack.
Stakes for India and Kohli in World Test Championship (WTC) qualification
The stakes in this series are extraordinarily high, not only for India’s World Test Championship (WTC) aspirations but also for Kohli’s place in the Test setup. Following a 0-3 series loss to New Zealand, India’s direct qualification hopes for the WTC final are at risk. To stay in contention, India needs an almost improbable 4-0 series win against Australia, which puts added pressure on Kohli to perform. Strong performances could help reaffirm his role as a pillar in the Test lineup; Nevertheless, further struggles might prompt selectors to consider alternatives for the next WTC cycle.
Kohli’s notable comebacks on Australia soil from lean patches
Throughout his 16-year career, Kohli has repeatedly shown his ability to overcome slumps. His first notable resurgence was during the 2011-12 BGT in Australia, where, after a difficult start, he emerged as India’s top scorer, including a gritty 116 in Adelaide. Following a poor England tour in 2014, Kohli bounced back in the 2014-15 BGT with 692 runs, including four centuries. He also ended a prolonged century drought in the 2022 Asia Cup with a T20I hundred against Afghanistan.
In the 2023 BGT, Kohli demonstrated his resilience once again, scoring a crucial 186 in Ahmedabad to help India secure a 2-1 series victory and qualify for the WTC final. As India prepares for the high-stakes 2024-25 BGT Kohli’s track record of comebacks provides hope, even as the pressure mounts on him to deliver once more on the biggest stage.