India’s impressive 12-year unbeaten home series streak was broken on Saturday (October 26) as New Zealand clinched a 113-run victory in Pune, securing a historic 2-0 series win. This marked India’s first home series defeat since 2012 and New Zealand’s first Test series win in India. The Rohit Sharma-led side, having lost the first Test by eight wickets in Bengaluru, found themselves trailing by 301 runs in the second match, facing a daunting chase on a challenging Pune surface.

Virat Kohli’s ongoing struggles in Test cricket

Virat Kohli, one of India’s greatest Test batters, continued his dismal form in the Pune Test, getting bowled by a low full toss from Mitchell Santner for a low score and then dismissed by the same bowler in a lbw manner. His recent struggles have not gone unnoticed, with discussions around his form and position in the Test lineup beginning to gain momentum. Kohli’s Test statistics since 2020 underscore a notable drop from his earlier career highs. His batting average has taken a significant hit, and he has struggled particularly against spin—especially on home soil, a factor that contrasts sharply with his prior reputation as one of the world’s best batters against spin.

A statistical comparison: Before 2020 vs After 2020

Kohli’s career in Test cricket can be divided into two distinct phases: his exceptional form before 2020 and his noticeable decline since then. Up until the end of 2019, Kohli had played 84 Test matches, scoring 7,202 runs at an impressive average of 54.97. His record during this period boasted 27 centuries and 22 half-centuries, making him one of the most reliable and prolific bat in the world. However, from 2020 onwards, Kohli’s average has dropped to 32.73 over 33 matches, accumulating just 1,833 runs with only two centuries and nine half-centuries to his name. The stark drop from a 50+ average to just above 32 highlights a clear decline in his batting prowess.

Period
Matches
Innings
Runs
Average
Hundreds
Fifties
High Score

Before 2020
84
141
7,202
54.97
27
22
254

After 2020
33
58
1,833
32.73
2
9
186

Struggles against spin and form decline at home

Kohli’s form against spin has also seen a marked deterioration since 2020, particularly on home soil where he was once dominant. From 2013 to 2019, Kohli averaged a remarkable 72.45 in India, handling spin expertly. In contrast, since 2020, his average at home has plummeted to 32.86, largely due to his struggles against spin bowling. Out of his 55 dismissals since 2020, 23 have come against spinners. His vulnerability is even more pronounced against left-arm spinners, who have dismissed him 11 times at an average of 22.70. This issue is further highlighted by the fact that he’s fallen to right-arm spin 14 times at a slightly better average of 41.84, yet his former comfort with spin bowling has visibly faded.

Period
Average in India
Dismissals by Spin
Dismissals by Left-Arm Spin
Dismissals by Right-Arm Spin

Before 2020
72.45
38
Rare
Low

After 2020
32.86
25
11
14

Also READ: Statistical breakdown: Virat Kohli’s struggle against spinners since 2020

2024: A year of continued struggle

In the current year, Kohli’s struggles have persisted, as he has managed only 245 runs in ten innings at an average of 27.22, with just one half-century. His dismissal to a low full toss from Mitchell Santner in the Pune Test exemplifies his lack of touch. This ongoing slump has extended his period of decline, reinforcing concerns about his ability to regain form and continue contributing at the international level.

Year
Matches
Innings
Runs
Average
Half-Centuries
High Score

2024
5
10
245
27.22
1
70

What’s next for Kohli and Team India?

Kohli’s once-dependable form has become increasingly unreliable, making his place in the Indian Test team a topic of debate. Younger players are emerging with skill and resilience, eager for a place in the squad. Kohli’s decline and inability to provide impactful innings, particularly in high-stakes scenarios, have left room for question marks around his selection.

With India on the brink of a series defeat, Kohli’s form will be crucial if they are to salvage a draw in the second Test. India faces a challenging chase, and any substantial contribution from Kohli could shift the game’s outcome. However, if his struggles persist, the management may have to consider alternatives as India prepares for future series. Kohli’s form has raised critical questions regarding the balance between experience and current performance, making the coming innings pivotal for both his career and India’s fortunes.

Also READ: Decoding the reasons behind Virat Kohli’s struggles against spin bowling

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