Kohli needs to adapt and change fast to survive in Test cricket

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Virat Kohli’s batting form has raised several questions of late. His dismissal on a duck against New Zealand in the first Test match in Bangalore once again opens up the debate on his impact as a Test batter. A list of 20 questions are as follows with answers:

Why are scores tough to come by for Virat Kohli? It’s natural for even the best players to go through lean phases, and Kohli has faced slumps in form before too, only to bounce back. Currently, he might be facing technical or mental challenges that are impacting his consistency, especially in Test cricket.

Is Virat thinking too much about scoring big runs?
Kohli is known for his high standards, and there is a possibility that the pressure of scoring big—particularly with comparison to his past performances—could be weighing on him. This might result in him overthinking his approach rather than playing with freedom.

Is Virat trying just to survive in Test cricket?
Kohli has a strong desire to keep contributing to the Test side, and it’s possible that his survival instinct is leading him to play more cautiously. Most importantly, he loves Test cricket. However, his attacking intent is what has defined his batting, and striking a balance between survival and aggression is key.

Is Virat slowing down?
Physically, Kohli remains one of the fittest cricketers in the world. However, a slowdown in run-making could be due to mental fatigue, a change in technique, or simply an extended period of poor form.

Is Virat playing for records?
While Kohli is approaching several major records, particularly in ODIs, he has always emphasised team success over personal milestones. However, the weight of expectation surrounding his records might sometimes unconsciously influence his mindset.

Is Virat playing the ball too early?

His struggles against spin recently might indicate issues with timing. If he’s playing too early, especially on slower pitches, it could be causing him to misjudge deliveries. Kohli’s ability to adapt has been a key throughout his career, so this could be a phase where he’s trying to adjust.

Has Virat become complacent?
It’s unlikely that complacency is the issue. Kohli has always been driven and fiercely competitive, but even highly driven athletes can face slumps where things don’t click as easily.

Why is Virat struggling against spinners?
Kohli’s troubles against spin, particularly in the middle overs, have become more pronounced. This could be due to overthinking his approach or hesitating in shot selection, which are things he might need to adjust.

How long does Virat plan to play Test cricket?
Virat has expressed his love for Test cricket multiple times and, while he’s had form issues, there’s no indication that he plans to step away from the format anytime soon. His longevity will depend on his ability to adapt and manage his game as he ages.

Is Virat only good at ODI cricket?
Kohli’s ODI numbers remain strong, and he’s still one of the best in that format. His Test performances have dipped in recent years, but that doesn’t mean he’s lost his touch in red-ball cricket entirely. A few technical adjustments could bring back his old form.

Why is Virat blamed for India’s losses?
Kohli’s stature in Indian cricket makes him a focal point of criticism when the team underperforms. While unfair at times, it’s a consequence of the high expectations surrounding him. It’s important to remember that cricket is a team game, and no single player can be solely responsible for wins or losses.

Can’t Virat fail like other batters in the world?
Of course, Virat, like all great players, is human and bound to have bad patches. The scrutiny he faces is amplified due to his achievements, but he is entitled to have phases where he doesn’t perform to his own high standards.

What is Virat doing to come out of this lean phase?
Kohli has often spoken about staying positive and trusting his process. He has worked on his fitness, mindset, and technique during lean phases in the past. There’s no doubt that he’s aware of his struggles and is working hard behind the scenes to overcome them.

Is Virat becoming too soft?

Kohli has mellowed a bit from his aggressive self in recent years, but that doesn’t mean he’s lost his competitive edge. His maturity might reflect in his demeanour, but he remains one of the fiercest competitors in the game.

Is his friendship with Gautam Gambhir affecting his batting form?
While there have been discussions about Gambhir’s influence, it’s unlikely that this friendship is impacting Kohli’s form. Players and coaches have professional relationships, and Gambhir’s presence should ideally be a positive one for the team dynamic. But looking at their history, Virat doesn’t seem to be in his aggressive best in the presence of Gambhir. He shouldn’t lose his original best.

Has Virat reached the last phase of his cricket journey?
While Kohli is no longer the young player he once was, it’s premature to say he’s in the last phase. His fitness levels suggest he could continue for several more years, though his form in Tests will determine how long he stays at the top in that format.

How much cricket is left in his career?
It’s perhaps difficult to quantify, but Kohli probably still has a good amount of cricket left, especially in white-ball formats. His hunger for runs and passion for the game could drive him for several more seasons, provided he adapts to the demands of international cricket as he ages.

Will Virat do something to go past Joe Root?

Kohli and Joe Root have often been compared as two of the modern greats. Root has enjoyed a fantastic run in Tests lately, and if Kohli wants to match him, he’ll need to focus on his Test game and find ways to rekindle his form. That might involve making adjustments in his technique or approach. Ultimately, Kohli has faced similar scrutiny in the past and come out stronger. Given his mental toughness and drive, he’s likely working hard to regain form and silence the critics once again.

What is Virat’s ultimate challenge right now?
To win the Champions Trophy, World Test Championship, and 2027 World Cup.

Will Virat be ever told to go or will be on his own?
None of our legends left on their own. It was Sunil Gavaskar who did it. Whether Kohli will do the same will depend on his form and fitness. Nothing else!