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Virat Kohli poor form
It’s been a challenging period for Virat Kohli. Despite his Rs 21 crore retention with Royal Challengers Bangalore for IPL 2025, his form with the bat has been lackluster. In the ongoing India vs. New Zealand Test series, Kohli’s struggles hit a new low with a “suicidal” run-out, raising concerns over his judgement and confidence. As he heads into a crucial second innings, fans and analysts are watching closely, hoping he’ll find the spark that made him a cricketing icon. Virat Kohli poor.
IND vs NZ 3rd Test: Kohli’s Crucial Run-Out
India looked solid with Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill handling New Zealand’s bowling attack well, setting a strong foundation. However, trouble began in the 18th over when Ajaz Patel bowled a stunner to dismiss Jaiswal, followed by Siraj’s early exit as a nightwatchman. With the crowd eagerly anticipating Kohli’s arrival, the stage was set at Wankhede, a venue he’s often dominated. Yet, the pressure was palpable.
Kohli came to the crease, greeted by Rachin Ravindra’s left-arm spin, a calculated strategy given Kohli’s recent struggles against spin. In a rare misjudgment, he attempted a quick single, misjudging Matt Henry’s speed. Despite a desperate dive, he fell short, handing New Zealand a critical advantage going into Day 2.
A Year to Forget for Kohli
Excluding his shining moment at the T20 World Cup 2024 Final, 2024 has been one of Kohli’s most challenging years statistically. Scoring just 487 runs across 24 innings with an average of 21.17, this marks his lowest calendar year average ever. Fans, accustomed to seeing Kohli average over 50 in multiple seasons, are witnessing an uncharacteristic dip in his performance.
In his recent nine innings against Bangladesh and New Zealand, Kohli has accumulated a modest 191 runs with a single fifty. This performance, coupled with his ongoing form concerns, has left fans anxious ahead of the highly anticipated series against Australia. Known for his dominance in Australia, Kohli faces the formidable Australian bowlers in an upcoming series, a challenge he’s taken on with confidence in the past. However, his current form raises questions about whether he can rise to the occasion once again.
Can Kohli Bounce Back?
While Kohli’s recent struggles are evident, his ability to rebound is undeniable. He has faced and overcome slumps in the past, proving his resilience time and again. As he prepares for the second innings, cricket fans around the world are hoping to witness a revival. Kohli has been a powerhouse on the field, and this could be his chance to remind everyone of the fighter within.
